Doctoral Researcher: Gut microbiome metabolism and molecular mechanisms mediating gut microbiome-host interactions?
A 3-year Doctoral Researcher position is available at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in the group of Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen. The Doctoral Researcher will work in an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of the gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in birds within and across generations, and species. Starting date is April 1, 2026 or as mutually agreed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
All animals on our planet carry microorganisms in their gut. The gut microbiome has recently been shown to be strongly linked to health in humans and model animals, and potentially playing a role in adapting to environmental changes. For example, studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms, and our own data on wild birds suggest that the microbiome changes with temperature, and there is proof-of-concept data that this compositional shift in the microbiome occurs as an adaptive response to cold exposure, leading to changes in thermal physiology. However, most data up to date only considers the identities of gut microbes, not their functions and therefore the underlying molecular mechanisms of the microbiome-host communication are less understood. In this project the student will study the functional changes in gut microbiome in response to environmental and host physiological changes, aiming to shed light on the molecular mechanisms mediating host-microbiome interactions. One focus is on metabolomics profiles, and the student is also developing novel measurements on bacterial vesicles and their content in birds. Lots of samples have already been collected from previous experiments, but the student is expected also to contribute to sample and data collection using Japanese quail animal models.
DUTIES
The doctoral researcher position will involve laboratory analyses (most likely metabolomics, bacterial vesicles), conducting data and sample collection on Japanese quails, data analyses, and manuscript preparation and presentations. The exact questions can be tailored following interests of the candidate.
Who we are looking for
- Suitable candidates should have a MSc in cellular or molecular biology, microbiology, or related field by the time of starting the position
- The candidate should have strong laboratory skills, some experience in statistics and bioinformatics and interest in host-microbiome research
- We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, productive person, who will contribute intellectually to project development.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application process at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science if they do not already have them.
Benefits
- Funding for 3 years in the doctoral program of the University of Jyväskylä.
- Supervision in all aspects of the work, possibility to join workshops to improve specific skills
- International, enthusiastic working environment (working language is English) in a friendly research group with a large collaborator network.
- Excellent research infrastructure at Jyväskylä (incl Konnevesi research station), labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, software, access to journals and scientific databases.
- Resources for travel to conferences or workshops abroad.
The Doctoral Researcher will be supervised by Associate Prof. Suvi Ruuskanen, Dr. Lisandrina Mari and Prof Phill Watts (University of Jyväskylä), and for example with collaborating with Justus Reunanen (University of Oulu).
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The initial annual salary will be approximately 31,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A two-page long Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
- Max 2-page motivation letter including a statement of research interests and reasons for applying
- Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the MSc)
- A numbered list of publications, if any
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by December 20, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen, suvi.k.ruuskanen@jyu.fi.
The Environmental Physiology lab (Environmental Physiology Lab | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi), led by Suvi Ruuskanen, research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, behavioural and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include, for example, physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. We also have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
