Doctoral Researcher in Biomedical Photonics

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher in Biomedical Photonics

to join us in the Biophotonics Group at the Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques Unit, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. 

This doctoral researcher position is part of the strategic spearhead projects funded by Infotech for the years 2026-2028. Infotech is one of the four multidisciplinary research centers at the University of Oulu.

About the Job

The University of Oulu is opening a 3-year position as a Doctoral Researcher, with a thesis topic of "Digital-twin-based optical modeling of human tissues for personalized, non-invasive biomedical diagnostics."

In this role:

• You will focus on developing high-fidelity digital twins of human tissues, such as skin and brain, that realistically model their anatomical, biochemical, and optical properties.
• You will build and validate advanced Monte Carlo–based light transport models. These models will be dynamically updated with patient-specific physiological data and coupled with machine learning methods to predict optical biosignals and disease markers.
• The goal is to enable more accurate, personalized, noninvasive diagnostics for conditions such as neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases by linking simulated optical responses to clinical outcomes.

Keywords: tissue optics, light propagation in biotissues, optical diagnostics of biotissues, high-performance Monte Carlo simulations, digital twins in biomedical diagnostics

Who Are You

The chosen doctoral researchers will also be expected to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS). Eligibility for study rights will be evaluated during the job application process.

We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfil the following criteria:

1. Must hold a master's degree in related fields (e.g., Physics/Photonics, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Biomedical/Electrical Engineering, etc.). A master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
2. Must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e., at least 60 % of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis)
3. Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.

We also appreciate:

• The experience of the candidate in programming with MATLAB and Python.
• Knowledge of C++/CUDA and fundamentals of mathematical modelling of physical processes and/or light scattering techniques is also considered an advantage.
• A proven experience of the candidate in working with AI and Machine Learning is also a considerable plus.

We view it as a benefit if you are a highly motivated candidate with good communication, teamwork skills, the capability for independent work, and organizational skills.

What We Offer

• You will become a part of a highly experienced research group with modern research facilities, working on strategically and globally significant research areas of digitalization and sustainability.
• You will receive support not only from your team and supervisor but also from the university´s wide variety of support services so that you can excel in your studies and research/work.
• A competitive salary is paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary 

The position is fixed-term for 3 years, starting on February 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for university-level teaching and research staff in Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately €2600 – 2800 per month, depending on qualifications. A six-month trial period is applied to the position. 

How to apply

Interested? If yes, please apply by 7.1.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
2. A motivation letter (max. 1 page) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans are valuable to provide here.
3. Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, including a list of any peer-reviewed scientific publications (with full reference details). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
4. Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should contain information about your view of the proposed topic, including background and significance, intended objectives, methods, and a preliminary schedule for 3 years.

Applicants whose profiles best match the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All candidates will be notified of the outcome during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the project PI, Associate Professor (Docent) Aliaksandr Bykau via email: alexander.bykov@oulu.fi