Postdoctoral and Doctoral Researcher positions open in Plant Developmental Biology

Doctoral researcher and post doc positions are available in the research group led by Academy Professor Ari Pekka Mähönen at Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Vascular cambium produces secondary xylem (wood) and phloem. The goal of the group is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and intercellular dynamics underlying bidirectional cell production by vascular cambium stem cells. We are utilizing lineage tracing techniques, molecular genetics, proteomics, advanced microscopy and genomics as approaches to study the cambial cells in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, and recently also in hybrid aspen and in silver birch.

We are seeking postdoctoral researcher(s) and PhD student(s) to carry out Research Council of Finland–funded Academy Professor projects on stem cell fate decisions in Arabidopsis, birch, and aspen cambia, as well as a Novo Nordisk Foundation–funded project on wood tissue patterning in birch and aspen. More information available in the lab website.

The topics of research projects will be discussed in detail during the interview of the selected candidates.

Applicants with strong background in developmental genetics, plant molecular biology, biochemistry/proteomics, tree physiology and/or cell biology are encouraged to apply. Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English are required. Postdocs are also encouraged to develop their own research lines.

What we offer

• A fixed term position for maximum duration of 4 years for doctoral researchers, and 3-5 years for post-doctoral researchers, both with a 6-month trial period
• A collaborative, innovative and inclusive work environment
• Performance based salary (job demands level 2-4 for doctoral researchers, level 5 for post-doctoral researchers, according to the collective-agreement for Universities), 5-7 weeks of annual leave, flexible working hours
• Occupational health care, access to high quality sports facilities and language classes
• World-leading scientific community within plant sciences and the life sciences in general.
  
  

The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is considered one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in Europe. The Viikki campus, which houses the Mähönen lab and represents a major bioscience hub in Europe, comprises four faculties along with research institutes and extensive core facilities.

How to apply

Please submit your application in single pdf, which includes the following documents in English. Please name the pdf with the position you are applying to.

• A short cover letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified, max 1 page.
• A CV with full contact details, education degrees obtained and prior work experience (max 2 pages), and a publication list (no page limit)
• Names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request.

Candidates are required to submit their applications via the University of Helsinki's electronic recruitment system. Please note that the recruitement system might in addition to the requested application pdf, require you to also submit your CV separately. To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply for the position" option. Internal applicants are required to submit their applications via the SAP Fiori portal.

The position is open until February 15, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Further information

For additional information regarding the positions, please contact Academy Professor Ari Pekka Mähönen, (aripekka@mahonen@helsinki.fi) 

For technical support regarding the recruitment system, please, contact (rekrytointi@helsinki.fi)