Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Plant Biology Unit, University of Turku

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join us.

The principal investigator, Dr. Laura T. Wey, leads a new research group in the Molecular Plant Biology unit, in the Department of Life Technologies at the University of Turku, Finland, funded by an Emerging Investigator grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Wey Group conducts high-impact plant science research on a variety of aspects of bioelectricity as part of an interdisciplinary, global network. Dr. Wey emphasises the power of fundamental research to address global challenges such as climate change, and sees photosynthesis as particularly essential in this process.

The job role of this Postdoctoral Researcher is to investigate cell metabolism during extracellular electron transfer in photosynthetic bacteria and their biotechnological applications.

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Who we are looking for

Competence requirements

  • A PhD or DSc in plant science, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, or other relevant field
  • Excellent spoken and written English
  • Significant experience in biological, biochemical, or biophysical research
  • Strong academic writing skills
  • Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and visualization of data

Any of the following skills are considered an advantage:

  • Cyanobacterial cell culturing
  • Omics approaches and high-throughput data analysis
  • Photosynthesis measurement techniques (spectroscopy, gas exchange)
  • Coding skills (R, Python, LabTalk, or similar)
  • Molecular biology and gene editing skills (e.g. CRISPr)
  • A strong publication record
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams
  • Experience in mentoring or supervising students

The qualifications for the positions are specified in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation

Our selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the job. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication, motivation, and other relevant criteria will be considered.The eligibility requirements for the position must be fulfulled by the end of the application period for the position.We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

  • Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for photosynthesis research (PHOTOSYN: https://sites.utu.fi/photosyn)
  • Dynamic and stimulating research environment in a new group in one of the leading photosynthesis research laboratories in the world (https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-technology/life-technologies/research/molecular-plant-biology)
  • Flexible work arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance
  • A working culture that emphasises accessibility and equality
  • International research collaboration and networking
  • Exciting career possibilities and opportunity to influence the development of your own work
  • Versatile training and competence development possibilities

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 logo. The logo 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:

Salary and trial period

The start date of employment can be on 01.8.2025 , and is negotiable. The contract for a Postdoctoral Researcher is fixed-term for 8 months with a possibility for an extension with a new project starting in April 2026. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish universities. This position belongs to our research personnel and the salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 3500 – 3650 euros/month  in average.

How to apply

Please send the following documents in English :

1) Letter of motivation, including a brief introduction of your expertise in relation to the requirement points above (max 1 page).

2)  CV (max 2 pages).

3) Copies of diplomas. If the certificate is not in Finnish or English, an official English translation is required.

4) Contact details of three referees, e.g. prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with you and your work (name, work place, and email).

5) Possible other documents showcasing the candidate’s merits and suitableness for the position.

For further information about the position, please contact PI Laura Wey  laura.wey(at)utu.fi. If you need help with the application process, please contact HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(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 professionals 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

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Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Plant Biology Unit, University of Turku

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