Doctoral Researcher / Project researcher in Experimental Evolution of Host–Microbiota Interactions

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a doctoral researcher / project researcher position at the Department of Biology. The position is fully funded 4-years. Employment begins 1.10.2025, or upon agreement.

The researcher will participate in project “Host–microbiota coevolution under fluctuating temperatures”, which is led by Dr. Anni Hämäläinen and funded by the Research Council of Finland. The researcher will be based at the University of Turku and supervised by Dr. Hämäläinen, Dr. Johannes Cairns, and Prof. Teppo Hiltunen.

The project investigates how climate change-driven temperature fluctuations influence the evolution of host–microbiota interactions using a Drosophila model system.

Job description

The doctoral researcher / project researcher will focus on:

  • Experimental evolution of bacteria
  • Microbiota transplantation experiments
  • Molecular and metabolomic analyses in collaboration with international partners
  • Participation in maintaining and phenotyping Drosophila flies.

The researcher will additionally write scientific manuscripts about their results for publication in international peer-reviewed journals. The position offers opportunities to attend conferences and carry out research visits abroad.

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Who we are looking for

Requirements

  • MSc in microbiology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, or a related field. Applicants must have completed their MSc degree before the application deadline.
  • A strong understanding of evolutionary ecology, or a genuine interest in building expertise in the topic, is essential in this position. Experience with microbial culturing and molecular techniques is necessary. Experience with bioinformatics, statistical analyses, programming, and Drosophila work are considered assets.
  • Strong motivation, independence, and teamwork skills
  • Excellent written and spoken English

The selection criteria are based on finding the most qualified and suitable candidate, including emphasis on the research potential of the applicant, as well as motivation and personal suitability 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.

To be eligible for the position of doctoral researcher, you must have a study right for doctoral studies from the University of Turku. If the successful candidate does not hold a study right from the University of Turku before the application deadline, the position will initially be filled as a project researcher and the successful candidate will be expected to apply for the right to study in the next possible postgraduate search. 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 are set in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure

Benefits

We Offer

  • A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations
  • Opportunities for research visits and conference participation
  • Competitive salary and benefits according to Finnish standards

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 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. 

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 salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be based on demand levels 2-4, 2281,48-2844,66€ month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid.  For a doctoral researcher / project researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will be approximately 2600 - 2700 €/month at the beginning of the employment.

There is a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Thursday 28.8.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applications must be in English and include:

  • Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
  • CV (max. 2 pages)
  • List of publications (if applicable)
  • Degree certificates
  • Contact details of at least two referees (affiliation and email)

Other documents showcasing the candidate’s merits and suitableness for the position can be submitted as 'Other attachment' in the online recruitment portal.

Further information

For more information about the position, contact the PI Dr. Anni Hämäläinen: anni.hamalainen(at)utu.fi

For questions about the recruitment process, contact HR Specialist Kaisa Ketomäki: kaisa.ketomaki(at)utu.fi

Department of Biology

In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

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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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.

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Doctoral Researcher / Project researcher in Experimental Evolution of Host–Microbiota Interactions

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