IT Specialist for Translational Oncology Research

EURAXESS Ireland; Helsinki; Hybrid; EUR 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Helsinki invites applications for an IT Specialist to support our biomedical research computing needs in the Färkkilä Lab. You will manage research computing resources, cloud storage, and bioinformatics workflows to enable cutting-edge cancer research.

We seek a candidate with strong Linux and Python skills, HPC or cloud experience, and the ability to document and coordinate IT practices across a dynamic, international research team in Helsinki.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in bioinformatics, CS, software engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in scientific IT support or research computing, or PhD.
• Proficiency in Python and Linux CLI.
• Experience with HPC or cloud computing environments.
• Experience with large-scale data storage and transfers.
• Familiarity with scientific data processing workflows and package management.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Experience with CSC computing resources Roihu, LUMI, cPouta.
• Experience with Nextflow or Snakemake.
• Containerization with Docker, Apptainer/Singularity, or Kubernetes.
• Experience with imaging/spatial omics data.

Responsibilities

• Manage research computing infrastructure and resources.
• Support data processing and management.
• Ensure efficient IT operations across the group.
• Develop lab-wide IT guidelines.
• Coordinate website administration.
• Assist researchers with cloud computing clusters.

Skills

Python

Linux

Research IT

Cloud/HPC

Data management

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Nextflow

Snakemake

Apptainer/Singularity

MySQL

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI Research Field Engineering Computer science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Are you ready to join an innovative and collaborative research team? We are looking for an

IT Specialist

to support ongoing research at the University of Helsinki, within the dynamic and international environment of the Färkkilä Lab. If you have a solid background in IT infrastructure management, scientific computing, and data management, and a keen interest in supporting cutting-edge biomedical research, this opportunity is for you.

The position focuses on the administration and maintenance of research computing resources, cloud-based data storage systems, and established bioinformatics workflows. The IT Specialist will ensure the smooth operation of computational infrastructure, support researchers in data processing and management, and coordinate the development and implementation of lab-wide IT practices.

Our Research

Our lab is part of the Research Program for Systems Oncology at the University of Helsinki and is deeply involved in analyzing and integrating complex datasets in cancer research. With support from prestigious funding sources such as the European Research Council, the Research Council of Finland, and the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, our team is dedicated to understanding the tumor microenvironment and how cancer cells evade the immune system.

We work with multi-omics, multimodal spatial profiling data, and functional models that have the potential for clinical translation. Our research has already led to advancements in ovarian cancer diagnostics and is making an impact in the field of cancer research.

Tasks and Responsibilities

We are seeking an IT Specialist to manage our research computing infrastructure, support data processing and management, and ensure efficient IT operations across the research group.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Computing Infrastructure Management: Administration and maintenance of CSC computing resources (Roihu, LUMI, cPouta), including resource allocation, shared computational environments, and user support.
• Data Storage and Management: Monitoring cloud storage systems, facilitating large-scale data transfers, and maintaining standardized data management and documentation practices.
• Bioinformatics Operations: Execution of established data processing pipelines from new research data, including immunofluorescence image processing and spatial transcriptomics workflows.
• IT Support and Coordination: Technical support for researchers for cloud computing clusters, maintaining IT guidelines, and coordination and development of lab-wide IT infrastructure practices.
• Website Administration: Maintaining and updating the research group's website, including personnel, publications, and research activities.

Required Skills

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as bioinformatics, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in scientific IT support, research computing, computational infrastructure management, or related fields, or a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Proficiency in Python and Linux-based computing environments, including command-line tools and scripting.
• Experience in the administration and maintenance of high-performance computing (HPC) or cloud computing environments.
• Experience with large-scale data storage, file management, and data transfers.
• Familiarity with scientific data processing workflows and computational environments, including software dependencies and package management.
• Strong organizational, logical, and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including the ability to provide technical guidance to researchers with varying levels of computational expertise.
• Previous experience working in an academic research environment or supporting bioinformaticians and biomedical researchers.
• Experience with CSC computing resources, particularly Roihu, LUMI, and cPouta.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics workflow management tools such as Nextflow or Snakemake.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker, Apptainer/Singularity, or Kubernetes.
• Experience handling and processing large biological datasets, particularly imaging, spatial transcriptomics, or other omics data.
• Experience in managing shared software environments and dependencies on HPC systems.
• Familiarity with database management, especially PHP and MySQL databases for biological data.
• Experience with website content management and maintenance.

What We Offer

By joining our team, you will be part of a diverse and international research group committed to improving cancer treatment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research at the intersection of IT and biomedical science, where your expertise will directly support cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

You will play an important role in maintaining and improving the computational infrastructure that enables our research, working closely with scientists from different backgrounds. The position offers an opportunity to develop expertise in research computing, high-performance computing environments, and the management of complex biomedical datasets.

You will be part of an informal and open work culture that supports both personal and professional growth. As part of our team, you will have access to excellent research infrastructure and work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment that values collaboration, initiative, and continuous improvement.

This is a full-time position for 12 months ( with the possibility of extension depending on future projects), but a part-time position with a minimum 60% commitment can also be considered. Depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience, the salary of the IT Specialist will range from 3400 € to 3900 €/month, on the qualifications of the chosen applicant. A six-month trial period will be applied.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development ( https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers) .