The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku is inviting applications for a 2-year doctoral researcher/project researcher position at the Department of Biology. The employment will begin on 1 September 2026 or as agreed.

The tick research group at the University of Turku (www.puutiaiset.fi) has been studying the biology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of public health importance for nearly fifteen years. As part of this work, the first laboratory population of ticks in the Nordic countries was established at the University of Turku in 2023. The recruited doctoral researcher will participate in a Research Council of Finland-funded project investigating changes in tick gene expression caused by Borrelia infection and parasitism by the tick wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri.

Job description

The doctoral project will consist of sub-studies examining what kinds of changes are induced in ticks by different Borrelia bacteria causing Lyme disease, as well as by parasitism by I. hookeri, in both sheep ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and taiga ticks (I. persulcatus). Duties include in vitro feeding of ticks, maintaining tick populations, infecting ticks with Borrelia bacteria, and exposing them to parasitism by I. hookeri. After feeding and treatments, RNA will be extracted from samples, and transcriptome-level changes will be studied using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. The work is done in cooperation with members from the multidisciplinary Tick-borne Diseases Turku -consortium (https://sites.utu.fi/tbdturku/).

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a person who is not afraid to work with ticks and is aiming to complete a doctoral degree. The applicant should be motivated and interested in learning and/or deepening their expertise in RNA work and bioinformatics required for transcriptomics research. Previous experience in bioinformatics and molecular genetic laboratory work is considered an advantage, especially direct experience in gene expression or transcriptomics studies.

As a doctoral researcher, the applicant is also expected to participate in supervising potential master’s theses and preparing grant applications. The applicant will work in an international research group, and therefore good oral and written skills in English are required. Feeding ticks requires working with sheep (or possibly cattle) blood, so the ability to work with it is essential for performing the duties.

A Master’s degree (MSc) in a relevant field, completed before the application deadline, is required for the position.

Selection will be based on identifying the most qualified and suitable applicant, with particular emphasis on research potential, motivation, and personal suitability for the role. Eligibility requirements are defined in the University of Turku regulations.

The initial job title will be determined based on the candidate’s study rights: candidates who already hold the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Turku may be appointed as Doctoral Researchers, while others will be appointed as Project Researchers and are expected to apply for the study right in the next available call to the Doctoral Programme in Biology, Geography, and Geology, How to apply for the doctoral degree study right at the Faculty of Science.

Read more about the University of Turku's doctoral programmes and how to apply for study rights Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku

The qualification requirements for doctoral researchers/ project researchers are set in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure

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