Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Microbial Ecology and Evolution Research group led by Professor Ville-Petri Friman at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with background in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to a Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation funded project: ‘Discovering the benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteriophages About the position: Plant growth is not only determined by the plant genotype but also by the presence of beneficial microbes that can boost plant growth by providing access to nutrients, defending plants against invading pathogens, and producing plant growth-promoting hormones. While increasing evidence suggests that phages can shape the composition, diversity and functioning of rhizosphere bacterial communities, we lack an understanding of how these changes are associated with plant health and growth. The main aim of this project is to experimentally study how phages can boost plant growth and to determine the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion. Even though phages do not directly interact with plants, they can indirectly affect plant growth by interacting with plant-associated rhizosphere bacteria. For example, lytic phages can infect and kill plant-pathogenic bacterial taxa and reduce their relative abundances alleviating plant disease symptoms. Selective killing of bacterial taxa can also lead to the enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere, which could result in improved plant growth. Moreover, by killing bacteria, lytic phages release nutrients in the rhizosphere, which could help plants sequester and assimilate resources to support their growth. Finally, temperate phages can integrate into bacterial chromosomes and provision bacteria with additional genes (auxiliary metabolic genes, or AMGs for short) that do not only improve bacterial survival but could also boost the expression of plant growth-promoting functions. In this project, we will use a highly trackable tomato rhizosphere model system to directly study if phages can boost plant growth by interacting with rhizosphere bacterial communities in the plant roots. Specifically, we will focus on understanding the importance of three key mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion: i) Release of nutrients in the rhizosphere due to the killing of bacteria by phages, ii) Selective enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere by phages, and iii) Provisioning of bacteria with plant growth-promoting functional genes by temperate phages. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to join our international team. The candidate should hold PhD degree in microbiology, bioinformatics or related field, and good written and verbal communication skills in English are necessary. The postdoctoral position is for 4 years starting in April 2026.  Requirements Doctoral degree in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics or another relevant field. The degree requirement (doctoral degree) must be met by the beginning of the employment. Experience in bioinformatics and metagenomic and/or metaviromic analyses. Experience or knowledge in plant biology/pathology, plant-microbe interactions, microbial ecology, evolution or phage biology are desirable. Ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects independently. Creativity and good group-working skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. What we offer Competitive salary, high-quality local infrastructure and a top-level interdisciplinary and international collaboration network. State-of-art computational resources from the Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC). Additional training for microbial bioinformatics and plant pathology (if needed). Possibility to visit collaborators at the Nanjing Agricultural University, and other Universities, depending on training needs and candidate preferences. Supportive and non-discriminative working environment. The salary of the postdoctoral researcher 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 of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3600-3800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period will be applied. The workplace of the position is in Helsinki, Finland. How to apply Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Please include the following in your application:  A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including descriptions of the candidate’s: background and methodological skills relevant for the position research interest or a vision for the research conducted in this position past experience on working in multidisciplinary groups or research environments CV that includes a list of publications  Names and contact details of two referees  External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login. The deadline for the applications is 2.2.2026 (at 23.59 EET), while the preferred start date is the 1.4.2026. Further information The position: Professor Ville-Petri Friman (ville-petri.friman@helsinki.fi) University of Helsinki recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen (via HR Services uni-help@helsinki.fi) https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/microbiology https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/microbial-ecology-and-evolution https://villefrimanscience.weebly.com/ About the Department of Microbiology and Finland The department of Microbiology is part of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and is located on the Viikki campus. The research focuses on microbial ecology and evolution, as well as the application of microbiology in agriculture and forestry, food production, medicine, environmental sciences and microbial biotechnology. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, covering the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services, and obtain access to high-quality public affordable childcare services and schools. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers

Department: Mathematics & Statistics Vacancy ID: 039223 Closing Date: 25-Jan-2026 Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued. The University Tutor plays an important role in the delivery of many of the University’s academic programmes and is appointed for the primary purpose of contributing to teaching within a clear and established teaching programme by providing tuition and/or demonstrations to groups of, usually undergraduate students, in specific aspects of the programme. The University Tutor assists and supports students to further develop their understanding of key course topics and to draw out key learning points from course materials. University Tutor: €45,051 – €57,348 p.a. (7 points) Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions. Closing Date: 23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Sunday, 25th January 2026. Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. Late applications will not be accepted. Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer The position is subject to the Statutes of the University

Job Description Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto University has six schools with nearly 12 000 students and almost 400 professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Aalto University Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (Espoo, Finland) continues to invite applications for: Professor of Practice in Data Economy The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management conducts world-class research and provides impactful education on the creation and transformation of technology-based business. We create new scientific knowledge to establish new businesses and to drive technology-driven transformation across large and small firms and entire industries. Tying together theory-driven and problem-oriented research is the basis for our education of future leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and researchers who can meet global challenges in technology-based business. Also, we provide management and entrepreneurship education for Aalto University students and management training for business practitioners in technology firms. For more information, see http://tuta.aalto.fi/en/ Aalto University invites applicants for a Professorship of Practice position in the field of Data Economy. The position is fixed term for a maximum of five years and full-time. The professorship will be established at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Science, in collaboration with the XAMK University of Applied Sciences. The professorship is based on generous donations from organizations operating in the Mikkeli region. Data has become crucial in business and society as large-scale data collection, storage, and use have become technically and economically viable. Data is increasingly used to develop products and services in both the private and public sectors, as well as in industrial operations across various industries. Recent advances in artificial intelligence further highlight the role of data and the opportunities that arise from its effective usage by different types of organizations across the economy. The data economy is one avenue for companies to pursue growth and internationalization. Overall, the value of the data economy in the EU is estimated at up to 850 billion euros in 2025 (European Commission). The professorship focuses on data in innovation and decision-making, as well as in the development of value-added activities in society. The professorship will help understand and utilize data archives and digital platforms in research and development activities. This aligns with global trends in data digitization and management, focusing on the collection, processing, and use of data to improve business operations and public services. The goals of the professor of practice in data economy include: Development of research-based knowledge on ways in which organizations can utilize opportunities related to knowledge management, information governance, and digital platforms in the development and growth of their own business. Promoting research and development opportunities related to the development of services, products, and business. Developing teaching and continuous learning in the areas of data utilization. Promoting cooperation between companies, public actors, and Aalto University in the Mikkeli region, as well as connections to international research organizations with expertise in the data economy. Monitoring and influencing national and EU-level data-economy regulation, and helping organizations interpret and apply it. We offer the candidate the opportunity to develop teaching and conduct research within a vibrant, active international research community. We offer a broad range of options for managing cross-disciplinary research in collaboration among Aalto University, XAMK, and their various stakeholders. This includes collaboration with Finnish technology industries and public sector organizations, particularly in the Mikkeli area. Requirements The applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a discipline relevant to this position. The selected person is expected to be willing to work part-time in the Mikkeli area. The applicants will be reviewed based on their research and teaching merits, professional experience, and activity in the Finnish innovation ecosystems. Communication skills in English are required, and Finnish language skills are an advantage, but not mandatory. Salary and benefits Salary is internationally competitive, and Aalto University provides health care and retirement benefits. Finland is a great and safe environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services, including affordable day care and free schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. For more information For additional information about the position and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, please get in touch with Professor Risto Rajala or the Head of the Department, Jens Schmidt. On matters related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Hanna Koli (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi). How to apply  The application material for the position includes: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae List of publications (with the most significant publications highlighted) Teaching statement (recommended length 2 pages) Research statement (recommended length 2-4 pages) Reference letters from at least two referees Note that the file size can be max 5MB and you can submit 5 documents altogether, so please bundle some of the application material together. All application material should be submitted in English and addressed to the President of Aalto University. To apply, please share the required material with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”) latest at 23.59pm (EET) 16th January 2026. We have continued our application period and we will consider all applicants who have previously applied. Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions Aalto University reserves the right, for justified reasons, to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period. The recruitment decision is subject to the decision by the leadership of the Aalto University School of Science. To find out more about the position and how to apply for it, please go to: https://www.aalto.fi/careers  Professor of Practice position at Aalto University  Aalto University has several experts serving as Professors of Practice. With the help of these professorships, the university has been able to strengthen existing teaching and research activities and open up entirely new areas of research. People appointed to Professor of Practice positions are usually highly qualified, business or public sector leaders or experts with an academic background. Professors of Practice bring practical expertise to the university community, focusing their activities on developing new research projects in cooperation with industries, teaching, and social impact. The existing Professors of Practice are located in all three disciplines of Aalto University (engineering, business, and arts and design). A good example of this is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Bioproducts and Biotechnology, whose position is part of a cooperation agreement between Aalto University, the City of Savonlinna, and Xamk. Living up to our values As a community of high ethical standards, we want to ensure the highest international standards in research, education, and teaching. We expect all our community members to respect Aalto values and adhere to the ethical principles of fair play and integrity in all our activities and interactions. The Aalto University Code of Conduct applies to all Aalto community members and clarifies the values that guide us. For more information: http://www.aalto.fi/en/about/code_of_conduct/ More about Aalto University: Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here. Please see more of our Open Positions here.