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

We are looking for a Doctoral Researcher in the field of cellular and molecular biology. The position is full-time and will be filled for a fixed-term period of three years. The workplace is located at Kauppi Kampus, Tampere Univresity. 

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) is dedicated to pursuing world-class research and delivering high-quality education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine and health technology. We conduct internationally acclaimed basic and applied research. 

We are inviting applications to join a Research Council of Finland-funded project that investigates the function and organization of cellular energy systems in mitochondria, and how these systems vary between species. The project integrates ecology with cell and molecular biology, using cells from two closely related hare species (Lepus timidus and Lepus europaeus) and humans to study metabolic adaptation to challenging environments.

The research aims to contribute to our understanding of ecological resilience and the potential effects of climate change on cold-adapted animals. It may also offer insights into human metabolic processes relevant to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher to join a project investigating metabolic adaptation in cell models from cold- and temperate-adapted species, with a particular focus on alternative mitochondrial electron transfer pathways.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments both independently and in collaboration with other team members. The work will combine molecular biology and cell culture techniques, including flow cytometry, imaging, high-resolution respirometry, and the analysis of metabolomics, lipidomics, and RNA-seq data.

The candidate is expected to analyze data, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars, and contribute to teaching and mentoring activities.

The work will be supervised by Dr Sina Saari (TUNI) and conducted in collaboration with Dr Eric Dufour (TUNI) and Prof Jaakko Pohjoismäki at University of Eastern Finland.

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the duties of a doctoral researcher may include participation in education or other faculty tasks that support your studies.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field, completed by the time of application
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Experience in laboratory work
• Experience with cell culture is an asset but not essential
• Strong motivation to pursue high-level research and complete a PhD

Successful candidates must be pursuing or should be accepted to study towards a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Medicine, Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

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

We offer

The planned starting date is December 1st 2025, or as mutually agreed.  The position is full-time, and it will be filled for a fixed-term period of three years. A trial period of 6 months applies to all new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2700-2900 EUR per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.  

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active, and truly multidisciplinary research community. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality education.

At the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. We offer a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, supported by mentoring and structured training opportunities. You will also be enrolled in a doctoral program, providing a comprehensive and supportive framework for completing your PhD.

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. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through the Tampere University´s online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 18th of September, 2025 (at 23:59 EEST / UTC+3). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees).
• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 page)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• PDF copies of your Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records in original language. If original language is other than Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages.

For further information, please contact:

Academy Research Fellow Sina Saari, sina.saari@tuni.fi

For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR Specialist Lilli Sarasvirta, lilli.sarasvirta@tuni.fi

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Haemme Väitöskirjatutkijaa, alana solu- ja molekyylibiologia

Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunnan Biotieteet -yksikössä on auki väitöskirjatutkijan (solu- ja molekyylibiologia) tehtävä. Tehtävä on kokoaikainen ja se täytetään kolmen vuoden määräajaksi.  

Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekuntamme on monialainen biolääketieteen tekniikan, bioteknologian, lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tutkimuksen ja opetuksen korkeatasoinen yksikkö. Teemme kansainvälisesti merkittävää perus- ja soveltavaa tutkimusta.

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 18.9.2025 klo 23.59.