Our naturally beautiful campus in the Jyväskylä city centre is home to a dynamic multidisciplinary research university – a modern, open and collaborative community of 2,500 experts and 15,000 students seeking answers to the pivotal questions of today and tomorrow. It was here, in 1863, that Finnish-language teacher education began. Since then, the University of Jyväskylä has been serving the future. The dialogue between research, education and society is our driving force. We cherish this balance of research and education, and work to promote open thinking. We kindle the skills, knowledge and passion to live wisely for the best of humanity.

The Department of Biological and Environmental Science is currently seeking to recruit staff to the position of

Postdoctoral Researcher in Cell and Molecular biology starting 1.10.2019 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed term of three (3) years. 

Research of the Department of Biological and Environmental Science is renowned in the University’s denoted core research activity fields of basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking. Areas of research strength in the Department include research evolutionary research and biological nanoscience and research on natural resources and environment. Research in evolutionary ecology and evolutionary genetic is broad-based, with approaches at different levels: from the DNA, through organisms and populations to ecosystems. Researchers working within the field continue a strong tradition of empirical research, using state of the art techniques, to investigate and integrate disparate biological fields.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in the research group of professor Perttu Permi in the Jane and Aatos Erkko foundation funded project "Fight the resistance! Peptidoglycan hydrolases as weapons against resistant Staphylococcus aureus". The focus of the project is to study S. aureuscell wall degrading enzymes. We use various biochemical and biophysical techniques for characterization of the enzyme–cell wall interaction and tackle enzyme regulation. The project aims to develop these enzymes to a high-potency drug and devise tools to interfere with regulation of cell wall remodeling as alternative means to use them as antibiotics.

The duties and qualification requirements and language skills for the position of the Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to have good skills in English language.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic member to our research group. The candidate should have a PhD in molecular microbiology/bacteriology or related fields. The candidate is expected to study the mechanism of peptidoglycan hydrolase regulation and function using advanced genetic approaches. Experience in CRISPR and TraDIS genome editing techniques is considered as an advantage.

The annual salary range will be approximately 38,000 – 55,000 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

A trial period of six months will be used when the position is first filled.

For further information, please contact: Professor Perttu Permi, perttu.permi@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 508 4288.

To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide

Please attach the following documents to the online application form:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering, when possible, the template for a researcher’s curriculum vitae by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. A list of two referees and their contact information must also be included in the CV
2. Short application / motivation letter, including research interests and plan
3. List of publications covering all the scientific and other publications of the applicant
4. Relevant certificates/diplomas

Please submit your application at the latest by 15 September 2019 using the online application form.