The Department of Biological and Environmental Science is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the positions of 

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER and/or A DOCTORAL STUDENT in BIOLOGICAL NANOSCIENCES

The position starts on 1st March 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a fixed term of three years for the post doc and for four years for the Doctoral Student.

Qualifications we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to investigate the differences between enzyme activity in solution and in crystals. Differences between reaction rates and spectral signatures of intermediates will be rationalised with molecular dynamics simulations to ultimately train a computational model with which the effects of crystal packing on enzyme catalysis can be predicted. The experimental work includes time-resolved laser spectroscopy, biochemical assays, X-ray crystallography, and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX). The computational work includes large-scale molecule dynamics simulations of enzymes in both solution and crystals environments, as well as hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) based reaction path optimizations. 

The successful candidate will join an international team of researchers at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science or at the Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä. The group of Janne Ihalainen studies physical chemical phenomena of proteins. The group of Gerrit Groenhof focusses on the development and application of atomistic simulation techniques for chemical reactions in biomolecular systems.

You are the person we are looking for if you have a Doctoral/Master’s degree, or be about to obtain a Doctoral/Master’s degree, in biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry or physics, and if you have a strong interest in laser spectroscopy, functional studies of proteins (in particular enzymes), biophysics, and/or biochemistry. Experience in laser spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, or in enzyme catalysis is therefore considered an advantage. You are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills and to be able to work independently in the laboratory.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher and a doctoral student are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A good command of English is required and a proficiency to teach in English will be considered beneficial. The PhD/MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The annual salary range will be approximately 38,000 EUR for the Postdoctoral Researcher (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, and 27,500 EUR for the Doctoral Student. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in PDF format:

1. A two-page long Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
2. Cover letter including a statement of research interests.
3. A numbered list of publications, if any
4. Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the PhD)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by January 22nd, 2021.

For further details, please contact: Professor Janne Ihalainen, janne.ihalainen@jyu.fi for the experimental aspects of the project and Professor Gerrit Groenhof (gerrit.x.groenhof@jyu.fi), for the computational aspects.
 

The research in the Department focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. A LaserLab NSC is part of Nanoscience Center, which houses researchers from chemistry, physics and biological disciplines. The LaserLab NSC offers a world-class laser laboratory for studies of biomolecules and nanomaterials. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.