Postdoc­toral Re­searcher in Ar­chael Mo­lecu­lar Biology at university in Helsinki, Finland

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40, 000 students, faculty and other staff. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 universities in the world.

The Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme is one of the three research programmes at the Faculty of Bio- and Environmental Biosciences. Most of its activities are centered at the Viikki campus where also many of the core facilities important for biological and molecular biology research are located.

An international team of five research groups from four different countries (Chile, Finland, Germany and Israel) are looking for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ARCHAEAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

to work in the project “A plasmid goes viral: Understanding the origin and evolution of viruses by studying a newly discovered virus-like element.” funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. The post-doctoral position is situated in Helsinki and he/she will be mentored by PI Elina Roine.

The project focuses on molecular characterization of plasmid carrying extracellular vesicles (PVs) as well as vesicle-like viruses to compare their protein structure, mechanisms of the production and interactions with their hosts. The research includes wide variety of research methods in microbiology and molecular biology, including production and purification of plasmid vesicles/viruses, cloning, heterologous protein production and purification as well as analyses involving lipids.

We are looking for a candidate with experience in at least two of the indicated methods and the ability to incorporate or develop new molecular techniques. Previous experience in working with Archaea or with viruses is of great advantage. We strongly encourage the development and pursuing of own ideas of the post-doctoral fellow.

The position is for 24 months starting as soon as possible, but latest in the beginning of April 2022. The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 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 postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3400–3500 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. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. A six-month trial period will be applied.

Please attach the following documents to your application as a single PDF file:
– cover letter, describing the previous research experience and expectations from the future work.
– CV (including publication list)
– contact details of at least two references.

Application deadline is 23 of January 2022.

Please submit your application using 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.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Elina Roine, elina.roine(at)helsinki.fi.

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Coordinator Sari Aaltonen (sari.aaltonen(at)helsinki.fi).

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