PhD-student and post-doctoral positions in cell and structural biology of the actin cytoskeleton

The HiLIFE - Institute of Biotechnology (BI), located in the Viikki science park, is a research institute at University of Helsinki, The institute harbors ~35 research groups and 250 researchers, and it operates at the highest international level.

The ‘Actin-based molecular machines’ group of Academy Professor Pekka Lappalainen is inviting applications for post-doctoral researchers and/or PhD-students in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology. The group is seeking for dedicated and enthusiastic post-doctoral fellows and/or PhD-students to join projects that focus on:

  1. Understanding the mechanisms by which contractile, mechanosensitive actomyosin bundles assemble in human cells
  2. Elucidating functions of the actin cytoskeletons in evolutionarily distant pathogenic unicellular parasites

The post-doctoral applicants should hold PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Strong expertise in protein biochemistry, structural biology, or cell biology is highly beneficial. The PhD-student applicants should obtain MSc or related degree in the molecular biology field latest by the end of year 2021, and have a strong interest to carry out cutting-edge research. The PhD-student will be subsequently enrolled in one of the graduate programs of our university. The positions will provide multiple opportunities for collaborations and laboratory visits abroad. An attitude to carry out ambitious research projects, as well as to learn and apply a wide variety of methodologies and advanced techniques is highly appreciated. The working language of the laboratory is English; knowledge of the Finnish language is not necessary.

The postdoctoral researcher and PhD-student positions are initially limited to 2 and 4 years, respectively, with a possibility of extension. A trial period of 6 months will be applied, and the salaries will be based on the University salary scheme for teaching and research personnel composed of both task specific and personal performance components.

Application should include the following documents as a single pdf file (max 5 pages): CV, list of publications, motivation letter including a description of your research interests, and the names and telephone numbers of at least two referees. Please submit your application, together with the required pdf attachment, through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/open-positions/post-doctoral-researchers-andor-phd-students-in-cell-and-structural-biology). The deadline for the applications is 15th of April, 2021, but the positions will be filled immediately once suitable candidates have been identified.

For informal inquiries, contact ‘pekka.lappalainen(at)helsinki.fi'

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