Doctoral Researcher (Computational Biophysics) / Väitöskirjatutkija (Laskennallinen biofysiikka)

Today

Posted: Today

Tampere University

Company: Tampere University

Sept. 15, 2025

Due date: Sept. 15, 2025

Tampere

Location: Tampere

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Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The newly established BioInterfaces group at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences uses molecular dynamics simulations to tackle a diverse set of questions related to biological interfaces. The group is currently looking for a doctoral researcher to conduct pioneering research in the field of protein-based foams.

Job description

The group recently obtained proof-of-concept funding for the optimization of protein-based liquid foams using a combination of computational and experimental approaches. The multidisciplinary framework with national and international collaborators is used to build a molecular model for the organization of proteins at the air–liquid interface in the foam. Next, this knowledge is used to design point mutations which would alter the properties of the foam. These designed protein variants are then produced by the collaborating team at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, followed by experimental validation of their performance.

Your tasks will involve performing and analyzing simulations, participating in manuscript preparation, and disseminating the findings at meetings and conferences. You might also contribute to the teaching activity of the unit. You will work together with a postdoctoral research fellow who is recruited to coordinate the project.

Requirements

You should have a MSc degree in a physics, chemistry, biosciences, or a related subject area, preferably with some background in molecular dynamics simulations (e.g., GROMACS) and at least basic knowledge of programming (e.g., Python). The demonstrated ability to develop simulation or analysis tools, to use AI tools to predict the conformational ensembles of proteins, or to apply machine learning methods to simulation data are considered major advantages. You should be fluent in spoken and written English.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/ Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position offers an outstanding opportunity to participate in the development of a unique research idea towards applications and establish a new line of multidisciplinary research. The project is supported by a network of experimental collaborators as well as the protein services team at VTT.

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2 years, starting in the spring of 2026, although the start date is flexible and negotiable. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees. Notably, in case the proof-of-concept phase of the project is successful, extensions to the project are possible either within academia or through commercialization efforts (such as research to business funding).

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. A typical starting salary of doctoral researcher is around 2800 EUR/month.

The BioInterfaces group is part of the Computational physics laboratory, which hosts 8 active research groups covering topics in biophysics, quantum matter, complex systems, novel materials, nanostructures, electronic structure and interdisciplinary challenges in medical technologies and physiology. The BioInterfaces group collaborates with numerous computational and experimental groups nationally and internationally. The group has access to the exceptional computational resources hosted by CSC–IT Center of Science in Finland.

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.