Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Protein Synthesis

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Helsinki invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the O’Keefe lab at Viikki Campus. The doctoral researcher will contribute to a 44‑month project on inhibiting protein synthesis, under PI Sarah O’Keefe, with co‑supervision and 30 ECTS of studies.

The role includes training in cell culture, cryoEM, gene editing, and high‑throughput screening. The successful candidate should hold a Master’s degree and demonstrate strong English communication, independence, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or related field.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Merited criteria: prior research experience in industry or similar labs.

Skills

English communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in biology or related field

Tools

CryoEM

Job description

A fully funded PhD position is available to study protein synthesis in the lab of Sarah O’Keefe at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.

About the Position

We invite applications for a doctoral researcher position at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland. The doctoral researcher will work in the project Inhibiting Protein Synthesis – Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The doctoral researcher will be supervised by the Principal Investigator Sarah O’Keefe and co-supervised by Brendan Battersby. The successful candidate will complete an article-based PhD thesis and 30 ECTS credits of studies that are required for a PhD degree in Finland. The position is available and funded for 44 months from January 2027, or as agreed.

Project Description

Proteins are key working molecules in all cells and their synthesis is an elaborate jigsaw puzzle. The early stages of protein synthesis include translation on ribosomes and the translocation of new polypeptides across, and their insertion into, membranes via translocons or insertases. New mechanistic insights are rapidly revolutionising our textbook models and bringing previously ‘undruggable’ protein synthesis machineries to the forefront of drug development. This doctoral project combines cellular and chemical biology, cell-free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing and orthogonal high-throughput screening to discover breakthrough protein synthesis inhibitors and re-purpose existing ones. By expanding the chemical and biological space of protein synthesis and its inhibition, this research will develop new tools to probe how proteins are made and unlock new ways to treat human diseases.

Why Work for Us?

• A collaborative, innovative and inclusive research environment.
• Training in cell culture, cell free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing, high throughput screening, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, presenting, project management and writing.
• Access to cutting‑edge infrastructures, including working closely the local cryoEM Unit, High Throughput Biomedicine Unit and Finnish Genome Editing Centre.
• International collaboration with Chemists and Computational Physicists (US, Japan and Finland).
• International mobility including conference attendance and short‑term research visits at the University of Leeds (UK) to use new approaches for cryoEM sample preparation.
• As the first doctoral researcher in the lab, you will benefit from close, individualised mentorship and hands‑on training from the Principal Investigator. You will also play a foundational role in shaping the lab’s core culture and scientific techniques as it grows.

About the O’Keefe Lab

We integrate biochemistry, cell biology, cryoEM and small molecules to unlock new mechanisms, methods and drug candidates of protein synthesis for the benefit of human health. To date, the Principal Investigator has discovered new protein synthesis inhibitors with anti‑infective (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and anti‑cancer utility, identified new mechanisms of protein biogenesis and visualised protein synthesis in action using cryoEM. Our research is highly interdisciplinary, drawing upon the Principal Investigator’s diverse career path in Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Cellular and Structural Biology in academic and industry settings. Supported by our collaborative network, we are committed to training and equipping lab members with the multidisciplinary skills needed to take their next career step.

Selection Criteria

• You are ambitious, collegial, proactive and motivated to pursue multidisciplinary science research.
• You should have a Master’s degree (or be due to complete before the start date) in biology, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or another relevant field, including medicinal chemists with strong research experience and a commitment to switch fields. Competencies in cell culture, molecular biology, protein purification/expression and cryoEM will be learned during the project.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• The ability to work independently, problem solve, master new skills and work in a collaborative team.
• Merited criteria: research experience in industry or a research-intensive academic lab or knowledge of the protein synthesis field.

The successful applicant will receive support in applying for the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, which should be obtained within the six-month probationary period.

Salary and working hours

The position is currently funded for a maximum of 44 months (3 years and 8 months, if commenced in January 2027). The starting gross monthly salary for a doctoral researcher is around 2500-2700 EUR and is based on job demand level 2 in the salary system for teaching and research personnel of Finnish Universities. The salary depends on the appointee’s qualifications and stage of doctoral studies and includes a personal performance component.

The doctoral researcher should reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. Finland is a member of the European Union, has high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Helsinki offers an outstanding quality of life and Finland is consistently ranked among the world’s best countries for safety, work-life balance, education and family-friendliness.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive occupational healthcare, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities, staff training opportunities and support for international employees relocating to Finland. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice .