Technical Assistant, Konnevesi Research Station
We are looking for a technical assistant for a fixed-term position of 1.5 years starting on February 1, 2026, to join Assistant Professor Suvi Ruuskanen's research group at the Konnevesi Research Station of the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä. The position is part-time (80% of full-time hours). The position is related to an ERC-funded project investigating the role of genetic background and gut microbiome in cold tolerance in birds. Several generations of Japanese quails will be bred for the research.
The technical assistant is responsible for the daily maintenance and breeding of Japanese quails at Konnevesi research station. This includes rearing, breeding, marking, health monitoring, feeding and cleaning, associated record and data management and other associated tasks. The tasks also include assisting researchers with experiments, sampling and measurements and the assistant will also contribute to training visiting students in the maintenance tasks. If time permits, the technical assistant will also help with other supporting tasks for example in our other passerine bird research at Konnevesi or Jyväskylä.
Who we are looking for
- Suitable candidates should have some background in animal care, and suitable education.
- Experience in working with birds is considered a strength
- We are seeking a highly motivated, independent person with good problem-solving and management skills.
- The working language in the research group is English. Good communication skills and fluent English language are needed
A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
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. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a technical assistant is determined based on the task-specific demand level 3-4 of the university salary system for other expert and support service staff. The salary range will be approximately 1800 - 2000 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae (CV).
- A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages).
- Any other attachment which the applicant wants to show their suitability and qualification to the position.
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by November 30, 2025. Applications sent via emails are not considered.
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen, suvi.k.ruuskanen@jyu.fi.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
A personal security clearance may be conducted on the selected candidate with their consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More information about the security clearance process and the rights of the subject can be found here.
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, evolutionary 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.
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.
