(1) Postdoc position: Super-Resolution Microscopy and Microbiology
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researchers, who are interested in applying (and possibly developing) super-resolution microscopy and single-particle tracking, to join our research group for an ERC-funded project. The project involves planning and executing experimental work including state-of-the-art microscopy, genetic engineering, RNA-sequencing, data analysis, machine learning, and modelling to unravel how bacteria adapt to different temperatures. Our team will work on multiple topics at the interface of physics, chemistry, and biology: intracellular spatial organization, macromolecular crowding, liquid-liquid phase separation, heat- and cold shock protein dynamics, and gene regulation. The postdoctoral researcher will have a key role in contributing ideas, analyzing and interpreting the findings, and writing up the research, in collaboration with the broader project group.
Selection criteria
A successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent, a strong background in biophysics, microbiology, computational biology, or other relevant fields, and has demonstrated a keen interest in quantitative approaches. Previous experience in ‘wet’ lab work, genetic engineering, microbiology work, advanced microscopy, Python/R/Matlab coding, bioinformatics, or data analysis is considered an advantage. Excellent communication and writing skills in English and ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary international team are expected. The candidate should have previous research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and outstanding organization and time management skills.
Deadline : 3.1.2023
(2) Postdoc Fellowship: Regenerative Agriculture in East Africa
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher, who will be part of the international research team working on Regenerative agricultural systems for climate resilience in agroecological gradient in East Africa (REACT) project funded by Academy of Finland. REACT aims to develop new knowledge on water, soil, biodiversity, and land management to improve resource use efficiency for regenerative smallholder agricultural systems in different agroecological zones in Kenya. We develop research-based measures with local agricultural stakeholders to enhance the climate resilience of cropping systems. The project will contribute to this systemic change by identifying efficient adoptable pathways to improve plant water availability and stable soil organic carbon sequestration for improved water retention in variable conditions. This targets to ensure long term productive and resilient regenerative farming systems for maintaining food security whilst operating within current and future environmental limits under climate change.
The Postdoctoral researcher will be employed for 24 months at the University of Helsinki. In addition to conducting research person will take part in teaching (5% of worktime), which can be also supervision of MSc thesis work.
The objective of the Postdoc project is to quantify crop water stress based on field measurements and evaluate feasible drip-irrigation strategies at smallholder farms in Kenya. You will set up small-scale drip irrigation test sites and analyze drip-irrigated and rainfed agricultural fields using a crop model. University of Helsinki has a research station in the Taita Hills, Kenya (www.helsinki.fi/taita-research-station) which serves as a logistic base for the field studies in the area. The project involves longer working durations in Kenya.
Requirements and eligibility criteria
- PhD in a suitable field, such as agricultural sciences, hydrology, meteorology, geography, or equivalent. Successful candidate is assumed to have previous experience in ecosystem or agricultural modeling.
- Demonstrated capacity in data analysis.
- Experience in carrying out research independently and working in a team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Good time management and project management skills
Deadline : 15.12.2022
(3) Postdoc Fellowship: Regenerative Agriculture in East Africa
We are looking for a highly motivated and multidisciplinary orientated Postdoctoral researcher to join to Agrotechnology group (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/agrotechnology). The position is located at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, at Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.
Description
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher, who will be part of the international research team working on Regenerative agricultural systems for climate resilience in agroecological gradient in East Africa (REACT) project funded by Academy of Finland.
REACT aims to develop new knowledge on water, soil, biodiversity, and land management to improve resource use efficiency for regenerative smallholder agricultural systems in different agroecological zones in Kenya. We develop research-based measures with local agricultural stakeholders to enhance the climate resilience of cropping systems. The project will contribute to this systemic change by identifying efficient adoptable pathways to improve plant water availability and stable soil organic carbon sequestration for improved water retention in variable conditions. This targets to ensure long-term productive and resilient regenerative farming systems for maintaining food security whilst operating within current and future environmental limits under climate change.
The Postdoctoral researcher will be employed for 38 months at the University of Helsinki. In addition to conducting research person will take part in teaching (5% of worktime), which can be also supervision of MSc thesis work.
The objective of the Postdoc project is to examine the effects of cropping, tillage, and water management systems on the dynamics of water balance, crop growth and soil organic carbon. The chosen postdoctoral researcher will participate in field and laboratory measures, data processing and analyses, and preparing the scientific publications. She/he also interacts with local stakeholders to co-create regenerative agricultural systems and disseminate the results. University of Helsinki has a research station in the Taita Hills, Kenya (www.helsinki.fi/taita-research-station) which serves as a logistic base for the field studies in the area. The project involves longer working durations in Kenya.
Deadline : 15.12.2022
(4) Postdoc Fellowship Position: Bioengineering and Stem Cell Biology
We seek postdoctoral researchers to an ERC-funded project probing how the geometry of the niche influences cell fate decisions using bioengineered scaffolds to modify tissue topology. The project involves development of novel research techniques and assays, and will be facilitated by state-of-the art maskless photolithography instrumentation dedicated to the project.
Applicants with a doctoral degree, and a strong background in tissue/bioengineering or biotechnology are encouraged to apply. The position includes research and experimental work as well as setting up, maintaining, and running instruments used to develop 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration and stem cell studies. Experience with cell biology, tissue culture or stem cells is considered a benefit. Candidates are also encouraged to start new projects and research directions. Applicants must be able to work as part of a team as well as independently, have good social skills and communication skills in English.
The appointment will be for 3 years with the possibility of continuation. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. The monthly starting salary will be determined according to the salary system at the employment unit.
Only applications submitted through the official application systems will be considered.
Deadline : 16.12.2022
(5) Postdoc Fellowship Position
You will develop computational tools for analyzing microbiome data and apply these methods for human microbiome data sets. You will work in a project investigating the initial establishment of the gut phage populations and their functions at birth and in infancy. Specific goals include investigations of mother-to-infant phage transmission and phage roles in modulating the natural history of the gut microbial communities through predation, lateral gene transfer and other functions. Method development work could involve (but is not limited to) assembly-based quantification and characterization of bacteriophages with Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, tracking horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and bacterial communities, community gene expression analysis (metatranscriptomics) or multi-view data integration (metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, metabolomic and other data). You will work in a diverse team with wetlab scientists and clinicians to answer concrete biological questions and to create solutions for future healthcare and clinical work. There are possibilities to extend this work to understand phage roles in fecal microbiome transplants and (gut) microbial ecology in general. The balance between method development, analysis of existing and new data sets, manuscript writing, and other tasks can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Deadline : 9.12.2022
