The Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription laboratory at the Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Finland is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our international team. The University of Turku is Finland’s second largest multidisciplinary university. The University of Turku is ranked in the top 1 % of universities in the world.

Our research

The laboratory studies mechanisms of RNA polymerase functioning, transcription systems of medically relevant bacteria and the mechanisms of action of transcription inhibitors. A successful candidate will have a choice of projects ranging from in vitro mechanistic studies using biophysical methods to in vivo studies of gene expression, genome editing and in vivo analysis of protein-protein interaction using crosslinking mass spectrometry. More information about our research at www.rnapolymerase.org.

A representative recent publication:

Mäkinen J.J., Shin Y., Vieras E., Virta P., Metsä-Ketelä M., Murakami K.S., Belogurov G.A. (2021) The mechanism of the nucleo-sugar selection by multi-subunit RNA polymerases. Nat. Commun. 12:796.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-21005-w

The candidate

The applicant should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology or related field and have hands-on expertise with basic biochemical assays.

Ideally, the postdoctoral candidate should have some experience with in vitro transcription, nucleic acid enzymes and biophysical assays (but this is not a prerequisite as training will be provided).

The research will be performed in close collaboration with structural biology, synthetic biology and chemistry teams. The applicant's ability to handle structural information (atomic models, density maps) and good knowledge of chemistry are a plus.

The working language of the laboratory is English: good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential, whereas knowledge of Finnish is not a requirement.

Our selection criteria is based on the principle of finding not only a qualified but also a most suitable candidate for the work. In practice this means that not only education and working experience but also interview performance, personal qualities, motivation factors and other relevant criteria will be taken into account.

How to apply

Please submit your application using the online application system by 31.10.2021 at the latest.

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

All applications must include (in English):

1) Motivation letter focusing on your strengths related to our research topic (max 1 page)

2) CV (max 2 pages)

3) Copy of certificate of degree, officially translated to English

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

5) List of publications (please do not attach articles or conference materials) 

The successful applicant will belong to UTU research personnel. The salary is based on the Finnish collective agreement and for a postdoctoral researcher it is on average 3100 -3400€/month. The position is available from 01.11.2021 (starting date can be negotiated) for two years, and depending on project situation there might be a possibility for a continuation.

For questions and informal inquiries, email Dr. Georgi Belogurov at gebelo(at)utu.fi

For practical matters concerning the application process please contact HR Specialist Paula Luoma, paula.luoma(at)utu.fi.

Living in Finland

This position offers a fascinating vantage point in a rapidly developing area of science – so please send your application as soon as possible. We cordially welcome you to our multicultural working community.

We offer solid orientation support if you are arriving in Finland for the first time. Please learn more about the culture and people:

Working culture  https://www.infofinland.fi/en/living-in-finland/work-and-enterprise/finnish-working-culture

This is Finland https://finland.fi/

Welcome to join us!