A PhD student’s position is open in the Photosynthetic Microbes group based in the Biochemistry Department of the University of Turku. The University of Turku is Finland’s second largest multidisciplinary university with an active academic community of around 25,000 students and employees working within 7 faculties and 5 independent units.  

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, as well as applied photosynthesis such as production of biofuels and chemicals in cyanobacteria and microalgae.

Project description

The project aims at understanding the physiological roles, significance and interactions of electron transfer pathways involving flavodiiron proteins (FDP, Flv) in Synechocystis PCC 6803, Anabaena PCC 7120 and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Various deletion and overexpression mutants and a variety of biochemical and biophysical methods are utilised in order to understand the function of FDPs in photoprotection and regulation of photosynthesis. In addition, we are exploring possible application of FDP mutants for biotechnological purposes.

The research project is funded by the Academy of Finland and will be conducted in close collaboration with the NordAqua consortium, a multidisciplinary Nordic Center of Excellence bringing together researchers in the fields of photosynthesis, synthetic biology, water management, industrial biotechnology and entrepreneurship from 10 universities across 3 Nordic countries.

The position is available from 1.9.2020 for 3 years. The doctoral candidate will need to enroll in the PhD program at the University of Turku (https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs).

Requirements

The applicant should hold an MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology or related field. Prior working experience with cyanobacteria or algae is not an obligatory requirement, but is considered an advantage. English language certificate is obligatory. The applicant is expected to be able to work both independently as well as part of a research group, possessing good 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 PhD student is on average 2200 €/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 24.7.2020 at the latest. The suitable applicants will be informed

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 two referees (name, working place, e-mail address)

5) list of publications (if any)

6) English language certificate (https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs/how-to-apply/language )

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. 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