Project researcher / research assistant (data engineering)

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for contract-based, fixed term project researcher / research assistant position at the Department of Biology from 1.3.2026 to 31.8.2026. Employment starts on 1.3.2026 or as agreed.

The position is part of the Human Diversity Centre of Excellence, and you will have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team across different faculties. You will be closely connected to the TurkuNLP research group and have an opportunity to participate in both Human Diversity (https://humandiversity.fi/) and TurkuNLP (https://turkunlp.org/) activities. 

We are looking for a data engineer to help organize and document a historical collection of Finnish migration records. The data originates from old church books, which include migration records from historical Finland. The dataset currently includes records from over 2,000 church books (200,000 pages). However, because the data comes from various sources, it lacks proper metadata and interlinking.

Job description

Your tasks include improving the existing metadata and data interlinking, with a particular focus on:

1)    Interlinking and unifying data from different sources (metadata, images, human-annotated and automatically extracted text) 

2)    Documenting any gaps or overlaps in the data (missing or overlapping parishes, books, years, pages, etc.)

3)    If time allows, improving the quality of the text automatically extracted from the images, normalizing and mapping parishes to their geolocations, normalizing occupation information, etc. This will be decided based on the progress and skills of the person, possibly extending to other interesting topics as well.

Who we are looking for

Required skills:

  •       For the project researcher: M.Sc.-level degree. For the research assistant: study right in applicable field
  •       Strong experience in Python programming, especially related to data management and data engineering
  •       Precise attention to data quality
  •       Ability to work with Finnish handwritten data
  •       Prior experience working with historical data and general knowledge of historical datasets is a plus
  •       Finnish and/or Swedish language skills, and basic knowledge of Finnish geography, are a plus

We expect the person to work full time on the TurkuNLP premises (Agora, University of Turku), exceptions can be negotiated. A relevant background may include studies in computer science, data analytics, or other technical fields, or in history or other humanities, combined with strong programming skills.

We offer you the opportunity to participate in TurkuNLP research, help enable historical research through fundamental data work, and co-author scientific publications.

The eligibility requirements for the position must be fulfilled by the end of the application period for the position.

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

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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 employer 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 quality label. The label 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 other teaching and research personnel.

For the project researcher the job requirement level of the position is 2 – 4 (2281,48-2844,66€). In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately 2600 -3200 euros/month at the beginning of the assignment.

For the research assistant the job requirement level of the position is 1 (2074,47€). In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately 2400 euros/month at the beginning of the assignment.

The position has a trial period of three months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Monday 23.2.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • cover letter including a short description of applicant’s relevant skills and the motivation for this post
  • CV
  • degree certificate(s) / a transcript of records
  • other documents that may influence the filling of the position.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Jenna Kanerva, jmnybl(at)utu.fi (Tietotekniikan laitos / Department of Computing)

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaisa.ketomäki(at)utu.fi

Department of Biology

In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

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.

See our open vacancies

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Project researcher / research assistant (data engineering)

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