Postdoctoral Researcher in Biochemistry

Faculty of Technology’s Department of Life Technologies is currently looking for one Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Biochemistry. The starting time for this full-time fixed-term position is 1.6.2026, and the contract duration will be until the end of the Novo Nordisk Foundation project 31.12.2028.

The work is related to the production of bioactive microbial polyketide natural products in Escherichia coli. The subproject focuses on production of (i) decaketides through engineering of minimal polyketide synthase enzyme complexes and (ii) discovery of novel biosynthetic gene clusters that can be utilized for production of decaketide and dodecaketide natural products in gram-negative bacteria.  

Who we are looking for

Requirements

Knowledge in enzymology, structural biology and protein engineering are essential. Expertise in genome mining, molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters is required. Expertise in natural product chemistry and analysis of molecules (e.g. extraction and HPLC analysis) is a pre-requisite.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required.

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

Apply between and

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.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employer 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. 

 

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will at the beginning of the employment be for a Postdoctoral researcher approximately 3600 €/month. A trial period of six months is applied.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 25.2.2026 (16:00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://intranet.utu.fi/en/news/open-vacancies.

Applications should include a CV, degree certificate and a list of publications.

Further information

For further information about the position contact Prof. Mikko Metsä-Ketelä (mianme(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.

See our open vacancies

HR Excellence in Research Logo

Homepage LinkedIn Facebook Youtube Instagram

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.

Instructions for submitting a job application

Logo

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biochemistry

Are you sure you want to withdraw this application?

Back to form
Saving changes
Saved!