1-3 Postdoctoral Researchers, Project Researchers or Research Assistants for Training Large Language Models

Join Europe's leading experts in creating the next generation of European generative AI models!

TurkuNLP (https://turkunlp.org) is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research group specializing in the development of machine learning-based resources, models, and tools for natural language processing (NLP) tasks using internet-scale data. In recent years, TurkuNLP has created several openly available Transformer-based language models, such as FinBERT and FinGPT, Finland's leading BERT and GPT-3 models, and subsequently the Poro and Viking models. TurkuNLP was also selected as a pilot user of Europe's largest supercomputer, LUMI, and the group has a long tradition of using high-performance computing in NLP.

TurkuNLP is seeking 1-3 postdoctoral researchers, project researchers, or secondarily research assistants for positions involving the training of large language models. The work begins as soon as possible by mutual agreement. The positions are fixed-term and will last for nearly 3 years until January 31, 2028 or February 28, 2028 depending on the project. The work can be done either full-time or part-time, depending on the applicants' wishes and possibilities. The positions are part of the EU-funded High Performance Language Technologies (HPLT) research project, as well as the follow-up projects LLMs4EU (end date 28.2.2028) and OpenEuroLLM (end date 31.1.2028). These projects aim to create a new generation of large language models that cover all European languages. These models will be fine-tuned using terabytes of text data and Europe's largest supercomputer, LUMI.

More information https://hplt-project.org/, https://openeurollm.eu/

Job description

This position offers an excellent opportunity to participate in the development of large language models within a research group that possesses top-tier expertise, data, and computational resources. The projects differ from many similar projects in that (1) they have access to millions of GPU hours of computing time, (2) they have access to extremely large text datasets, including the Internet Archive dataset, and (3) they are multinational collaborations that combine the NLP expertise of several research groups and industry companies. The projects are well networked and maintain regular interaction with key players in the field. As part of the project, it is possible, but not mandatory, to also pursue a doctoral degree under a separate agreement. If you are interested in this opportunity, please mention it in your motivation letter.

Key tasks and responsibilities

You will work as part of the TurkuNLP language model project team. The key tasks involve the training and evaluation of very large multilingual language models from the ground up. The project focuses particularly on training models on the LUMI supercomputer's AMD architecture. Postdoctoral researchers are also expected to participate in the supervision of junior researchers and other similar tasks typically associated with the responsibilities of doctoral graduates in academia.

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Who we are looking for

Requirements 

The eligibility criteria for prospective applicants are defined in the University of Turku’s rules of procedure.

A person selected for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher is required to have a doctoral degree, the ability for independent scientific research and the teaching competence necessary for the task.

A person selected for the position of Project Researcher is required to have an applicable higher university degree. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question. A higher university degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

In exceptional cases, we may also consider applicants who have completed nearly all the studies required for a master's degree in a relevant field. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Research Assistant.

Our expectations

Due to the technical nature of the project, priority will be given to applicants with prior experience with key technologies, allowing for a quick start.

We require applicants to have good programming skills, particularly intermediate or advanced proficiency in Python. We also expect prior experience in deep learning, especially with PyTorch, as well as some familiarity with bash scripting and the command-line environment.

Additionally, we consider it a significant advantage:

  • Experience in training generative language models, even small ones.
  • Experience in large-scale, distributed training of deep learning models in a supercomputing environment.
  • Experience in handling large text-based datasets.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant. 

The starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is on average 3500 - 3800 euros/month and for a Project Researcher on average 2440 - 2600 euros/month, depending on competence and experience.

The starting salary for a Research Assistant is on average 2220 - 2350 euros/month, depending on competence and experience.

The salary will be determined when the employment contract is drawn up.

A six (6) month trial period applies to all the positions. 

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is April 24, 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Your application should include the following:

  • a CV
  • copies of degree certificates in English or in Finnish
  • a list of publications
  • transcript of study records (Research Assistant)
  • motivation letter

Further information

For additional information on the scientific project, please contact University Research Fellow Sampo Pyysalo (sampo.pyysalo@utu.fi) and Professor Veronika Laippala (veronika.laippala@utu.fi).

For further information on the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Nina Reini (nina.reini@utu.fi).

Department of Computing

The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology. 

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

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1-3 Postdoctoral Researchers, Project Researchers or Research Assistants for Training Large Language Models

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