Laboratory of Prof. Jussi Taipale at the Medical Systems Biology group at the Applied Tumour Genetic Program at University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine invites applications for the position of
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS (two positions)

Our research group is part of the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence in Tumour Genetics Research. The laboratory focuses on the study of transcriptional control of cell growth, using functional genomics and systems biology. Current lines of work include high-throughput determination of binding sites and binding specificities of human transcription factors, using this information to identify regulatory elements that control cell growth during normal development or in cancer.

Qualifications

Applicants with a doctoral degree and strong background in molecular biology/bioinformatics who are interested in working in an inter-disciplinary environment are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicant must be able to work independently and have good communication skills in English. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

What we offer

The appointment will be initially for two years starting from September 2023. Trial period of six months will be applied. The monthly gross salary will be appr. 3200-3600 € per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed. You can read more about working at the university on our website.

How to apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF file containing your CV, publication list including impact factors and two letters of reference through the University’s electronic recruitment system by clicking “Apply for the position” link below. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP Fiori portal at https://msap.sap.helsinki.fi. The deadline for applications is 21 August 2023.

For further information on the position, please contact Petros Papadopoulos (petros.papadopoulos (at)helsinki.fi).

For information on the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Marja Meresto (hr-ltdk (at)helsinki.fi).

Selected publications from Taipale lab:
Sahu et al. Sequence determinants of human gene regulatory elements. Nature Genetics, 2022, April 283–294.

Sahu et al. Human cell transformation by combined lineage conversion and oncogene expression. Oncogene. 2021, Sept, 5533-5547.

Zhu et al. The interaction landscape between transcription factors and the nucleosome. Nature. 2018, Oct, 76-81.

Yin et al. Impact of cytosine methylation on DNA binding specificities of human transcription factors. Science, 2017, May 5;356(6337).

Yan et al. Transcription factor binding in human cells occurs in dense clusters formed around cohesin anchor sites. Cell, 2013, 154, 801-13.

The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare.

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.

Research Programs Unit (RPU) of the Faculty of Medicine consolidates demonstrated research excellence, with focused research programs addressing the greatest challenges in human health.

The Doctoral researcher will be appointed for a fixed-term 4-year contract (Start date: September 1, 2023) to work in a project entitled “Hemicellulose-induced fungal enzymes for fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass”. The position will be supervised by Docent Maarit Lahtinen (University lecturer in Bioproduction Chemistry, Department of Food and Nutrition) and Docent Kristiina Hildén (Senior University lecturer in Microbiology, Department of Microbiology), two of the six units of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

The project aims to evaluate the enzymes, which are secreted by a white rot fungus in the presence of lignin-rich wood hemicelluloses obtained from hot water extraction processes. The enzymes will be produced and characterized, and then applied to demonstrate reactions occurring with lignin. The detailed reaction mechanisms and kinetics of the reactions will be then studied by detailed characterization of reactions with a lignin-carbohydrate-complex (LCC) model compound, which will be synthesized and purified. The project is expected to produce novel and selective biotechnological tools for processing of biomaterials.

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a Master’s degree and experience in organic and/or analytical chemistry, or related field.

A successful candidate should be able to:

• Identify, design, conduct, and report research within the scope of the project.

• Contribute to undergraduate student supervision and teaching within the department.

• Engage with the scientific community, research partners and the wider public, internationally and domestically through scientific publications, conference presentations, press releases, blogs etc.

The candidate is expected to have:

Education, experience and technical skills

• A relevant Master’s degree including experience organic and/or analytical chemistry.

• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills.
• Interest in enzymology and working with biomass-based materials.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Interest in basic and applied science.
• Excellent analytical and innovative research planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experienced in working within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• High motivation for academic research, having initiative and capable of working independently as well as in team environments.
• Values continuous improvement based on constructive evaluation, self-reflection and learning.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell

The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be based on level 2 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be ca. 2200-2400 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. A six-month trial period will be applied.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application as a single pdf file using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

1) A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the research work and a short research plan (e.g. approach, research materials and methods) (max 3 pages).

2) Curriculum vitae showing the applicant’s education, completed qualifications, work experience, possible list of publications and contact information of 2 persons for references (max 3 pages).

3) Copies of Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for the position. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by signing into https://msap.helsinki.fi.

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The closing date for applications is 5 June 2023 at 23:59 EEST.

Further information about the position may be obtained from Docent Maarit Lahtinen (maarit.lahtinen@helsinki.fi) or Docent Kristiina Hildén (kristiina.s.hilden@helsinki.fi).

About us

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus, ten kilometres from the Helsinki city centre. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in biosciences and business, able to meet the needs of both the business sector and society at large.

www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry

Doctoral Researcher in Material science/Chemistry

The Doctoral researcher will be appointed for a fixed-term 4-year contract (Start date: September 1, 2023) to work in a project entitled “LignoGels: Lignin-based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Wound Dressings”. The position will be supervised by Dr. Patrícia Figueiredo (Food and nutrition) and Professor Kirsi Mikkonen (Food and nutrition), one of the six units of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

The LignoGels project relies on the valorization of the underexploited lignocellulosic materials to develop lignin-based hydrogels/microneedles for cancer immunotherapy and wound healing. Different grades of lignin with distinct composition and properties will be used to prepare the lignin nanoparticles, and evaluate their influence on immunostimulative and antibacterial effect. We aim to incorporate these lignin nanoparticles into hydrogel/microneedles structures based on natural polymers (e.g., hemicelluloses, gelatin) containing the therapeutic agents for local administration, maximizing the retention time and therapeutic efficiency of the nanoplatforms. After initial characterization, the biosafety and therapeutic effect of the formulations will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo for potential biomedical applications. This project represents a green and cheaper alternative to the conventional therapies, providing innovative and cost-effective platforms for cancer immunotherapy and wound healing, along with a more sustainable application of Earth’s resources.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a Master’s degree and experience in material science, chemistry, nanotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field.

A successful candidate should be able to:

• Identify, design, conduct, and report research within the scope of the project.

• Contribute to undergraduate student supervision and teaching within the department.

• Engage with the scientific community, research partners and the wider public, internationally and domestically through scientific publications, conference presentations, press releases, blogs etc.

The candidate is expected to have:

Education, experience and technical skills

• A relevant Master’s degree including experience in material science, chemistry, nanotechnology, biochemistry, and/or molecular biology.

• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills.
• Experience in working with material characterization and cell culture.
• Experience in working with biomass-based materials is desirable.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Interest in basic and applied science.
• Excellent analytical and innovative research planning skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experienced in working within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• High motivation for academic research, having initiative and capable of working independently as well as in team environments.
• Values continuous improvement based on constructive evaluation, self-reflection and learning.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell

The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be based on level 2 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be ca. 2200-2400 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.  six-month trial period will be applied.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application as a single pdf file using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

1) A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the research work, description of the techniques/methodologies employed in previous research experiences, and a short research plan (e.g. approach, research materials and methods) (up to 3 pages).

2) Curriculum vitae showing the applicant’s education, completed qualifications, work experience, possible list of publications and contact information of 2 persons for references (up to 3 pages).

3) Copies of Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2023 at 23:59 EEST.

Further information about the position may be obtained from Dr. Patrícia Figueiredo (patricia.figueiredo(at)helsinki.fi), Professor Kirsi Mikkonen (kirsi.s.mikkonen(at)helsinki.fi), or Project Coordinator Troy Faithfull (troy.faithfull(at) helsinki.fi).

ABOUT US

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus, ten kilometres from the Helsinki city centre. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in biosciences and business, able to meet the needs of both the business sector and society at large.

www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry

The Doctoral researcher will be appointed for a fixed-term 4 year contract (Start date: September 1, 2023) to work in a project entitled “From margins to the mainstream: cattail and willow fibres and their fungal mycelia composites for insulation materials (FUNgSULATION). The position will be supervised by Associate Professor Tuula Jyske (Forest sciences) and Associate Professor Kirsi Mikkonen (Food and nutrition), two of the six units of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

The FUNgSULATION project aims to produce novel insulation materials by utilising biomass from rewetted soils: cattail fibers combined with willow. We aim to unleash the advantages of chemical and structural properties of biomasses via examining stepwise extraction kinetics to isolate water-soluble carbohydrates, and extractives of (willow) biomass, from lignocellulosic fibrous parts. The suitability of biomass fractions as a nutrient source for fungal growth for mycelium composite materials will be tested. Both unextracted fibers and extracted biomass of cattail and willow will be further treated by thermomechanical processing that provides substrate properties ideal for thermal or acoustic insulation materials: a. fully plant-based acoustic insulation materials by e.g., foam forming techniques (i.e., “wallpapers for acoustic camouflage”), and b. solid biohybrid mycelium composites (biomimicking porosity for improved insulation properties and aesthetics). The polyphenolic-rich willow extract will be analyzed for antimould activity as a raw material, and when immobilized into fibrous insulation materials. The insulation materials will be characterized for their technical performance and applicability.

Requirements:

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a Master’s degree and experience in material science, chemistry, or related field.

A successful candidate should be able to:

• Identify, design, conduct, and report research within the scope of the project.

• Contribute to undergraduate student supervision and teaching within the department.

• Engage with the scientific community, research partners and the wider public, internationally and domestically through scientific publications, conference presentations, press releases, blogs etc.

The candidate is expected to have:

Education, experience and technical skills

• A relevant Master’s degree including experience in material science and/or chemistry.

• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills.
• Experience in working with biomass-based materials.

Personal attributes and competencies

• Interest in basic and applied science.
• Excellent analytical and innovative research planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experienced in working within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• High motivation for academic research, having initiative and capable of working independently as well as in team environments.
• Values continuous improvement based on constructive evaluation, self-reflection and learning.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell

The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be based on level 2 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the Doctoral researcher will be ca. 2200-2400 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. A six-month trial period will be applied.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application as a single pdf file using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

1) A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the research work and a short research plan (e.g. approach, research materials and methods) (max 3 pages).

2) Curriculum vitae showing the applicant’s education, completed qualifications, work experience, possible list of publications and contact information of 2 persons for references (max 3 pages).

3) Copies of Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The closing date for applications is 12 June 2023 at 23:59 EEST.

Further information about the position may be obtained from Associate Professor Tuula Jyske (tuula.jyske(at)helsinki.fi).

ABOUT

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus, ten kilometres from the Helsinki city centre. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in biosciences and business, able to meet the needs of both the business sector and society at large.

www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry

Research Program Unit at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a fixed-term position of
Post doc with a focus on host-environment interplay in health and disease from 1.8.2023 until 31.7.2025

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare.

Your mission

The mission at the Unit of Systems Immunology is to perform top quality research to understand how different environmental exposures affect human wellbeing, focusing on the impact of environmental, allergens and microbes on lung barrier function and immunity. We work mainly with experimental models and different omics analysis.

The employment has a focus on research. The postdoctor will conduct research within several projects, focusing on the impact of host-antigen interplay during immune homeostasis and dysregulation, using human data and data from experimental models. The main task of the postdoctor will be to perform experiments in various study set-ups, analyze the obtained data and report the results.

The two-year (100 %) position is available from 1 August 2023 in the research group of Professor Harri Alenius at the Unit of Systems Immunology.  The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
 

Qualification

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has an PhD in a relevant area (cellular or molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or other relevant area). It is considered an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant’s main supervisor, director or equivalent.

It is meritorious to have a strong experience in vitro and in vivo experimentation. The candidate should also have publications in peer-reviewed journals in the field of toxicology, immunology or other related fields. Previous experience of OMICS analysis (e.g. RNA-seq, Single-Cell seq and metabolomics) is considered an advantage.

Candidates should be highly motivated, independent, and have strong communication skills. Excellent ability to write scientific articles and communicate in English is required. The candidate is expected to cooperate in national and international networks. Therefore, a background of working in networks of researchers and international research experience is considered an advantage.
 

What do we offer?

We offer an enthusiastic research environment, conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Finland. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.
 

University of Helsinki employees are eligible to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees have a GP-level occupational health care.

Depending on the experience, the salary will based on University of Helsinki official quidelines and it is usually around 3200-3600 euro/month.
 

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link “Apply now” below. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP Fiori portal at https://msap.sap.helsinki.fi. The closing date for applications is 6 June 2023.

Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed. You can read more about working at the university on our website.

For further information on the position, please contact Harri Alenius (harri.alenius(at) helsinki.fi).
For information on the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Marja Meresto (hr-ltdk(at) helsinki.fi).
 
Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all

The University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is seeking an

UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER
 

for the fixed five-year contract at Lammi Biological Station starting 1st July 2023 or by separate agreement. Trial period of 6 months will be applied.
 

We are looking for an internationally competitive researcher with a strong academic track-record in aquatic sciences to strengthen and expand research in the highly international community at the Lammi Biological Station. The selected candidate should have expertise in pelagic food web dynamics and plankton ecology. We are particularly interested in candidates aiming to use the extensive background data on the nearby lakes. These include year-round water-quality data from the Lake Pääjärvi and connected major inflow-streams and the outlet, water quality data from 35 small forest lakes at Evo since 1970’s, and extensive phytoplankton data from the Lake Pääjärvi and the Lake Valkea-Kotinen.

The appointee is expected to engage extensively in collaboration with other staff members of the faculty to strengthen the aquatic research at the Lammi Biological Station. The appointee should collaborate with other universities and research institutes nationally and internationally, and participate in the undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervision.

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.
 

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is Finland’s most high-profile and extensive hub of research and teaching in the field. The Faculty educates experts to meet the needs of universities, research institutes, government, schools and the business sector. The Faculty comprises of three research programmes and has three research stations. Lammi Biological Station is the largest of university field stations in Finland with year-round activities. It is a place for diverse research, teaching, seminars and meetings with ca. 20 employees and tens of visiting scientists.
 

REQUIREMENTS
 

An appointee to the position must hold

• a doctoral degree
• ability to conduct independent scholarly work
• teaching skills required for the position
• ability and motivation to pursue an academic career, as demonstrated by publications and other means
   

When considering the applicant’s qualifications, attention will be given to scientific publications, other research results of scientific value, teaching experience and pedagogical training as well as the applicant’s participation in doctoral education. Furthermore, account shall also be taken of the applicant’s activity in the scientific community and societal interaction, success in obtaining external research funding, international research experience and positions in Finnish and/or international organizations.
 

WHAT WE OFFER
 

We offer an interesting opportunity to work in a diverse research environment. Your work will be supported by the research and teaching staff of the station and the faculty as well as the administrative and technical staff.
 

The salary will be based on the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The gross salary is between 3800-4800 €/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Furthermore, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development.
 

HOW TO APPLY
 

Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications a single PDF file that includes the following documents in English:

1) CV

2) A numbered list of publications

3) A report (max. 5 pages) on the applicant’s research activities (including activities in scientific communities, the acquisition of research funding and international scholarly work) and how the applicant intends to develop his or her research and focus his or her activities, if appointed.

For more detailed instructions, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/faculty/join-us.

Applications with the above attachments must be submitted in a single PDF file, which is named: University researcher lastname_firstname. Other attachments are not required.

Applications must be submitted through the University’s electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Internal applicants (i.e. current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the University recruitment portal. The deadline for applications is 4th June 2023.

Further information can be obtained from director Jouni Heiskanen, jouni.heiskanen@helsinki.fi, +358504381808, or from director Sirkku Manninen, sirkku.manninen@helsinki.fi, +358504486451.

Further information on the recruitment process may be obtained from HR Specialist Harri Hamara, harri.hamara(at)helsinki.fi.

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi.

More about working at the University of Helsinki www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university

10 reasons to work in Helsinki www.helsinki.fi/en/university/10-reasons-to-work-in-helsinki

Finnish way of life www.helsinki.fi/en/university/enjoy-the-finnish-way-of-life.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for the position of a

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

starting on 1 September 2023, or as agreed. The Doctoral Researcher will be employed for a fixed term of 4 years. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

The position is shared by three departments: the Department of Forest Sciences, the Department of Agricultural Sciences, and the Department of Economics and Management. The PhD project is founded on interdisciplinary collaboration involving market research, environmental economics, and environmental sustainability assessment.

We seek an applied economist or a data scientist with an interest for expanding his/her knowledge towards environmental impact assessment.

Bioeconomy strategies imply that fossil-intensive materials and energy carriers will be substituted with biobased alternatives to support climate change mitigation and enable a just socio-economic transition. Comparative attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) studies indicate that biobased products have a lower fossil footprint compared to most competing products. However, assessing the system-level environmental impact of changes in biobased products’ supply requires understanding value chains and quantifying market dynamics. Thus, the net impact of an expanding bioeconomy remains critically uncertain. This calls for consequential LCA approaches. Consequential LCA represents the convergence of LCA and economic modeling by expanding the system boundaries to consider all affected products when the demand for one product changes. In other words, it describes a modelling approach that seeks to describe the overall environmental consequences of a decision.

Specifically, the project involves estimating price elasticities from statistical data to judge the existence and rate of substitution between selected products on the market and modelling the consequences of indirect market effects with an LCA software package. The duties of the Doctoral Researcher include also completing postgraduate studies, as well as teaching and student supervision for up to 5 % of the annual working time.

We expect

• MSc in a relevant discipline (data science, natural resource economics, engineering, sustainability science, industrial ecology, etc.). The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment.
• Proven skills in quantitative data analysis and statistical data analysis
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (at least level C1)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to prioritise and organise her/his daily task, and the ability to work both independently and as a part of a research group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Openness to learning new skills

We also appreciate

• Experience in a programming language (e.g., R or Python)
• Prior experience with LCA and LCA software packages such as openLCA or SimaPro
• Peer-reviewed publications in the areas of expertise

We offer

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring and interdisciplinary research environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The monthly gross salary will start from approx. €2,500, which is subject to salary level increase according to advancing studies. In addition, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers and https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education.

Right to pursue a doctoral degree

The right to pursue a doctoral degree in one of the 33 doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki needs to be applied for separately. If the appointee does not have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the employment, it should be applied in the beginning of September 2023 (see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-programmes, includes also information on demonstration of language proficiency). The research plan (and other application material if needed) will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s).

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The PhD supervisors are:

• Elias Hurmekoski, Academy research fellow: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/elias-hurmekoski-2
• Hanna Tuomisto, Associate professor: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/hanna-tuomisto
• Lassi Ahlvik, Associate professor: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/lassi-mikael-ahlvik

How to apply

Please submit your application and the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.
 
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as pdf files:

1. Curriculum vitae (maximum of 2 pages), including possible peer-reviewed publications. Please name the file as CV_lastname_firstname
2. Free-form motivation letter describing the applicant’s research interests, motivation toward the position, and qualifications for the subject, including specific software/programming skills or analytical skills which the applicant wants to highlight (1-2 pages). Please name the file as Letter_lastname_firstname
3. Contact details for up to two referees. Please name the file as Referees_lastname_firstname
4. A copy of the Master’s thesis. Please name the file as Thesis_lastname_firstname
5. Transcript of records. Please name the file as Transcript_lastname_firstname

The closing date for applications is 29 May 2023 (23:59 EEST).

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.

Further information

• Position Dr. Elias Hurmekoski, elias.hurmekoski(at)helsinki.fi, tel +358504140312.
• Recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen, mirkka.juntunent(at)helsinki.fi, tel +358505560748
• Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry
• Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
• Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)

Why Finland and Helsinki

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families (https://toolbox.finland.fi/life-society/country-ranking-family-life-for-expats). Finland also repeatedly tops the World Happiness Report (https://toolbox.finland.fi/life-society/finland-the-happiest-country-in-the-world).

• Why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-finland
• Welcome to Helsinki: https://welcome.helsinki
• 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-helsinki

The Department of Agricultural Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for the position of 

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER OR DOCTORAL RESEACHER

For a fixed term of either September 2023-December 2024 (post-doc) or September 2023-May 2025 (PhD researcher)

The Agroecology research group of the University of Helsinki and Finnish Environment Institute are looking for a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral or late-stage PhD researcher to join our interdisciplinary team in the Academy-funded project SustAnimalFood. The researcher will be employed for a minimum of 16 months in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The team will seek additional funding with the candidate.

The candidate will be responsible for implementing research on qualitative designs of ‘eco-culturally sufficient diets’ for Finland. The designs seek novel ways to imagine sustainable ways of using animal-based foods in our diets. The candidate will conduct qualitative research on the cultural values attached to animal- and plant-based foods; focus groups with stakeholders will be a primary method of data collection. Work will be done in close collaboration with other project researchers.

Who can apply 

The candidate must be a mid- to late-stage PhD studies or a postdoc with relevant experience in the subject matter and/or methods. Special attention will be given to skills needed for the position in the appointment process.

We seek a candidate with the following qualifications:
 

• In-progress or recently-completed PhD on topics related to food consumption and practices, diets, sustainability, food systems, nutrition,  livestock production or agroecology
• Methodological skills in conducting qualitative research, including focus groups, and experience with cultural models in eating
• Demonstrated academic outputs in the form of scientific publications
• Shown ability to conduct research independently
• Shown ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team, and evidence of previous work with researchers from different disciplines
• Ability to communicate research ideas and results and an interest to engage with stakeholders outside the academic community
• Excellent written and spoken English

Fluent Finnish skills are a major advantage (focus groups and data collection will be done in Finnish). Knowledge of Finnish diets and food systems is meritorious.

Terms of employment

This is a 16-month, full-time PhD position (September 2023-May 2025) or postdoc position (September 2023-December 2024).

The workplace is primarily at Viikki campus of the University (with a possibility for hybrid or remote work).

How to apply
 

The application should include as one single pdf file:

1)      A cover letter explaining the applicant’s motivation for the research work.

2)      Curriculum vitae showing the applicant’s education, completed qualifications, work experience, list of publications and contact information of 2 persons for references (up to 3 pages).

3)      Copies of Doctoral, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree certificates and official transcripts of the records, and their translations, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

4)      A proof of proficiency in Finnish, Swedish or English, if the applicant is not a native speaker or educated in any of them.

Please submit your application via our recruitment system by 31.05.2023 (23.59 EEST).

External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the employee login.

Salary and benefits
 

The postdoctoral researcher’s salary will be based on level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The starting gross salary will be ca. 3 300 – 3 500 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The PhD salary will be based on level 2 of the requirement level chart with a starting gross salary of ca. 2 400 – 2 600 euros/month, depending on the stage of PhD work.

The University of Helsinki invests in the welfare of its employees by offering preventative occupational health services and general medical care. Read more about the employee benefits at the University of Helsinki and why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers

Further information on the position can be requested from Dr. Iryna Herzon iryna.herzon@helsinki.fi

For further information on the recruitment process and the recruitment system please contact HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen (mirkka.juntunen(at)helsinki.fi).

 About us

The University of Helsinki is among the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. In addition to its 11 faculties, the University includes several independent institutes, some of which are jointly operated with other universities. Some 35,000 students are currently pursuing an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree at the University of Helsinki.

The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is nationally unique faculty with a high international standing. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management.

The Agroecology research group, led by Assoc. Prof Johan Ekroos, is a highly dynamic interdisciplinary group with a wide collaborative network across research communities in Finland and Europe. . More about the SustAnimalFood project https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/agroecology/sustainable-niche-for-farmed-animals-in-food-systems

The University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science is a research institute that supports high quality life science research across University campuses and faculties. The research activities at the Institute of Biotechnology consist of several research teams focusing on a specific area of molecular biology, cell biology or biotechnology. For more information, please visit (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology).

TEMPADAPT (Single-molecule visualization of temperature adaptation in sub-cellular dynamics and organization across bacteria) is a 5-year ERC-funded project in the laboratory of Jarno Mäkelä at the Institute of Biotechnology. Most microorganisms lack homeothermic regulation which subjects them to unpredictable fluctuations in environmental temperature. Yet many organisms can withstand severe environmental changes and grow across large temperature ranges while maintaining cellular homeostasis and sub-cellular organization. The project will aim at understanding how temperature affects the cytoplasmic state in bacteria and what the consequences to cellular processes are. To study this, we use state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy and single molecule tracking to record the movement of individual molecules, such as ribosomes, inside individual live cells. Single molecule dynamics reports on the molecular interactions in real-time, acting as a probe for changes in the cellular environment. The obtained knowledge will help us to understand microorganisms’ adaptation to different temperatures and the limits of cellular life. 

The HiLIFE – Institute of Biotechnology, Mäkelä Laboratory of Temperature Adaptation in Bacteria, invites applications for

A Postdoctoral Researcher in Super-Resolution Microscopy

The position is supported by ERC funding and is available for up to 3 years with a possibility of continuation. The start date is flexible from June 2023 onwards. 

Position description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher, who is interested in applying (and possibly developing) super-resolution microscopy and single-particle tracking, to join our research group for an ERC project. In addition to super-resolution microscopy, the project will apply genetic engineering, RNA-sequencing, machine learning, and modelling to analyze, integrate, and make sense of single-cell and molecule level data. Our team will work on multiple topics at the interface of physics, chemistry, and biology: intracellular spatial organization, macromolecular crowding, liquid-liquid phase separation, heat- and cold-shock protein dynamics, and gene regulation. The postdoctoral researcher will have a key role in contributing ideas, analyzing and interpreting the findings, and writing up the research, in collaboration with the broader project group.

Required skills:
•    Hold, or be close to completion of, a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in biophysics, microbiology, computational biology, or a related field
•    Experience in fluorescence microscopy data analysis and/or modelling of biological systems
•    Excellent communication and writing skills in English
•    Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary international team
•    Previous research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
•    Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage own academic research and associated activities

Desirable skills:
•    Experience with super-resolution or advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques
•    Previous experience working with bacteria
•    Bioinformatics and foundations of statistics
•    Coding in Python/R/Matlab or similar language to process and analyze data

Salary and benefits
The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be 3400-3900 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, supported access to high quality sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

How to apply
Please submit your application as a single pdf file, which includes the following documents in English: 
•    A motivation letter, clearly stating your research interests and why you consider yourself a good candidate for the position (max 2 pages) 
•    CV (max 2 pages)
•    A list of publications
•    Contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter

Please submit your application, together with the required attachment, through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system by clicking on the ‘Apply for job’ button. 

The deadline for the applications is 31st of May, but the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.

For more information, please contact the Principal Investigator Jarno Mäkelä (jarno.p.makela(at)helsinki.fi) or visit our lab website (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/temperature-adaptation-in-bacteria).

Why work with us?
Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university

Helsinki Institute of Life Science
Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is an institute established in 2017 that supports high quality life science research across the University campuses and faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths and new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for researchers to solve grand challenges in health, food, and environment. HiLIFE coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences and provides research-based interdisciplinary training.

University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki (UH), founded in 1640, is a vibrant scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. It is currently investing heavily in life sciences research. UH offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

The University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science is a research institute that supports high quality life science research across University campuses and faculties. The research activities at the Institute of Biotechnology consist of several research teams focusing on a specific area of molecular biology, cell biology, or biotechnology. For more information, please visit (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology).

TEMPADAPT (Single-molecule visualization of temperature adaptation in sub-cellular dynamics and organization across bacteria) is a 5-year ERC-funded project in the laboratory of Jarno Mäkelä at the Institute of Biotechnology. Most microorganisms lack homeothermic regulation which subjects them to unpredictable fluctuations in environmental temperature. Yet many organisms can withstand severe environmental changes and grow across large temperature ranges while maintaining cellular homeostasis and sub-cellular organization. The project will aim at understanding how temperature affects the cytoplasmic state in bacteria and what the consequences to cellular processes are. To study this, we use state-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy and single molecule tracking to record the movement of individual molecules, such as ribosomes, inside individual live cells. Single molecule dynamics reports on the molecular interactions in real-time, acting as a probe for changes in the cellular environment. The obtained knowledge will help us to understand microorganisms’ adaptation to different temperatures and the limits of cellular life. 

The HiLIFE – Institute of Biotechnology, Mäkelä Laboratory of Temperature Adaptation in Bacteria, invites applications for

A Doctoral Researcher in Super-Resolution Microscopy

The position will be offered for up to 4 years fully funded. The start date is flexible from June 2023 onwards.

Position description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated doctoral researcher, who is interested in super-resolution microscopy and single-particle tracking, to join our research group for an ERC project. In addition to super-resolution microscopy, the project will apply genetic engineering, RNA-sequencing, machine learning, and modelling to analyze, integrate, and make sense of single-cell and molecule level data. Our team will work on multiple topics at the interface of physics, chemistry, and biology: intracellular spatial organization, macromolecular crowding, liquid-liquid phase separation, heat- and cold-shock protein dynamics, and gene regulation. 
The appointee is expected to work full time on the Ph.D. thesis and to complete the thesis and the associated studies in four years. The successful applicant will apply to be a Ph.D. student in the appropriate Faculty. The Ph.D. degree consists of the student’s research project resulting in peer-reviewed publications, studies specific to the research field, as well as transferable skills training.

Selection criteria
A successful candidate will have an MSc (or equivalent) in biophysics, microbiology, computational biology, or other relevant fields, and has demonstrated a keen interest in quantitative approaches. Experience in fluorescence microscopy data analysis and/or modelling of biological systems is recommended. Previous experience with advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques, working with bacteria, and coding skills in Python/R/Matlab or a similar language is considered an advantage. Excellent communication and writing skills in English and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary international team are essential. The candidate is expected to meet deadlines and manage their own academic research and associated activities.

Salary and benefits
The starting salary of the doctoral researcher will be 2400-2600 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, support in access to high quality sports facilities, and vast opportunities for professional development.

How to apply
Please submit your application as a single pdf file, which includes the following documents in English: 
•    A motivation letter including a description of your research interests (max 1 page) 
•    CV (max 2 pages) including a list of publications
•    Contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request

Please submit your application, together with the required attachment, through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system by clicking on the ‘Apply for job’ button.

The deadline for the applications is 31st of May, but the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.

For more information, please contact the Principal Investigator Jarno Mäkelä (jarno.p.makela(at)helsinki.fi) or visit our lab website (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/temperature-adaptation-in-bacteria).

Why work with us?
Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university

Helsinki Institute of Life Science
Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is an institute established in 2017 that supports high quality life science research across the University campuses and faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths and new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for researchers to solve grand challenges in health, food, and environment. HiLIFE coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences and provides research-based interdisciplinary training.

University of Helsinki
The University of Helsinki (UH), founded in 1640, is a vibrant scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. It is currently investing heavily in life sciences research. UH offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.