Postdoctoral Researcher and Doctoral Student positions are available in the laboratory of Eija Jokitalo at the Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki.

The aim of the project is to increase understanding of the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functioning and participation in organelle communication, and to reveal the connection of ER (dys)functioning and diseases, e.g. diabetes or Parkinson’s Disease. We will utilize the latest technological development in imaging of organelles, cells and tissue to characterize ER structure under physiological or pathological conditions such as ER stress, and during differentiation processes where cells adopt specialized functions.

The successful postdoctoral applicants will have at least one first authorship publication and a MD/PhD degree in a relevant field of life sciences and background in cell and molecular biology and/or biological imaging.

For the doctoral student position, we invite applications from enthusiastic and motivated students with a M.Sc. degree in biology, biochemistry or biological imaging. Previous experience in cell biology and light microscopy and hands on experience in working with cultured mammalian cells are advantageous.

In both positions, excellent communication skills in English and ability to work in the international team setting are expected.

The salaries will be based on the University salary system and depend upon the applicant's level of prior experience and skillset. The appointment of post doctoral researcher is for 2 years with a possibility of extension. Both positions are funded by the Academy of Finland research grant and will start as soon as the suitable candidates are identified. A trial period of 6 months will be applied.

The Institute of Biotechnology is a research institute at University of Helsinki, located in the Viikki science park. The institute harbors ~35 research groups and 250 researchers, and it operates at the highest international level. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology.

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the button “Apply for the position” ("Hae työpaikkaa"). Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki should submit their application via SAP HR-portal. You may fill in only the mandatory fields (*),in the Recruitment System, and include as an attachment a single PDF file containing a detailed CV, motivation letter (1 page), contact information of at least two referees, and other possible documents attesting to your competence for the position. You will receive an automatic confirmation email when you have successfully submitted your application.

The due date for the applications is 31.10.2021. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Informal inquiries should be sent to eija.jokitalo@helsinki.fi

Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is a new institute established in 2017 that supports high quality life science research across the University campuses and faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths and new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for researchers to solve grand challenges in health, food, and environment. HiLIFE coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences and provides research-based interdisciplinary training.

The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.