NBE Summer jobs 2026

Professor in charge of topic: Riitta Salmelin
Supervisors of the project : Joonas Karhula, Jonna Nielikäinen, Anni Nora, Riitta Salmelin
Academic contact persons for further information: Riitta Salmelin, riitta.salmelin@aalto.fi

Title of topic 1: Individual neural markers of cognitive processing

Short task description:
The Imaging Language group (https://www.aalto.fi/department-of-neuroscience-and-biomedical-engineering/imaging-language) offers 1-3 summer internship positions. Our multidisciplinary group seeks to understand how cognitive functions are represented in the human brain and how those functions, and their disorders, may be best assessed using functional and structural brain imaging (MEG/EEG, f/MRI, multimodal imaging). A particular focus area are language-related cognitive functions. Advanced computational analysis tools are essential in modelling and quantifying such representations. We are currently pushing the boundaries of research from the widely used group-level descriptions to next-generation cognitive neuroscience of individual-level predictions. This year, we offer summer projects focused on (i) machine learning-based detection of individually unique brain patterns and utilizing these patterns to identify individuals or their characteristics, (ii) comparison of brain-level markers of language function highlighted by MEG vs. fMRI, (iii) characterisation and modelling of neural-level tracking of speech. The student will join in an active research project, with an opportunity to learn and contribute to collection, analysis, interpretation and computational modelling of neuroimaging data. A suitable background is in cognitive neuroscience, computational science, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, mathematics or a related field. The research environment is multilingual so a good command of English is a necessity. Basic knowledge of brain imaging methods and previous experience in scripting/programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, R) are considered an asset.

Professor in charge of topic: Matti Hämäläinen
Supervisors of the project: Joonas Iivanainen, Eelis Eklund, Eemeli Luostarinen
Academic contact person for further information: Joonas Iivanainen, joonas.iivanainen@aalto.fi
Title of topic 2: A. Magnetic shielding for MEG or B. Biomagnetic measurements of muscle activity

Short task description: 
We at the Quantum Neuroimaging group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-neuroscience-and-biomedical-engineering/quantum-neuroimaging-quneuro) are seeking 1–2 summer students to work in our two projects. Please indicate in the application which project interests you. 

Project A: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is used to measure the magnetic fields from the human brain. Unlike conventional MEG, we are developing a portable MEG system based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). This system will use active magnetic shielding with electromagnetic coils instead of heavy magnetically shielded rooms, aiming to make MEG more accessible. This summer project may include simulations or hands-on work, depending on your skills and interests. You can simulate magnetic interference rejection techniques or design electronics and hardware to implement control algorithms for active magnetic shielding. 

Project B: Neuromuscular disorders are increasingly prevalent in the aging population. These disorders are commonly assessed using either non-invasive surface electromyography (sEMG) or invasive needle EMG. Whereas invasive EMG provides better spatial resolution than sEMG, it can be painful which limits its use. Magnetomyography (MMG) provides a non-invasive alternative, with a high spatial resolution like invasive EMG, to record muscle function by measuring the magnetic fields from the muscles. We are developing MMG system based on OPMs. The summer student’s tasks may include, for example, conducting muscle measurements and related data analysis or designing experiments.  

The tasks can vary and will be tailored depending on your interests and skills. In project A, familiarity with electromagnetism, electronics, or programming is advantageous. In project B, the desire to perform/design human measurements and analyze the related data is beneficial. Interest in exercise science/kinesiology or sports medicine is considered a plus. In both projects, the topics are well suited for Bachelor’s theses or special assignments. 

Professor in charge of topic: Petri Ala-Laurila
Supervisors of the project: Gabriel Peinado & Petri Ala-Laurila
Academic contact person for further information: Petri Ala-Laurila, petri.ala-laurila@aalto.fi
Title of topic 3: From photons to perception: Linking retinal circuit function to visual behavior

Short task description:
A summer intern position is immediately available in the laboratories of Professor Petri Ala-Laurila & Dr. Gabriel Peinado at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE), Aalto University School of Science.

We study neural processing mechanisms using a uniquely integrative approach, where we link photon distributions with retinal processing and visually-guided behavior using a set of unique and beyond-state-of-the-art tools. The goal is to break new frontiers by revealing fundamental principles of neural computations across brain circuits in multiple model species. We combine cutting-edge electrophysiological recording techniques with precise manipulations of retinal circuit function, deep-learning-based state-of-the-art animal tracking, mathematical modelling, pupillary measurements in humans and mice, and quantitative behavioral measurements.

We are currently seeking to hire highly motivated summer interns with a potential for long-term attachment to our research group. Apply now if you have a genuine interest in studying neural circuits, animal behavior, and the underlying mechanisms. For details, see e.g. our papers: Kilpeläinen et al. 2024, Nature Communications; Westö et al. 2022, Current Biology; Koskela et al. 2020, Current Biology; Smeds et al. 2019, Neuron, as well as the lab’s webpage: http://ala-laurila.biosci.helsinki.fi/ 

Group leader in charge of topic: Lauri Parkkonen
Supervisors of the project: Lauri Parkkonen, Matti Hämäläinen, Paavo Hietala
Academic contact person for further information: Lauri Parkkonen (lauri.parkkonen@aalto.fi)
Title of topic 4: High-resolution brain measurements

Short task description:
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) refers to recording brain activity through the magnetic field generated by electrically active neuron populations. MEG measurements are traditionally done with superconducting sensors that must be kept few centimetres away from the scalp due to the required thermal isolation. However, recent advances in quantum optics have enabled magnetic field sensors that no longer require cooling and can thus be placed directly on the scalp, thereby increasing signal strength and spatial resolution. Employing such optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), we have constructed a novel high-resolution MEG system for studying human and animal brain function in a new way. Supported by National Institutes of Health (USA), we are continuing the development of the MNE-Python software package, which during the present grant cycle will be in extended to fully integrate high-resolution OPM-MEG data in the analysis and to target signal sources in the whole brain. 

We are now looking for highly skilled and motivated individuals to develop OPM-based MEG further and to apply it to brain measurements. The project offers multiple tasks: magnetic field modelling and coil design, mechanical design, electronics design, simulations and software development, development of real-time analysis and brain–computer interfaces, measurements of human and animal brain (domestic cats and dogs) function and the associated data analysis. The required knowledge and skills depend on the task; Python programming and signal processing are essential in all of them while also good command of university-level mathematics and physics are required in the more system-related tasks. Basic neuroscience would be useful but not mandatory in tasks involving brain measurements and analysis.