Project Researcher - Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation in the Major Human Pathogen Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a major human fungal pathogen of urgent global concern, especially as antifungal resistance rises and treatment options remain limited. Despite its clinical significance, key aspects of its molecular biology remain poorly understood, posing a major challenge to identifying new drug targets and developing effective therapies. Turtola lab (https://sites.utu.fi/turtolalab/), based in University of Turku, Finland, addresses these challenges by combining biochemical and molecular cell biology approaches to investigate fungal-specific gene expression pathways. Our mechanistic insights form the basis for exploring novel antifungal strategies together with our collaborators.

In this project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, you will be investigating the mechanism of mRNA 3’end polyadenylation in Candida albicans. The work will involve microbiological methods, CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses, and can be extended to biochemical and functional characterization of RNA processing in vivo and in vitro.

The starting time for the position will be 1.1.2026, or upon mutual agreement and the contract duration will be until 31.8.2027. From the Project Researcher position, it is possible to apply for a Doctoral Researcher position, presuming that the applicant meets the admission criteria of the doctoral programme as well as the other requirements of the position. Read more about the Doctoral Programme in Technology at the University of Turku: https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs/dpt/admission.

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Who we are looking for

Requirements

The qualification requirements of the relevant positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of Project Researcher is required to have:

-MSc or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related field. Candidates that are close to finishing their studies can also be considered; in this case the job title will be Research assistant. In this case, the duration of the contract is 6 months. If the relevant degree is obtained within these 6 months, the contract will be upgraded to the correct title with the appropriate change in salary. 

-Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated lab experience in microbiological techniques and/or first-hand experience in next-generation sequencing (library preparation, data analysis, programming). Candidates with experience in molecular biology and biochemistry are also encouraged to apply.

-Strong aptitude for experimental design, quick learning of new techniques, and ability to carry projects to completion.

-Fluent English (spoken and written) is essential.

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

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

  • Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
  • Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
  • We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. You also have access to long annual leaves.
  • An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel, which consists of a requirement level and a personal performance percentage. For a Project Researcher, the requirement level is at level 2-3 depending on qualifications and previous experience. Including the personal percentage, the total salary will be approximately 2500-2750 €/month in the beginning of the employment relationship. If a research assistant is hired to this position, the requirement level is 1 and the starting salary will be approx. 2300 €/month. The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.

The position is subject to a trial period of six (6) months, for a research assistant position the trial period is three (3) months.

Ready to apply?

Applications must be submitted by 26th of October 2025 (16:00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies. The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). Applications should be submitted in English and they should include:

(1)   Letter of motivation

(2)   CV

(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts

(4)   Contact details of at least two referees

Further information

For additional information, kindly contact Academy Research Fellow Matti Turtola matti.turtola(at)utu.fi.

For questions related to the application process, contact HR specialist Janna Salminen (jansaly(at)utu.fi).

Department of Life Technologies

The Department of Life Technologies is one of the largest teaching and research units at the University of Turku. Professionals of both science and technology are educated in four mutually supportive fields: biochemistry, biotechnology, food sciences, and molecular plant biology. The research focuses on biomolecules and their reactions as well as aims to find out how nature functions at the cellular and molecular levels. This information is used in the applications of different fields and at the same time it enables versatile collaboration between research communities, businesses and industry.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

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.

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Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, 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.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

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Project Researcher - Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation in the Major Human Pathogen Candida albicans

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