The PostDoctoral position is open in the Photosynthetic Microbes group based in the Biochemistry Department of the University of Turku.

The Photosynthetic Microbes group is a part of a Nordic Center of Excellence (NordAqua, www.nordaqua.fi). The team focuses on both fundamental aspects of photosynthesis, studying alternative electron transport pathways, and also applied photosynthesis, including water remediation and production of chemicals and biofuels by cyanobacteria and microalgae.

Project description

The research project aims to design and construct efficient CO2 and light capturing 3D assemblies of photosynthetic microorganisms (cyanobacteria and microalgae) and lignocellulosic building blocks. Such assemblies will demonstrate the proof-of-concept of solid-state photosynthetic cell factories with significantly improved production efficiency of target chemicals. The research project is funded by the EU FET-open program as a part of the FuturoLEAF research consortium and will be conducted in close collaboration with Graz University (Austria) and material scientists from Aalto University (Finland) VTT Oy (Finland) and Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France).

Job description

The Postdoctoral Researcher will: (i) develop strategies for cell immobilization; (ii) design and print the 3D architecture; (iii) construct photosynthetic production strains using synthetic biology tools; (iv) evaluate the performance of the production platform and fitness of confined strains using different analytical techniques and advanced approaches for studies of photosynthetic machinery.

The position is available from 1.9.2020 (starting date can be negotiated) for one year and could be extended for the next 2 years depending on the next project steps.

Requirements

The applicant should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology or related field. Excellent academic performance and a demonstrated knowledge of written and spoken English are required. Prior working experience with cyanobacteria or algae is not obligatory requirement, but a plus. The applicant is expected to work independently and to have excellent interpersonal skills.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The successful applicant will belong to UTU research personnel. The salary for a postdoctoral researcher is average 3200 eur/month.

Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, and occupational healthcare and include a holiday allowance. 

There will be a trial period of 6 months for this position. The qualification requirements of the position are described in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku.

https://www.utu.fi/sites/default/files/public%3A//media/file/Utu_Rules_of_Procedure.pdf

Please submit your application using the online application system by 31.7.2020 at the latest.

The link to the online application system is https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us.

In addition, applications must include (in English):

1) motivation letter focusing on your strengths related to our research topic

2) CV

3) copy of certificate of degree

4) contact details for at least three referees (name, working place, e-mail address)

5) list of publications and other relevant documents

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Professor Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne, allahve(at)utu.fi .

Working in Finland

We also welcome you cordially to our multicultural working community. In case you are arriving in Finland for the first time, we offer you orientation support.

Please learn more about the culture and the people:
Working culture  https://www.infofinland.fi/en/living-in-finland/work-and-enterprise/finnish-working-culture

This is Finland
 https://finland.fi/
 
See how it is to work at the University of Turku

Story 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkZ7cMoJbSE&list=PLSmJtlSQuvVJLoW484Z7CjYhiKqDPK4rm&index=3&t=0s

Story 2 – end part in English

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amvSXHUXu5A&list=PLSmJtlSQuvVJLoW484Z7CjYhiKqDPK4rm&index=4