Doctoral researcher, protein-nucleic acid hybrid materials

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo invites applications for a Doctoral researcher in the field of protein-nucleic acid hybrid materials. The project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, aims to develop programmable materials for RNA delivery using DNA origami and viral capsid proteins.

The successful candidate will join the Biohybrid Materials Group in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and disseminate results through publications and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biosciences, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related) that prepares for doctoral research.
• Strong academic writing and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabrication of DNA origami nanostructures.
• Production, purification, and characterisation of viral capsid proteins and related building blocks.
• Structural and biophysical characterisation of protein-coated DNA nanostructures.
• Evaluation of RNA encapsulation and delivery performance.
• Analysis of structural, kinetic, and functional datasets.
• Dissemination of research findings through publications and conference presentations.
• Support for biomolecular modelling and simulation work.

Skills

Biomolecular self-assembly

DNA nanotechnology

RNA therapeutics

Viral capsids

Structural/biophysical methods

Molecular modelling & simulation

Education

Master’s degree in biotechnology/biophysics/nanotechnology or related field

Job description

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and more than 5 000 employees, including more than 400 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The School of Chemical Engineering is one of the six schools of Aalto University. It combines natural sciences and engineering in a unique way.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher in the field of protein-nucleic acid hybrid materials

We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join a Research Council of Finland-funded project (https://research.fi/en/results/funding/88763) focused on developing programmable protein-nucleic acid hybrid materials for RNA delivery. RNA therapeutics, including mRNA vaccines and gene therapies, require delivery systems that protect nucleic acids and enable efficient intracellular release. This project combines DNA origami nanostructures with viral capsid proteins to investigate how capsid protein properties influence the assembly, stability, and function of protein-coated nanostructures. A central objective is to establish a systematic structure-function map linking capsid protein characteristics, such as structural architecture, oligomerisation behaviour, and charge distribution, to coating morphology, stability, and RNA delivery performance. The resulting framework will provide broadly applicable design rules for protein-nucleic acid hybrid materials and future RNA delivery technologies.

Scientific environment

The position is under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr Donna McNeale, and is embedded in the Biohybrid Materials Group headed by Professor Mauri Kostiainen.

The laboratories are situated within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. The department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2), one of the three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of the leading European research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources. Bio2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials. Other strengths of the department include sustainable materials and products based on lignocellulose, ranging from nanomaterials to novel cellulose-based textiles.

Your role and goals

As a doctoral researcher, you will investigate the design, assembly, and characterisation of protein-coated DNA origami nanostructures and their potential as RNA delivery platforms. Your main tasks include:

• Design and fabrication of DNA origami nanostructures
• Production, purification, and characterisation of viral capsid proteins and related protein building blocks
• Structural and biophysical characterisation of protein-coated DNA nanostructures
• Evaluation of RNA encapsulation and delivery performance
• Analysis of structural, kinetics, and functional datasets
• Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and conference presentations

The project is primarily experimental, however, the datasets generated are expected to provide a strong foundation for future computational studies. Candidates with an interest in biomolecular modelling and simulation are encouraged to apply.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in biomolecular self-assembly, nanotechnology, and nucleic acid therapeutics. A background in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:

• Protein engineering, biophysics, or biomolecular self-assembly
• DNA nanotechnology and DNA origami
• Viral capsids or virus-inspired nanomaterials
• Structural or biophysical characterisation methods
• RNA therapeutics and nucleic acid delivery
• Molecular interactions and supramolecular assembly
• Quantitative analysis of biological and nanoscale systems
• Biomolecular modelling and simulation, including molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations

Requirements

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field, such as biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biosciences, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong academic writing and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment

Applicants must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria for Aalto’s DoctoralProgrammein Chemical Engineering as specified at Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering | Aalto University.

What we offer

The fixed-term contract is initially for two years, and during the first six months you must apply for and receive a right to study in the doctoral programme. The starting salary for doctoral researchers is 3142 € / month (gross). The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare benefits.

The position will be filled when a suitable candidate is identified. The preferred starting date for the position is September 2026, but the exact date can be agreed with the selected candidate. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi campus at Aalto University.

Any questions?

For additional information about the position, kindly contact Donna McNeale ([e-mail]).

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About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report

For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff .

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

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