The University of Helsinki is a leading Nordic university with a strong life science research. An international academic community with a critical outlook and a creative attitude is aiming to build a better future together.

Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science, is a new life science institute at the University of Helsinki established in 2017 supporting high quality research across campuses and life science faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths, new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for solving grand challenges in health, food, and environment. It coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences, provides research-based interdisciplinary training and supports researchers within its units and partner faculties.

HiLIFE operates mainly in the campuses of Meilahti and Viikki. In Meilahti, top-notch medical research, education and care meet daily to benefit of the patients and the entire society. Meilahti provides access to state of the art core facilities for imaging, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, as well as bioinformatics. It is also home to the Faculty of Medicine https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine and the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) https://www.hus.fi/en/Pages/default.aspx which makes it an interactive research community with interests in a broad range of topics from fundamental biological research to clinical applications.

The group of Leah Biggs will open in September 2020 at the HiLIFE Meilahti campus and is looking for outstanding candidates for a

PhD Student/Research Assistant in stem cell niche and cell mechanics research

The successful candidate will join a young and dynamic research team in the investigation of stem cell fate acquisition and regulation in tissue morphogenesis and maintenance. We utilize a wide range of techniques, including mouse genetics, organoid technology, cell biology, live cell imaging, in silico modeling, mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing to study the critical role of the stem cell niche in regulating stem cell fate and homeostasis (see e.g., Nava, Miroshnikova, et al. 2020 Cell; Binder, et al. 2019 Sci Rep; Biggs, Makela, et al. 2018 eLife).

The research assistant applicant is required to have a background in biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related field; PhD Student applicant must hold a masters degree in one of the same fields. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are a must. Experience in one of the following methodologies: genetics, cell biology, or confocal imaging is an advantage.

The positions are for a fully funded degree. A trial period of six months will apply.

Starting date will be September 1, 2020 or later. Applications are welcomed as soon as possible - the call will be open until Monday, August 3rd, 2020, or until a hiring decision is made. Be sure to submit your application as soon as possible; we will start going through the applications right away.

To apply, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for job. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP HR portal. Upload a single pdf-file containing a one-page letter with a personal statement outlining your research interests and relevant work experience, your CV and bibliography, contact information for 2-3 references.

Informal inquiries are very welcome and should be sent to leah.biggs@helsinki.fi. Further information on the recruitment process (incl. the recruitment system) can be obtained from HR Specialist Anu Roine (anu.roine@helsinki.fi).

Due date

03.08.2020 23:59 EEST