The Data Analytics unit at the Department of Computing has open positions for 1-8 research assistants in summer 2026 in its research groups. As a research assistant you will contribute to ongoing research projects based on tasks related to data analysis, machine learning, AI, and scientific programming. We develop methods in modern computational sciences, with diverse applications ranging from life sciences to language technology, and computational humanities and social sciences.

Job description

The selected research assistants will be assigned to different research projects based on their qualifications and interests, and the project needs. Summer work is available under the following themes:

1. Natural Language Processing (NLP/AI): You will work on tasks that may range from corpus preparation and language data annotation, to deep neural network applications and their training on supercomputers. The exact task will depend on your skills and personal interests. From the summer work, you will gain better understanding of NLP as a field of AI and practical skills in language data processing. We prioritize applicants who are skilled Python programmers and capable of working in Unix/Linux environment; prior experience with NLP and our courses is a plus but not a requirement. More: TurkuNLP | Filip Ginter figint@utu.fi

2. Data science and complex systems: You will contribute to computational research focusing on complex natural and social systems. The work will focus on implementing computational workflows for data-intensive research. We blend methods from different areas of computational science such as probabilistic programming, ecological modeling, machine learning, and high-performance computing. The exact task will be determined by your interests, and you will gain practical skills in modern computational science. We are primarily looking for applicants with a solid study performance and experience with R/Julia/Unix programming. Prior experience on data science applications is not required but can be a benefit. The work can be combined with a MSc thesis project and provide background for potential doctoral studies. More: https://datascience.utu.fi | Leo Lahti leo.lahti@utu.fi

3. Data analytics and machine learning: Summer work opportunities in algorithmics of machine learning and their applications ranging from medical data analysis to space physics. Further topics include the design and analysis of prediction performance estimators for AI and machine learning methods, such as those estimating the ability to predict interaction effects in complex data. Additional topics may focus on developing and evaluating quality metrics for synthetic data created by generative models, especially those under differential privacy guarantees. More: Tapio Pahikkala aatapa@utu.fi

In addition, you also have a possibility to work on data/sensor fusion based machine learning tasks in various sensor and data fusion applications, such as the operation of autonomous devices (land, water, and air) in different environments, and the use of open datasets in various GIS applications. Prior knowledge of Python programming and basic knowledge of machine/deep learning is a requirement.  More: Jukka Heikkonen jukhei@utu.fi 

The research assistant position may serve as a basis for a Master’s thesis. The work requires good proficiency in English, as well as programming and documentation skills. Prior foundational knowledge in the fields of computational science is considered an asset.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Employment details

Duration: 3 months (in one or more periods).

Time window: 1.4.2026–30.9.2026 (negotiable)

Salary: The salary is 2 280 euros/month.

Trial period is one month.