National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology

This ambitious project investigates the neural and behavioural mechanisms underlying social media use and overuse in young people. Funded by the Huo Family Foundation and spanning across four years, the large-scale project will use a range of methods and techniques to examine motivational and cognitive processes underlying regular and problematic social media use behaviours, including behavioural testing, psychophysiology, fMRI, as well as longitudinal (developmental) and qualitative (interview) approaches. The successful applicant will have primary responsibility for the psychophysiological and fMRI components of the project, which will involve large-scale experiments with older adolescents. In addition, the PDRA will have significant responsibility for the participatory elements of the project (e.g. leading focus groups with teenagers) and impact activities. Working closely with several RAs employed on the project, the PDRA will also contribute to a 2-year longitudinal study with younger adolescents and an interview study. There is a strong expectation that the role holder will make significant contributions to the programming of experimental tasks and lead the technical set-up of the paradigms. Supported by other RAs, the PDRA will lead the collection, management and analysis of large physiological, fMRI and behavioural data sets, using appropriate tools (R, Matlab, FSL, SPM) and advanced statistical techniques (e.g. linear mixed-effects models). The PDRA will have responsibility for writing up the study results for publication in high-quality journals and to disseminate them at scientific conferences or public engagement and outreach events. The role offers a unique opportunity to work on an exciting project that is at the forefront of a fast-moving research field and has significant potential for impact. The role holder will benefit from access to cutting-edge scientific equipment and be able to contribute to the project's focus on theoretical advancement and scientific rigour. The PDRA will receive dedicated technical support and travel funding for conferences and collaboration. At the same time, the PDRA will be involved in driving meaningful and authentic impact related to problematic social media use in young people. You will report to Dr Niklas Ihssen as the Principal Investigator and Professor Mary Hanley as Co-Investigator of the project. Funding for this post is available from 1st March 2026 for a fixed period of 46 months, after which the project will end. The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols. Successful applicants should be in post by 1st March 2026 For informal enquiries please contact Dr Niklas Ihssen. All enquiries will be treated in the stricktest confidence.

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

Full-time, Fixed Term position from February 2026 until February 2028 Salary Academic Level SE2 + Teaching Leadership Allowance $15,000 - ( Based on Qualifications) + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, however, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University About You Join RMIT as a Program Manager in Building Design and lead the future of design education. In this pivotal role, you will shape and drive the academic and operational direction of our Building and Design programs, ensuring they align with RMIT's Strategic and Business Plans while staying ahead of industry trends. You will champion the creation and delivery of cutting-edge learning experiences-developing innovative curriculum, resources, and teaching solutions that inspire students and respond to the evolving needs of the design and construction sectors. As a leader, you will manage and mentor a dedicated team of educators, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, and workload planning to support a collaborative and high-performing environment. You'll also build strong relationships with industry partners and work closely with colleagues across RMIT, especially academic and professional staff, to ensure our programs remain relevant, future-focused, and aligned with vocational competency standards. You will actively engage in professional activities and encourage your teaching team to maintain and grow their industry expertise. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about design, committed to educational excellence, and ready to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of building and design professionals. To be successful in this position, you'll have: Capacity to effectively lead and manage a team of staff in the design, implementation and evaluation of innovative teaching materials, products and services.  Ability in ensuring current and contemporary vocational competence which meets and/or exceeds the education level being delivered and assessed. Effective organisational skills in the planning, development, implementation, operation and review of programs to achieve a quality-learning environment for students and staff. A sound knowledge and understanding of the vocational education and training sector, and of the training requirements of relevant industries and ability to meet these needs through program design and assessment. Capacity to implement strategies to cater for differing learning styles and approaches to study including gender and cultural influences, and the needs of disadvantaged groups. Highly developed interpersonal communication, leadership, negotiating and educational counselling skills that will enable success with students, industry clients, peers and management. Demonstrated skills in the use of information and communication technologies. An understanding of resource management issues, including finance, facilities, management, OHS, Equal Opportunity and Industrial Relations. Qualifications Certificate IV TAE (must) Diploma VET or above (desirable) Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check. College of Vocational Education The purpose of RMIT's College of Vocational Education is to empower learners and our industry, community and government partners to succeed in the new world of work. Our five-year strategic roadmap, ALiVE@RMIT, purposefully guides everything we do in vocational education to deliver our vision: to position RMIT as a leading multi-sector provider with global impact and influence. Led by our Deputy Vice Chancellor, the College of VE is reimagining how we deliver vocational education to create unique experiences for our students and partners, so we can: lead in practice-based learning empower learners for the future of work engage industry and community at scale grow for impact and influence The College of VE is delivering impact through transformation that creates long-term change. To Apply Please submit your CV and covering letter for this position by clicking on the 'Apply' link at the top of this page. For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Diana via email at diana.ruiz@rmit.edu.au. Position Description - VE Program Manager, Building Design If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click 'apply' and you will be redirected to RMIT's Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page. Due to recent upgrades, position description links may not work on LinkedIn advertisements. Close date: Sunday, 1st February 2026. About RMIT University RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise with more than 96,000 students and close to 10,000 staff globally. The University's mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students to prepare them for life and work. https://www.rmit.edu.au/about https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/university/rmit-university Why work at RMIT University Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. Find out more about working at RMIT University, what we stand for and why we are an Employer of Choice. We want to attract those who will make a difference. View RMIT's impressive standings in university rankings. https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/facts-figures/reputation-and-rankings Bring Your Whole Self to Work We are better for our diversity. When we listen to those who are different to us, or challenge us, we grow stronger together. When we feel like we belong, we can achieve so much more. We respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of belonging in our team and beyond. We are proud that our dedication to diversity has been recognised by a broad spectrum of external organisations. Visit our Linkedin Life pages to learn more and see some of our most recent wins. RMIT has a strong dhumbali (commitment) to the employment, development and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within a culturally safe environment; we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani (Senior Talent Advisor), via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.