[Infovis] 2nd call: PhD position in machine learning, data analysis and visualization (Aalto University, Finland, deadline June 29)

[Peltonen Jaakko]

2nd call: PhD position in machine learning, data analysis and visualization 

Aalto University School of Science invites applications for a

doctoral student / research assistant

position for a fixed term (4 years: initial contract for 1 year, 
extension to the remaining 3 years decided at the end of the year).
Start date:	1 September 2012 (negotiable)
Application deadline: 	29 June 2012


Visualization and exploratory analysis are crucial in analysis of new
phenomena where strong hypotheses are not yet available. You will
develop advanced machine learning methods for exploratory analysis,
including methods for nonlinear dimensionality reduction,
visualization, and exploratory data analysis with multiple data
sources. The methods will involve novel probabilistic models for the
structure and dependencies between multiple data sets. The methods
will be used in bioinformatics, neuroinformatics, analysis of
structured data like graphs, proactive information retrieval, and
other domains. We have developed novel frameworks for visualization
from an information retrieval perspective, and for multitask learning
in asymmetric scenarios; your work will extend these research lines.


Research Site:

The position is at the Department of Information and Computer Science,
Aalto University School of Science. The department hosts three
national Centres of Excellence: the Centre of Excellence in
Computational Inference Research (COIN) and parts of the Centres of
Excellence in Algorithmic Data Analysis Research and Molecular Systems
Immunology and Physiology Research. The department also contributes to
the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT and the
Helsinki node of the EIT ICT Labs. 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 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 academy research fellow Jaakko Peltonen. The work
involves collaboration with Finnish researchers including members of
the Statistical Machine Learning and Bioinformatics research group at
Aalto University 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.aalto.fi/en/
HIIT website: http://www.hiit.fi/
Research group website: http://research.ics.aalto.fi/mi/
Principal investigator website: http://users.ics.aalto.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:
  exploratory data analysis, 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). Funding is expected to
be available for 4 years: the initial appointment will be for one year
with extension to the remaining 3 years decided at the end of the
year.


Application Procedure:

The application deadline is 29 June 2012. 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 at 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). Application materials will not be returned.

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 at aalto.fi