Project Manager, Ellis Institute Finland / Aalto University

ELLIS Institute Finland is building one of Europe's leading environments for frontier AI research and innovation. As Finland's node of the pan-European ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems) network, the Institute brings together world-class researchers, industry, and public-sector partners to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and their real-world impact. Coordinated by Aalto University and established in 2025 in partnership with all Finnish universities, the Institute serves as Finland's national platform for AI excellence and cross-sector collaboration. As part of its next phase, the Institute is launching several ambitious strategic initiatives that will further strengthen Finland's position as a global leader in AI.

Project Manager, ELLIS Institute Finland / Aalto University

We are looking for a Project Manager to join the ELLIS Institute’s new strategic initiative to develop and deploy the world’s first nationwide AI foundation model for healthcare decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI and healthcare, bringing together the ELLIS Institute Finland, FIMM – Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, three Finnish universities, hospital networks, clinical and public-sector stakeholders, and industry partners in a truly national effort to transform healthcare data use.

Your role and responsibilities

The role includes both planning and operational implementation, and you will play a key role in coordinating and delivering this complex, multi-organization initiative. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Planning and coordinating the implementation of the initiative, including day-to-day project management, timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, steering group activities, and other events
• Facilitating collaboration and acting as a key interface between research, healthcare, industry and public sector stakeholders, ensuring effective translation of research outcomes into healthcare impact in Finland and beyond
• Coordinating communication, dissemination, and reporting activities

What we are looking for

We are seeking a proactive and highly organized professional who thrives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments at the intersection of AI, healthcare, research, and innovation.

To succeed in this role, you should have:

• A Master's or PhD degree in a relevant field; background in artificial intelligence, data science, health technologies, or related areas is an advantage
• At least 5+ years of experience in project management, preferably in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, ideally in AI/software development, health tech, medical research, or public–private partnerships
• Familiarity with research and/or public-sector environments; understanding of the Finnish healthcare ecosystem, health data infrastructures, hospital systems, or biobanking is a strong advantage
• Strong organizational, coordination, and stakeholder-management skills
• A proactive, collaborative, structured, and solution-oriented working style, with ability to operate independently
• Strong communication skills in English and preferably also at least working knowledge of Finnish, which is an advantage and helpful especially in stakeholder engagement

We do not expect a perfect match to every requirement. What matters most is strong relevant experience, combined with a genuine motivation to contribute to a uniquely ambitious initiative.

What we offer

We offer an inspiring and multifaceted role in an ambitious initiative. Hosted by ELLIS Institute Finland and Aalto University, the position places you at the center of a nationally and internationally significant effort to build and coordinate large-scale cross-sector collaboration.

You will gain unique experience in designing and managing a complex, high-impact initiative involving leading research, healthcare, and public-sector organizations, and contribute to shaping how advanced AI solutions are developed and integrated into healthcare systems in Finland and beyond.

Employment details

This is a full-time position initially for a fixed term from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029. The employment contract will be with Aalto University, which serves as the coordinating university of the ELLIS Institute Finland. You will be embedded within the ELLIS Institute Finland and will benefit from the support, collaboration structures, and networks of the Institute and participating universities. You will report to the initiative’s scientific director and steering group.

Your workplace will be located at the ELLIS Institute premises on Aalto University’s campus, offering a dynamic and international environment at the forefront of AI research and innovation, alongside leading researchers and experts.

We offer comprehensive occupational health services and other wellbeing benefits, as well as a supportive environment for professional growth, skills development, and long-term career advancement.

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application, including a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) and CV in a single PDF, through our recruitment system by August 17, 2026. If you are already an Aalto employee, please apply with your employee profile through the Workday system (internal jobs/sisäiset työpaikat).

For more information about the position, please contact Outi Kivekäs (Chief of Administration, ELLIS Institute Finland), +358 50 430 6322, 10 August at 15:00–16:00 or 12 August at 8:30–9:30.

Please note that we cannot respond to email or other written enquiries.

More information:

FINe-Health Foundry initiative: https://www.ellisinstitute.fi/a-world-first-nationwide-ai-model-will-boost-decision-making-in-healthcare

ELLIS Institute Finland: https://www.ellisinstitute.fi/

Aalto University: https://www.aalto.fi/en

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