PhD Opportunities
I supervise doctoral students at Turku and Tampere Universities in medical imaging research, with a focus on artificial intelligence, neuroradiology, and head and neck imaging. This page provides information for prospective PhD candidates considering joining our research groups.
Current Research Areas
Our research group focuses on translational imaging research with direct clinical applications. Current PhD projects span several interconnected themes:
- Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging: Deep learning for automated detection and characterization in emergency radiology and head and neck imaging
- Head and Neck Radiology: Advanced MRI techniques, dual-energy CT, multimodal imaging in infections, tumors, and inflammatory disease
- Emergency Radiology: Diagnostic accuracy, imaging yield, and AI-assisted workflows in acute settings
- Neuroradiology: Emergency neuroimaging, movement disorders, cerebrovascular imaging
- Multimodal Imaging: PET-MRI quantification, tumor hypoxia imaging, functional imaging
What We Offer
- Active Research Environment: You'll join a group of 16 current PhD students plus post-docs and physicians
- Clinical Integration: Access to clinical data and imaging from Turku and Tampere University Hospitals
- Collaborative Network: Connections to European societies (ESHNR, ESR, ESNR), multi-center consortia, and international collaborators
- Technical Resources: Advanced imaging equipment, AI computing infrastructure, statistical support
- Publication Record: Our group publishes 20+ papers annually in peer-reviewed journals
- Conference Presentations: Support for presenting work at international meetings (ESR, RSNA, ESHNR, ESNR)
Who Should Apply
Ideal candidates have:
- Medical degree (MD, DDS) or Master's degree in relevant field (engineering, physics, computer science, biomedical sciences)
- Strong interest in medical imaging and/or artificial intelligence
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team projects
- Good written and spoken English
- Basic statistical knowledge (or willingness to learn)
Particularly valuable (but not required):
- Programming skills (Python, R)
- Experience with medical image analysis
- Clinical background in radiology or related field
- Prior research experience or publications
PhD Timeline and Expectations
A typical PhD takes 4 years of full-time work. You will be expected to:
- Complete required doctoral coursework (typically 40 ECTS)
- Design and execute original research projects
- Publish at least 3-4 first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Present work at national and international conferences
- Write and defend a doctoral dissertation
- Participate in research group meetings and journal clubs
- Contribute to collaborative projects within the group
Supervision style: I provide regular guidance and feedback while encouraging independent thinking. We typically meet weekly or biweekly, depending on project phase. I expect proactive communication and timely progress on milestones.
Funding
PhD positions may be funded through:
- Research grants (project-specific positions)
- University doctoral programs
- Personal fellowships (Finnish foundations: Sigrid Jusélius, Finnish Medical Foundation, etc.)
- Hospital employment (for medical doctors combining clinical work and research)
Funding availability varies. I can advise on fellowship applications and help identify funding opportunities. For international students, note that most Finnish foundation grants require residency in Finland.
Application Process
If you're interested in pursuing a PhD in our group:
- Email me with the subject line "Prospective PhD Student - [Your Name]"
- Include:
- Brief introduction (background, research interests)
- CV including education, research experience, and publications (if any)
- Why you're interested in our research areas
- Preferred start date and funding situation
- I will respond within 1-2 weeks to discuss potential projects and next steps
Note: I receive many inquiries, so I prioritize candidates who:
- Have clearly read about our research (reference specific projects or papers)
- Propose concrete research ideas aligned with our work
- Have realistic expectations about funding and timeline
- Send personalized applications (not generic mass emails)
Life as a PhD Student in Tampere/Turku
Tampere is Finland's third-largest city with a vibrant academic community and excellent quality of life. Turku is Finland's oldest city with strong medical research tradition. Both cities offer:
- English-speaking academic environment
- Excellent work-life balance (Finnish culture values this)
- Safe, clean, well-functioning cities
- Beautiful nature and outdoor activities
- Strong social support systems
Practical considerations: Finland has long, dark winters but also beautiful summers. The cost of living is moderate by European standards. Learning basic Finnish is helpful but not required for academic work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a specific project in mind before applying?
Not necessarily. While having research ideas shows initiative, I can help develop a suitable project based on your background and interests, current funding, and ongoing group projects.
Can I do a PhD part-time while working clinically?
Yes, this is common for medical doctors. Many combine 50% clinical work with 50% research, extending the PhD to 5-7 years. This requires good time management but provides clinical context for research.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. International applicants are welcome. Note that you'll need to arrange funding (personal fellowships, project grants, or university positions) and residence permits. I can provide guidance on the process.
What is your supervision capacity?
I currently supervise 16 PhD students (7 as primary supervisor). I typically accept 1-2 new primary supervision students per year, depending on funding and project fit.
Contact
For inquiries about PhD opportunities, please email: jussi.hirvonen@utu.fi
Please include "Prospective PhD Student" in the subject line and allow 1-2 weeks for a response.