Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University - Advanced Study Institute of Asia

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: Department of Special and Inclusive Education – Faculty of Education Deadline: 22 Jan 2026 Start date: 01.03.2026 Job type: full-time Job field: Science and research | Education and schooling In accordance with Section 77 of Act No. 111/98 Coll., the Dean of the Faculty of Education of Masaryk University announces a selection procedure to fill the position of Head of Department of Special and Inclusive Education More information about the faculty can be found at the end of the advertisement, about the departments on the website of the Department of Special and Inclusive Education OUR REQUIREMENTS Qualification conditions: Achieved academic or researcher degree (professor, associate professor, Ph.D., or equal) in the field as above or similar, potential for management position and experience with foreign cooperation and international projects, professional and personal potential for development of the field and research, experience in education and research in the field, relevant educational, publishing and creative activities (including foreign activities), advanced level of academic English, knowledge of other language is a plus, ability to teach in the Czech language (minimum level C1 or native speaker). Required knowledge, skills, abilities: User knowledge of PC: MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook), knowledge of secure data management, ability to collaborate through digital technologies (MS Teams, ZOOM, etc.), good organizational and communication skills, independence, responsibility. WE OFFER Employee benefits Eight weeks of vacation, flexible working hours, pension contribution, meals in MU canteens,  possibility to use sports facilities in Brno. Work environment Employment in a prestigious institution awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award, combining science with teaching activities, a well-equipped working environment in a well accessible location in Brno. Education and development Career development and growth, the possibility of being assigned a mentor on entry,  education, language and other courses provided by MU, use of MUNI libraries, possibility to take advantage of foreign stays and internships, participation in conferences. HOW TO APPLY? Apply via the online application link until January 22, 2026 and submit the required documents: Structured CV in PDF format (min. 1 A4) Cover letter in PDF format Copy of diploma from the highest level of education (without notarial certificate) The department's development concept for the coming term (pedagogical, research, project, personnel and economic development strategy, including the development of internationalisation) In the days following the application deadline, you will receive information about further procedures MORE INFORMATION Submitting the required documents when sending the e-application In case of failure to provide the copies via the e-application, the applicant will be at most once asked to provide them by a specific date. If he/she fails to submit the materials by that date, he/she will not be admitted to the next round of the selection process, which is the interview. Selection process and selection criteria submission of all required documents in the e-application, knowledge of the Czech language in both written and verbal form, the candidate's profile compliance with the requirements for the position. Non-discrimination declaration At that Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, we promote equal access; every applicant has a chance to get a job regardless of age, gender, social or other disadvantages. Selection procedures are conducted following the University Selection Procedure Regulations. Information about the faculty The Faculty of Education, recipient of the prestigious international HR Excellence in Research Award, is a faculty with a relevant research focus based on interdisciplinarity linking teaching, scientific research and social engagement in academia. It develops HR strategy, supports career development, reconciliation of work and personal life of employed persons and provides a diverse range of benefits.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The Research Engineer (Microgrid Controller Design) will contribute to a one-year applied research project funded by the Singapore Army, focusing on the development of a mobile DC microgrid for military tactical applications. The role involves designing and implementing advanced control algorithms to coordinate multiple energy sources including battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV, and diesel generators, and dynamically assign grid-forming roles under varying operating conditions. The engineer will develop, simulate, and test controller logic using MATLAB/Simulink or similar environments, analyse performance across diverse scenarios, and document results for technical reporting. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in control systems, software development, and power or energy management applications. Key Responsibilities Participate in the research project to design a mobile DC microgrid controller for military tactical applications. Develop control algorithms for dynamic master selection, coordinating BESS, PV, diesel generators, and other sources. Implement predictive, rule-based, or optimisation-based control strategies using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or embedded software tools. Integrate controller logic with the microgrid model and validate performance under different simulated conditions. Conduct testing of control strategies under various operating conditions such as extreme weather, load variation, equipment failure and deployment constraints. Prepare documentation, flowcharts, control logic diagrams, and controller specifications for the final report. Assist with procurement of software licences and technical equipment. Conduct Risk Assessments and ensure compliance with WSH regulations. Support supervision of capstone project students involved in the project. Work independently and collaboratively to maintain research software and project tools. To communicate and liaise with any internal and external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any other ad-hoc duties assigned by supervisor. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree or above in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field from a recognised university. Strong programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar environments. Understanding of control systems, power electronics, or energy management strategies. Experience in microgrid controller design is advantageous. Familiarity with BESS control strategies, SOC management, or optimisation algorithms preferred. Support supervision of capstone project students involved in the project. Ability to implement and test algorithmic logic using simulation tools. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills. Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.