Doctoral Researcher, Molecular Plant Biology Unit in Turku Finland

We are looking for a candidate to undertake a PhD on regulatory mechanisms of electron transfer in photosynthetic bacteria. Cyanobacteria export electrons predominantly derived from photosynthesis to their extracellular environment under illumination, a process known as exoelectrogenesis. The main focus of the PhD project is on carrying out fundamental research with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of how photosynthetic bacteria regulate the extracellular electron transfer across their cell boundaries. We are also interested in answering how this allows cyanobacteria to modulate exoelectrogenesis in changing environments, including the role of circadian rhythms in regulating these processes over the day/night cycle, and in applying this knowledge to optimising sustainable biotechnologies.

The project will be carried out at the Molecular Plant Biology unit in the Department of Life Technologies at University of Turku, Finland, with possible shorter research visits to laboratories abroad, such as University of Freiburg, Germany. The main model organism for the project is the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The candidate will be trained to use state of the art spectrophotometric techniques for measuring different processes in photosynthesis, electrochemistry techniques for measuring exoelectrogenesis, fluorescence and scanning electrochemical microscopy techniques for visualizing electron transfer processes in biofilms, and more.

The supervisor for this PhD is Dr Laura Wey, who leads the new Bioelectricity Group/Wey Group in the Molecular Plant Biology unit, funded by an Emerging Investigator grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and an Academy Research Fellowship from the Research Council of Finland. 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.

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Who we are looking for

Expected qualifications

  • 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 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:

  • Cyanobacterial or algal cell culturing
  • Experience with photosynthesis measurement techniques (spectroscopy, gas exchange)
  • Experience with microscopy techniques 
  • Molecular biology and gene editing skills  
  • Coding skills (R, or similar)

The selected person also needs to apply for their study right in a doctoral programme during the next possible application period (Spring 2026). 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 job title will be 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.

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

Benefits

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

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:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

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 after 1 October 2025. 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 2500-2600€/month and for a Research Assistant (before MSc certificate is received) in the range of 2280 - 2360€/month on average.

Turku

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.

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 in English or in Finnish, or a copy of your study register and an expected date of certification.

In case your original degree certificate has some other language, you need to send us at the end of the recruitement process an official translation into English, by your own cost.

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

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 (on holiday 7.7.2025 – 31.7.2025).

University of Turku

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, Molecular Plant Biology Unit in Turku Finland

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