Doctoral researcher /project researcher in Fungal Biology: Dormancy Behaviour in Chytrid Parasites

Karlstad University; Turku; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Finland is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to investigate dormancy behavior in chytrid parasites. The position involves lab experiments, molecular analysis, and collaboration with experts in the field. The ideal candidate will have an MSc in microbiology and relevant lab experience. This role offers a competitive salary and is set to begin in January 2026, with a flexible work environment and strong support for international hires.

Qualifications

• MSc degree must be completed before the application deadline.
• Strong motivation to work with microbial eukaryotes.
• Creative and enthusiastic about biological research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments on resting spore formation.
• Quantify spore survival and germination using microscopy.
• Collaborate on experimental design and data interpretation.

Skills

Hands-on experience in cell biology

Strong observational skills

Excellent communication skills

Creative problem-solving mindset

Experience with microscopy techniques

Experience with transcriptomics analysis

Education

MSc degree in microbiology or related field

Tools

RNA/DNA extraction

Fluorescence microscopy

Job description

Doctoral researcher /project researcher in Fungal Biology: Dormancy Behaviour in Chytrid Parasites

The University of Turku has a unique, creative and inspirational work environment. Here you will work with top experts, pedagogues and researchers.

The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku invites applications for a contract-based fixed term doctoral researcher / project researcher position at the Department of Biology for three years. The preferred employment start date is 2.1.2026, but we welcome applications from candidates who may need a later starting date.

Chytrids are microscopic fungi and widespread parasites of phytoplankton in freshwater and marine environments. By infecting and killing their hosts, they exert a profound influence on phytoplankton blooms, thereby impacting key processes in aquatic ecosystems. Chytrids show seasonal epidemic outbreaks, but how these infection cycles are initiated each year remains unclear. A critical yet understudied aspect of their life cycle is how the parasite survives when hosts are absent or scarce. The FUNLIFE project hypothesises that dormancy, the formation of long‑lived resting spores acting as microbial seed banks, enables chytrids to persist between bloom events. This dormant stage is likely central to understanding recurrent chytrid infections, yet it remains poorly understood.

The doctoral researcher / project researcher will focus on dormancy and resting spore biology, investigating how temperature and oxygen regulate dormancy, germination, and infection potential, and exploring the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. Research will combine laboratory experiments, microscopy, and molecular analyses using established freshwater and marine chytrid–phytoplankton systems, with results linked to broader ecological insights through collaborations with experts in chytrid ecology, molecular biology, and modelling.

Understanding these processes is particularly relevant under environmental change. Rising water temperatures, increasing oxygen depletion in sediments, and shifting nutrient levels are altering aquatic ecosystems worldwide. This project will reveal how such changes influence chytrid survival and reactivation, shedding light on their ecological role, epidemic dynamics, and potential responses to climate‑driven shifts.

The doctoral researcher / project researcher will:

• Design and conduct controlled laboratory experiments on resting spore formation, and germination under varying temperature and oxygen conditions with chytrid–host culture systems.
• Quantify spore survival, germination frequency, and infection potential using microscopy and infection assays.
• Perform time‑lapse imaging to characterise phenotypic transitions during dormancy and germination.
• Conduct RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to identify gene expression patterns and molecular pathways associated with dormancy regulation.
• Collaborate closely with the project PI and supervisor Dr. Silke Van den Wyngaert and co‑supervisor Dr. Maliheh Mehrshad on experimental design and transcriptomic data interpretation.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.

Who we are looking for

The position is highly experimental and requires creativity in assay development, strong observational skills, and persistence in addressing challenging biological questions.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following profile:

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field. Applicants must have completed their MSc degree before the application deadline.
• Strong motivation to work with microbial eukaryotes and their life‑cycle biology.
• Hands‑on experience in cell biology and laboratory‑based experimental work.
• Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and ability to carry out structured, rigorous laboratory work.
• Creative, problem‑solving mindset with genuine enthusiasm for tackling challenging biological questions.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• Experience with microscopy and molecular techniques (e.g. RNA/DNA extraction, fluorescence microscopy, imaging approaches).
• Experience with analysis of transcriptomics or other omics data.
• Familiarity with aquatic microbiology or host–parasite systems.

To be eligible for the position of doctoral researcher, applicant must have a study right for doctoral studies from the University of Turku. If the successful candidate does not hold a study right from the University of Turku before the application deadline, the position will initially be filled as a project researcher and the successful candidate will be expected to apply for the right to study in the next possible postgraduate search.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level of the position is 2–4 (2281,48 - 2844,66 €). In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately 2600‑2800 € per month at the beginning of the assignment.

The position has a trial period of six months.

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Monday 24.11.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Please include the following information and documents (in English) with your application:

• Motivation letter, explaining your interest and qualifications for this position (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae, including the contact details of 2 reference persons (max. 2 pages)
• Copy of degree certificate confirming that the applicant meets the entry requirements into the Ph.D. program

For further information about the position, please contact: Silke Van den Wyngaert, silke.vandenwyngaert(at)utu.fi. (https://uglylab.science/)

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR‑specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaisa.ketomaki(at)utu.fi.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The Department of Biology explores life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbours the Centre of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.

In the Faculty of Science we seek the truth and develop solutions for a sustainable future and an intelligent society.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

Doctoral researcher / project researcher in Fungal Biology: Dormancy Behaviour in Chytrid Parasites

2025-11-24 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)
2025-11-24 15:00 (CET)