We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to model gut microbiome metabolism in in vitro fermentations of plant-based protein-rich foods. The project will explore how gut microbiome produces harmful or health-supporting metabolites from processed plant-based products (e.g. oatmeal, tofu, protein concentrate preparations).
The research is led by Matti Ruuskanen, PhD, Docent in Microbiology, who works as a University Lecturer in the Food Sciences Unit at the Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku. The project is funded by the Sakari Alhopuro Foundation and is carried out in close collaboration with Professor Kati Hanhineva's research group. The research uses data collected in the previous Newplant project funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.
Ruuskanen has previously investigated the connections between gut and skin microbiota and human health and chronic diseases and has developed methods for microbiome data science and bioinformatics. The postdoctoral researcher to be hired will also work as part of Prof. Kati Hanhineva's research group, who is specialized in metabolomics research and the study of health effects of food. During the work, a wide national and international researcher network can also be utilized, for example through the COST Action InfoGUT project (https://infogut.eu/).
• PI's UTU profile: https://www.utu.fi/en/people/matti-ruuskanen
• PI's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=anXmb6IAAAAJ
• Prof. Kati Hanhineva's group website: https://hanhinevalab.utu.fi/
Who we are looking for
Expected qualifications:
- Doctoral degree in microbiology, data science, bioinformatics, computer science, or a similar field
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
- Programming skills (e.g. R, Python, bash)
- Significant experience in microbiome, metagenomics, or bioinformatics research in an HPC environment (e.g. CSC)
- Strong scientific writing skills
- Proficiency in statistical or other multivariate methods, as well as data visualization
Additional qualifications:
- Expertise in multiomics and metabolic modeling (e.g. gapsec, MICOM)
- Strong publication history
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- Experience in supervising students
The eligibility requirements are defined in the University of Turku Administrative Regulations: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation
The selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable applicant for the position. In practice, this means that in addition to education, publications and work experience, personal qualities, communication skills, motivation and other essential factors are also considered.
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
- Flexible work arrangements and a good work-life balance
- A work culture that emphasizes accessibility and equality
- International research collaboration and networking opportunities
- Career and development opportunities and the opportunity to influence one's own work
- Diverse training and competence development opportunities
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
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Duration of employment, salary and trial period
The employment relationship can start on September 1st 2026 or according to the agreement with the researcher. The employment relationship of the postdoctoral researcher is fixed-term until Agust 31st 2026. The position has a probationary period. The salary is determined according to the collective agreement of the universities. The researcher will be working as a part of the teaching and research staff and the starting salary is on average 3600–3750 euros per month.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 3 August, 2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Send the following documents in English:
- A motivation letter with a brief presentation of your skills in relation to the above requirements (max 1 page)
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Degree certificates. If the certificate is not in Finnish or English, an official English translation is required.
- Contact information for two referees (name, workplace and email)
- Any other documents that demonstrate the applicant's qualifications and suitability for the position
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: PI Matti Ruuskanen: matti.ruuskanen(at)utu.fi.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Paula Luoma: paula.luoma(at)utu.fi.
