I am hiring PhD students to work on inductive logic programming (ILP). The exact research topic is flexible. You could work on using SAT/ASP/CP solvers to search for hypotheses, develop Bayesian methods to handle noisy data, or use neural networks to guide hypothesis search. If interested, please email me.
We do science, not benchmarking. Our work is driven by clear, testable hypotheses. Our ideal paper introduces a simple idea and theoretically characterise it. Evaluations should reveal why an idea works or fails, not just show that it beats an existing baseline.
Simplicity: We strive for simplicity. We write in plain English, avoid jargon, and never add unnecessary mathematics to mask simple ideas The best feedback we can get is that an idea is too simple, which means we explained it well.
Honesty: We aim for transparency. We aim for transparency. We never selectively report data or hide limitations to make results look better. Highlighting limitations is a crucial part of research, not a weakness.
Deadline: We do not rush submissions. If a paper still requires major work a week before a deadline, we do not submit it. We do not submit immature work simply to get reviewer feedback.
Regular supervision: We will meet at least once a week, and more frequently when needed. You will be supported by the entire research group, not just by me.
Flexible hours: You can work where and when you want, provided you remain consistent and available during standard daytime hours to facilitate group communication.
Communication: Getting stuck is part of research. Please raise questions early rather than wasting days struggling in isolation.
Intellectual openness: Intellectual critique is vital for good science. I will challenge your work and you will challenge mine. You need to be comfortable with your ideas being challenged without taking it personally. We are all expected to be wrong and make mistakes every day.
| Salary range | ~€2,700/month gross (~€2,100 net), rising to €3,600–3,800/month gross |
| Contract length | 4 years, full-time |
| Benefits | Occupational healthcare, social security, conference travel support |
| Work-life balance | Flexible working hours, remote-work option, and an institutional culture that respects family and personal time |
| Relocation | University support available for internationally recruited staff |
| Language | No Finnish required. Almost everyone speaks English. Banks, public services, and the university operate fully in English. |
| Housing | Flats are high quality and well-insulated. A one-bedroom flat is about €1,000/month in the city centre and €800/month outside. Rent usually includes heating and water. |
| Transport | Public transport is cheap, clean, and runs on time. |
| Family and childcare | Finland offers excellent and heavily subsidised childcare and free public schooling. Helsinki is one of the safest and most supportive cities to raise a family. |
| Nature | The department is next to a forest and the sea is 5 minutes away by bike. You can go to the beach in summer or go skiing and ice skating in winter, all within 15 minutes of the department. |
| Weather | Winters are cold (sometimes −15°C) but the air is dry. Homes and public spaces are very warm. Days are short in winter, but snow reflects the light. Summers are long and sunny. Helsinki has more annual sunshine than London (1,802 vs 1,675 hours). |
| Healthcare | Covered by taxes and occupational healthcare from the university. |