The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

The Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (OEB) of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences comprises roughly 40 research groups which employ 40 principal investigators and 120 researchers. The research programme is situated in the Viikki science park.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

in translational plant science for a fixed term of three years, including a trial period of six months. The post doc position is part of a collaborative project “Personalize your food! - Local and sustainable production of kale with increased nutritional value” funded by Novo Nordisk Fonden project grant for plant science, agriculture, and food biotechnology. PIs of the project are Assoc. Prof. Saijaliisa Kangasjärvi, University of Helsinki and Prof. Meike Burow, University of Copenhagen. The starting date is 1.7.2021.

The project aims to translate basic knowledge from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to practical applications on edible plants. We will increase the knowledge on Arabidopsis accessions and kale varieties and their performance under contrasting light regimes, and identify the underlying gene regulatory networks. With this we aim to develop means for non-invasive biotechnological manipulation of foliar chemical composition and growth of kale varieties in domestic table gardens.

In Helsinki University, we are seeking a post doc to analyse the growth, resource allocation, chemical composition and gene expression of kale varieties. The successful candidate will also make research visits and contribute to studies on Arabidopsis accessions at the University of Copenhagen. Candidates who have experience in the analysis of plant light signalling, metabolic regulation and growth are especially encouraged to apply.

We seek candidates who have completed a PhD in plant science or a related field, with strong theoretical and practical knowhow. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to conceive, execute and complete research projects, and to think independently and creatively are required.

For more information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Saijaliisa Kangasjärvi (saijaliisa.kangasjarvi@helsinki.fi)

The salary will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be ca. 3300 – 3500 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Application should include the following documents as a single pdf file: motivation letter (max 1 page), CV (max 2 pages) and list of publications. Please include also contact information of two persons who can provide a reference letter based on request.

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply link. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal. The deadline for submitting the application is 20.3.2021.

Due date

20.03.2021 23:59 EE