Regis University

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 of Forest Sciences of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for a Doctoral researcher in forest planning starting from February 2026, or as agreed. The doctoral researcher will be offered a full-time contract for an initial 1 year, with the possibility for extension to the end of August 2029, corresponding with the possible extension of the ForTran (fortran.fi/en) Strategic Research Council funding. The selected appointee will be informed of the possible continuation as soon as a decision is made by the RCF. There will be a trial period of 6 months at the beginning of the employment. Position description: The successful candidate will work in the project “ForTran - Forests in systemic transition – balancing efficiency with fairness and resilience.” funded by the Research -Council of Finland. The work will be conducted in a transdisciplinary group of researchers, including anthropologists, ecologists, business and management scientists, systems scientists and forest scientists. This position will prioritize the developing a clear method to identify and quantify the ecological and societal boundaries of forest use. This research will enhance tools used in forest planning, use of forest simulators through a simulation and optimization framework. The research can focus on how to improve the use of decision support tools by private forest owners; focus on the trade-offs and synergies between sustainability of timber harvesting and other ecosystem services; focus on how to integrate uncertainty to quantify and assess the robustness of the sustainability of forests. Skills, expertise and or qualifications: A master’s degree in forest sciences, environmental sciences, applied mathematics or closely related field. Knowledge of the forest system Strong motivation to conduct high quality research and participate in transdisciplinary research Proficiency with computer programming languages (Python, R or related language) The selected appointee must enroll as a PhD student at the University of Helsinki. The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within six months of their appointment. If the appointee does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, please see: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell The workplace is primarily at Viikki campus of the University of Helsinki (with flexible hybrid and remote working options within Finland). Contract and salary The salary is defined in accordance with the University’s salary system for teaching and research personnel. The starting salary is based on level 2-4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee shall be paid a salary component based on personal work performance The Doctoral Researcher’s starting salary is approximately 2500 euros/month depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The salary will increase as the PhD work progresses.  The University of Helsinki invests in the welfare of its employees by offering, for instance, preventative occupational health services, general medical care, and access to high-quality sports facilities. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. How to apply Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in English. A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page) A curriculum vitae showing the applicants education, completed qualifications, work experience, potential list of publications and contact information of 2 references. Certificates/diplomas: scanned copies of diplomas and transcripts of relevant previous degrees. External applicants, please submit your application through the University of Helsinki’s recruitment system via the Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username, and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026.  More information? For project and position questions, please contact Professor Kyle Eyvindson, kyle.eyvindson@helsinki.fi For more information on the research from the group and the ForTran project, see https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GOQz6iYAAAAJ&hl=fi&oi=ao https://fortran.fi/en If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Services (uni-help@helsinki.fi). WHY FINLAND AND HELSINKI Why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-finland 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-helsinki Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome International House Helsinki: https://ihhelsinki.fi  Welcome to Helsinki: https://welcome.hel.fi/ About us The Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry is located on the Viikki campus, ten kilometres from the Helsinki city centre. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources through scientific research and research-based teaching. We focus on agricultural and forest sciences, food and nutrition, microbiology, as well as on economics and management. We cover 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. Graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry are versatile experts in biosciences and business, able to meet the needs of both the business sector and society at large. www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry 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

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an Scientific project assistant postdoc 45 Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies Startdate: 01.06.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 31.05.2032  Reference no.: 5093 Your personal sphere of play: As one of the largest research institutions in Europe, the University of Vienna offers an exceptionally broad range of disciplines and thus provides an outstanding infrastructure for transdisciplinary research in the humanities. We are offering a six-year, fixed-term postdoctoral position in the field of Yiddish Studies. You will propose your own research project on a topic within Yiddish studies. The position is based at the Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Kriszta Eszter Szendrői, B.A., PhD. Your future tasks: Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means: You will carry out excellent scholarly work on your research project and write scholarly publications (articles or a monograph) on your research project. You will represent your research at scholarly conferences. You will collaborate with Prof. Kriszta Eszter Szendröi to create an Erweiterungscurriculum in Yiddish Studies and contribute to its teaching and administration. You will assist with the organisation of conferences, lectures, workshops and contribute to the organisation and/or teaching of the University of Vienna Summer School on Yiddish Language and Culture. This is part of your personality: You have successfully completed a doctoral degree in Yiddish Studies or a related subject. Your main research interest is in the field of Yiddish studies. If you have additional research interests that is an advantage. You have a sound knowledge of Yiddish literature and/or linguistics and/or cultural history and/ or Ashkenazi Jewish history and the methods of your subject area. If you have knowledge of more than one subject area that is an advantage. You have a very good command of Yiddish. You have a very good command of written and spoken English, knowledge of German is an advantage (language learning will be supported during the employment period). You are a team player and are interested in playing an active role in the vitalization of Yiddish cultural life. What we offer: Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement). Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport. Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge. Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4.932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years / 72 months increases if we can credit professional experience. Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team! It is that easy to apply: with a letter of motivation written in German or English (max. 1 page). your academic CV (max. 2 pages) and a list of your publications; research project proposal (max. 2 pages); a digital version of two research articles or two chapters of your dissertation; contact details of two referees; your diploma certificates in digital form; apply via our job portal using the 'Apply now' button. If you have any questions, please contact: Kriszta Eszter Szendröi kriszta.eszter.szendroei@univie.ac.at We look forward to new personalities in our team! The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates. University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365. Data protection ​Application deadline: 02/01/2026  Post Doc