The University of Helsinki is a vibrant scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. It is currently investing heavily in life sciences research.

The Institute of Biotechnology (BI) (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology) is an international research unit within the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science of the University of Helsinki. The research groups of BI conduct research and develop infrastructures in biotechnology and modern biosciences at the highest international level, actively applying the results for the benefit of society.

The Institute of Biotechnology invites applications from outstanding candidates for the position of GROUP LEADER in the areas of Molecular and Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genomics and Quantitative Biology, Structural Biology, or Plant Biology. The position is initially for five years with a possibility for a 4-year extension at BI based on external evaluation and eventual tenure at a relevant faculty of the University of Helsinki following commendable evaluation. Early career stage researchers are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate has a solid track record including a PhD or equivalent degree, post-doctoral experience in an international setting, and recent demonstration of excellence in research. The candidate is expected to develop an independent externally funded line of research.

We offer an international, inspiring, and supportive research environment, along with excellent research facilities including in-house state-of-the art technologies in imaging, genomics, proteomics, CryoEM, crystallography, and NMR. The successful candidate will also enjoy access to all HiLIFE infrastructure platforms (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science/hilife-res...). The salary is based on the salary system of the Finnish universities for teaching and research personnel, depending on the appointees’ qualifications, career stage and experience. The position also comes with an attractive negotiable 3-5 year startup package.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits, and excellent healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.

The application consists of an online form and a single pdf attachment. On the form, the applicant includes personal information, contact information for three referees, a list of five selected publications describing the key findings, the applicant’s contribution and the number of citations for each of them according to Google Scholar. The attached pdf should include a cover letter describing the motivation to apply for this position (max 1 page), a curriculum vitae (max 2 pages), a full list of publications, a statement of scientific achievements (1 page) and a summary of research plans (2 pages).

Evaluation of applications will be carried out by an Appointment Committee. Short-listed candidates must successfully complete an interview process including a research seminar and evaluation by BI’s Scientific Advisory Board. The interviews are expected to take place on January 9-10th, 2020, and the recruitment to be completed by the end of March 2020.

To apply, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on "Apply for the position". Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through the SAP HR portal. The closing date for submitting applications is November 10th, 2019.

For further information, please visit our website (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology) or contact one of the following for informal inquiries: BI Director Olli Silvennoinen (olli.j.silvennoinen(at)helsinki.fi) or Deputy Director Marja Mikkola (marja.mikkola(at)helsinki.fi). Further information on the recruitment process may be obtained from HR Specialist Anu Roine, anu.roine(at)helsinki.fi. For technical support with the online recruitment system, please, contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.