Mitja Kurki
About Mitja Kurki
Mitja Kurki is a Senior Computational Scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he has worked since 2019. He has a background in molecular bioinformatics, with extensive experience in bioinformatics research and project management.
Work at Broad Institute
Mitja Kurki currently serves as a Senior Computational Scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, a position he has held since 2019. Prior to this role, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the same institution from 2014 to 2018. In his current role, he leads the FinnGen analysis team, which focuses on the genomics of complex diseases. His work involves utilizing advanced computational methods to analyze genomic data and contribute to the understanding of disease mechanisms.
Education and Expertise
Mitja Kurki holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Molecular Medicine/Bioinformatics from the University of Eastern Finland, which he completed from 2008 to 2013. He also earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Molecular Bioinformatics and Computing Science from Kuopion yliopisto, where he studied from 2000 to 2007. Additionally, he has a certification as a Network Application Specialist from KAKK, which he achieved in 2000. His expertise includes object-oriented programming (OOP) and object-oriented design (OOD), with a strong interest in integrating intelligent systems into computational biology projects.
Background in Bioinformatics
Before joining the Broad Institute, Mitja Kurki had an extensive background in bioinformatics. He worked at Kuopio University Hospital's Neuro Center as a Development Director of Bioinformatics from 2011 to 2018, and as a Bioinformatics Researcher from 2007 to 2010. He also served as a Researcher and PhD student at the University of Kuopio's Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Lab from 2006 to 2014. His diverse roles in bioinformatics have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Professional Experience
Mitja Kurki has held various positions throughout his career that have contributed to his expertise in computational biology and bioinformatics. He worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2014 to 2018. Additionally, he served as a Software Architect at Beneway Oy from 2002 to 2009. His experience spans both academic and clinical settings, allowing him to apply his knowledge in practical environments.
Project Management Skills
In his professional roles, Mitja Kurki utilizes agile methods in project management to enhance team productivity. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability in research projects, ensuring that the teams he leads can respond effectively to the dynamic nature of scientific research. His project management skills complement his technical expertise, enabling him to drive successful outcomes in his work.