Doctoral Researcher in Logical Reasoning and Machine Learning

We are recruiting a PhD student interested in combining logical reasoning and machine learning. The research will focus on inductive logic programming, which learns logical rules from data. We primarily use automated reasoning techniques, such as SAT/ASP/SMT/MaxSAT solvers. As a PhD student, you will develop new algorithms, run experiments, write papers, and present at conferences. You will meet regularly with Andrew Cropper and the rest of the logic and learning group. Find out more about working with us here .

A start date before September 2026 is ideal but is flexible. The application deadline is June 15, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +3).

Requirements

• A master's degree in computer science or a related topic
• Prior experience in logic is desirable
• Excellent English skills
  
  
  

We offer

• The opportunity to do fundamental research
• 4-year full-time contract
• A starting salary of ca. 2700 euros/month. The salary will develop in accordance with the progress of studies and be 3600-3800 euros/month by the end of the contract.
• Occupational health care and other social benefits
• Support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and live in Finland
• A chance to live in Helsinki and Finland renowned for their high-quality of life, services, and work-life balance
  
  
  

According to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to Doctoral Programme in Science and obtain the study right within the trial period of six months of their employment contract. Please check the admission periods and eligibility criteria at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-programmes .

Application instructions

Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki´s recruitment system and include the following documents:

• CV
• Transcripts from previous degrees
• A motivation letter (max 2 pages)
• Contact information of two referees to provide reference letters upon request
  
  
  

External applicants , please submit your application via the Apply Now button.

Internal applicants , who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract, please submit your application via the Employee login button.

Additional Information

For more information on the position and the logic and learning (LOL) group, please contact Associate Professor Andrew Cropper ([email protected]).

With technical questions related to the recruitment system, please contact [email protected].

The Department of Computer Science is a leading unit in Finland in its area and responsible for the teaching and research in computer science at the University of Helsinki. The main research fields at the department are artificial intelligence, big data frameworks, bioinformatics, data analysis, data science, discrete and machine learning algorithms, distributed, intelligent, and interactive systems, networks, security, and software and database systems. The department has extensive international collaboration with companies and universities. Within teaching, the department’s professors and staff are in charge of the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programmes in Computer Science, as well as the separate Master’s Programme in Data Science, in which other departments also participate.