Doctoral Researcher, Photosynthesis at University of Turku, Finland

We are looking for a candidate to undertake a PhD project on the regulatory mechanisms of membrane potential in photosynthetic cells. Photosynthesis is enabled by an electrochemical membrane potential, or proton motive force, which is generated by electron transport reactions in thylakoid membranes. The main focus of the project is on carrying out a fundamental research project with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of how photosynthetic bacteria regulate the proton motive force across their thylakoid membranes. We are also interested in answering how this allows cyanobacteria to survive in changing environments, and in applying this knowledge to optimising solar-powered sustainable biotechnologies.

The project will be carried out at the Molecular Plant Biology unit at University of Turku, Finland, with possible shorter research visits to laboratories abroad, such as Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. The main model organism for the project is the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, with future plans to also work in planta with Arabidopsis thaliana. The candidate will be trained to use state of the art molecular biology techniques for generating novel mutants, spectrophotometric techniques for measuring different processes in photosynthesis, fluorescence microscopy for visualising ion fluxes, and more.

The supervisor for this PhD is Docent Lauri Nikkanen, who leads the Bioenergetics Group in the Molecular Plant Biology unit. Lauri believes in the importance of excellent fundamental research as a driving force for mitigating global problems such as climate change and sees photosynthesis as particularly essential in this process. He leads a research group doing state-of-the-art, high-impact research on photosynthesis alongside an interdisciplinary, global network of collaborators. This PhD is funded as part of a larger project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and the PhD researcher will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher on that project.

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Who we are looking for

  • An MSc in plant science, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, or other relevant field. We may also consider a candidate who is close to completing their Master degree in a relevant field.
  • Previous experience in biological, biochemical, or biophysical research experience, including thesis work, internships, undergraduate projects
  • Excellent spoken and written English.

Any of the following skills are considered an advantage:

  • Experience with photosynthesis measurement techniques (spectroscopy, gas exchange)
  • Experience with electrophysiological techniques (e.g. voltage clamp)
  • Cyanobacterial or algal cell culturing
  • Molecular biology and gene editing skills (e.g. CRISPr)
  • Coding skills (R, Python, LabTalk, or similar)
  • Bioinformatics and statistical skills
  • Experience in scientific writing

The selected person also needs to apply for their study right in a doctoral programme during the next possible application period (Spring 2025). Read more about University of Turku’s Graduate school UTUGS) and its programmes. Until the selected person gets their study right in a doctoral programme, their title will initially be Project Researcher. If the person chosen for the position has not received their MSc certificate before starting this position, the person can be hired for a short period of time with a job title of a Research Assistant.

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.

Benefits

  • Scientific excellence and ambitious research projects
  • Exciting career possibilities and opportunity to influence the development of your own work
  • International research collaboration and networking
  • Flexible work arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance
  • A working culture that emphasises accessibility and equality
  • Versatile training and competence development possibilities
  • 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

The city of Turku, the historical capital of Finland located by an archipelago, hosts three universities. University of Turku is a world leader in photosynthesis research, and we regularly host international conferences, such as the recent EMA2024 congress to honor the lifetime achievements of Academician Eva-Mari Aro. The Molecular Plant Biology unit laboratories are located in the BioCity building in the Kupittaa campus area. Many graduate students choose to live in the nearby TYS Student Village. The University of Turku is an international and multicultural workplace, where the main working language is English. 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

This is a 3-year funded PhD position, with a possibility for an extension. The start date of employment is negotiable, but we would like the candidate to be able to start as soon as possible. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position belongs to our research personnel and the salary for a Doctoral Researcher or a Project Researcher is in the range of 2400-2550€/month and for a Research Assistant (before MSc certificate is received) in the range of 2200 - 2300€/month on average.

How to apply

Please use the online application to send the following documents in English:

1) Letter of motivation for this position and project (max 1 page).

2) CV (max 2 pages).

3) Copy of MSc degree certificate, or expected date of certification.

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 Lauri Nikkanen  lauri.nikkanen(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.

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Doctoral Researcher, Photosynthesis at University of Turku, Finland

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