2011-10-14: Job: PhD student position in statistical machine learning, exploratory data analysis, visualization, and multi-task learning (Helsinki, Finland)

Aalto University School of Science invites applications for a

doctoral student / research assistant

position for a fixed term (initially 1 year, extension possible).

Start date: 14 November 2011 (negotiable).

Application deadline: 31 October 2011, 3pm Finnish local time.

You will develop advanced machine learning methods for nonlinear dimensionality reduction, visualization, and exploratory data analysis with multiple data sources. You will create novel probabilistic models for the structure and dependencies within and between multiple partly related data sets. The developed methods will be used in bioinformatics, neuroinformatics, analysis of structured data like graphs, and other applications. We have recently developed novel frameworks for visualization from an information retrieval perspective, and for multitask learning in asymmetric scenarios; your work will build on and extend these research lines.

Research Site:

The position is at the Department of Information and Computer Science, Aalto University School of Science (previously Helsinki University of Technology). The focus of the Department's research and teaching activity is on advanced computational methods for modelling, analysing, and solving complex tasks in technology and science. The research aims at the development of fundamental computer science methods for the analysis of large and high-dimensional data sets, and for the modelling and design of complex software, networking and other computational systems. The department employs approximately 150 people and operates with a total annual budget of approximately 9 MEUR. The department hosts the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Adaptive Informatics Research (AIRC) and part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Algorithmic Data Analysis Research, and will host part of the new Finnish Centre of Excellence in Computational Inference Research (COIN) which starts in 2012. The department was ranked among the top two departments of Aalto University in the Research Assessment Exercise 2009.

The position is located in the Statistical Machine Learning and Bioinformatics research group at the Department. The group is part of Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT in Aalto University. The group is a member of the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Adaptive Informatics Research (AIRC) and the new Finnish Centre of Excellence in Computational Inference Research (COIN), and is also a member in the EU PASCAL2 network of excellence. The work will be supervised by the principal investigator of the project, academy research fellow Jaakko Peltonen. The work involves collaboration with Finnish researchers including members of the Statistical Machine Learning and Bioinformatics research group led by Prof. Samuel Kaski, and international researchers from the UK, Belgium, and the USA.

The research site is located on the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi, a short bus ride away from the centre of Finland's capital Helsinki. Helsinki and the capital area are a great place to live, with numerous local attractions and events, scenic landscapes of small forests, islands and urban areas, a high standard of living, and excellent travel connections. Helsinki is the World Design Capital in 2012.

Department website: http://ics.tkk.fi/en/

HIIT website: http://www.hiit.fi/

Research group website: http://research.ics.tkk.fi/mi/

Principal investigator website: http://users.ics.tkk.fi/jtpelto/

Required and Desired Qualities of the Applicant:

A successful applicant must have a MSc degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field. It is also possible to start as a research assistant working on one's Master's thesis. - A strong mathematical background and an interest in probabilistic modeling and/or machine learning are necessary. - An interest in some of the following topics is essential: dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, visualization, and multi-task learning. Experience in these topics is an advantage. - A strong study record and strong track record in research are advantages. - Good programming skills in languages such as C/C++/Matlab/R/Python and good written and spoken communication skills are desired.

Contract Details:

The salary will be determined based on the Aalto University salary system (2200-3200 euro per month before tax for a doctoral student depending on qualifications and performance). The initial appointment will be for one year. Extension will be possible depending on the availability of funding.

Application Procedure:

The application deadline is 31 October 2011, 3pm Finnish local time. The application materials must include a curriculum vitae, a copy of study records, contact details of at least two references, and any other materials deemed relevant. Applications must be submitted to the Registry of Aalto University, no later than the deadline. Applications must be submitted preferably by email to kirjaamo@aalto.fi or alternatively by physical mail to The Registry of Aalto University, Aalto University, P.O.Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland (street address Otakaari 1, Espoo).

Candidates may be asked for an interview at Aalto University or via phone or Skype.

For additional information, please contact academy research fellow Jaakko Peltonen or HR Coordinator Stefan Ehrstedt. E-mail: firstname.lastname@aalto.fi

See also this ad online: http://www.aalto.fi/en/current/jobs/teaching_and_research/doctoral_student-research_assistant/

Application materials will not be returned.

Otaniemi 4 October 2011