Application Procedure

Two PhD student positions are available for students of the University of Helsinki. Also persons who will become students of the University of Helsinki are eligible for applying.

The applicants must have a master's degree primarily in computer science, statistics, or (applied) mathematics, but a background in natural sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics) or in technical sciences is also possible if the applicant has sufficient methodological knowledge. Students close to master's degree can also apply for admission. All applicants should demonstrate strong capacity for advanced studies. The application deadline for the program starting in 2010 is September 30th, 2009. Eleven copies of the applications should be addressed to the board of ComBi and contain (in English, Finnish, or Swedish) the following items:

The applications are submitted to the director of ComBi (address below). Based on the applications, the board of ComBi can invite promising applicants to a short interview. The final decision about submission is taken by the board of ComBi. Applications will not be returned.

Financial Aid

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for outstanding students of ComBi. The salary is about euros 1600-2500/month. After state and local taxes this means roughly 13 400 - 20 000/year. It is also possible for students to be employed in various research and teaching positions at the participating institutions. Students possessing a master's degree and demonstrating adequate progress should complete their doctoral studies in four years.

Tuition in the universities in Finland is free. The students are advised to enroll in the student union (about 65 euros a year), which provides inexpensive health care. The HOAS organization provides help with housing arrangements. Usual rent for modest student housing is around 250-350 euros a month.

Contact Information

For further information on ComBi, please contact

Director of Graduate School in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biometry
Academy prof. Heikki Mannila
HIIT, Basic Research Unit
University of Helsinki
Department of Computer Science
P.O.Box 68 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2b)
FIN-00014 University of Helsinki
email: heikki.mannila@cs.helsinki.fi
phone: +358-9-191-51246
fax: +358-9-191-51120

or

Secretary of Graduate School in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biometry
email: combi@cs.helsinki.fi


Last updated 26.8.2009 by Heikki Lokki