The person selected for the position is required to have demonstrated a strong track-record in microbial genetics relevant to human health.

Advantages include, but are not limited to:

• Strong experience in genomic data analysis
• Bioinformatics of human-relevant microbes
• Collaborations with Biobanks and/or any national institutes of health
• Ancient DNA research
• Metagenomics
• Empirical microbiome work
• Molecular genetics of microbes
• Using evolutionary approaches
• Next-generation sequencing technologies
• A capacity for cross-disciplinary teamwork

The Department of Biology has excellence in evolutionary health, archeogenetics, and human life history evolution combined in Human Diversity, one of its research profile areas. This position is part of a further investment in this profile area with the main aim to increase expertise in microbial genetics of human health. In particular, we are interested to widen the profiling area into a leading hub in understanding the interplay between microbe evolution, human morbidity and mortality in past and present societies, and their broader effects on human evolution, such as the rise of autoimmune and metabolic diseases. We expect the person selected for this position to further catalyze the internationally unique network between the Faculties of Science, Medicine and Humanities at the University of Turku. Participation in teaching and development of curricula for our degree programs is expected.

In addition to the research merits, we consider applicants’ merits broadly and value, for example, broad academic, professional, and societal networks; societal impact and outreach activities; experience in technology transfer; industrial and entrepreneurial experience; and multidisciplinary collaboration. For all positions, we value an active approach and enthusiasm for teaching, educational development, teaching experience and pedagogical studies, including supervision of undergraduate and post-graduate students.

The applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term associate professorship (tenure track) or to a permanent professor position (Full Professor) depending on their previous academic merits.

• For the position of Associate Professor, we emphasize an international track record of scientific research, teaching experience and societal influence. In addition to these, we value a track record of acquiring external research funding and business collaboration.
• For the position of Full Professor we are looking for experienced and internationally distinguished experts who already have excellent publication production and success in obtaining external funding. 

The person appointed to the position is required to meet the eligibility requirements laid down in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure (section 31).

Who can apply

This position is funded by the Research Council of Finland’s grant for recruiting high-level researchers from outside Finland. Therefore, only applicants who are currently residing and working outside of Finland and have done so for a substantial time can apply. For applicants established in Finland, short-term research visits abroad are not considered as working outside Finland. The recruited person needs to start in the position during 2026.

We value collegiality and promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies