Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology, group Karagic

Helsingin yliopisto; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Helsinki is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Karagic Research group. The role focuses on experimental evolution studies and requires a PhD, along with experience in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology. The position offers a competitive salary of approximately €3,500 per month, a dynamic research environment, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Benefits

Dynamic international research environment

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Career development opportunities

5–7 weeks of paid holidays

Occupational health care

Qualifications

• PhD required.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis is essential.
• Demonstrated research experience in relevant fields is important.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental evolution studies under variable light.
• Integrate multi-omics datasets to explore adaptive plasticity.
• Collaborate with team on research questions in phenotypic plasticity.

Skills

Bioinformatic analysis

Behavioral and/or experimental evolution experiments

Handling and caring for live fish

Research experience in evolutionary biology or visual ecology

Team collaboration

Education

PhD degree

Job description

Overview

The Karagic Research group at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher. The start date is early 2026 and the employment length is 2 years.

Summary of the project

Adaptive phenotypic plasticity—the ability of organisms to modify their traits in response to environmental change—is central to evolutionary biology and conservation. This project combines experimental evolution, single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq), and whole-genome resequencing to resolve the genetic, regulatory, and transcriptional basis of adaptive plasticity and its evolution. The postdoc will take a leading role in experimental evolution under novel and variable light environments, integrate multi-omics datasets, and investigate how adaptive plasticity evolves under different selective pressures. For more information, please visit the lab page of Nidal Karagic (lab page): Nidal Karagic\'s laboratory webpage.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in experimental evolution studies under novel and variable light environments.
• Integrate multi-omics datasets (e.g., scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, whole-genome resequencing) to understand adaptive plasticity and its evolution.
• Collaborate with team members to address overarching research questions in phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary biology.

About you / Qualifications

• You have a PhD degree.
• You have experience with bioinformatic analysis, behavioral and/or experimental evolution experiments.
• You have experience handling and taking care of live fish.
• You have demonstrated research experience in the field of evolutionary biology or visual ecology.
• You are ambitious and motivated to tackle challenging problems.
• You can work well in a team and contribute to a common goal.

What we offer

• The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for Finnish universities, approximately 3 500 € per month depending on experience and merits.
• A dynamic and international research environment at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities in genomics, single-cell sequencing, and computational biology.
• Mentorship and career development opportunities, including leadership training programs.
• Opportunities for international research exchanges with collaborators in the USA and Norway.
• A two-year contract with the possibility of extension, starting in early 2026.
• 5–7 weeks of paid holidays per academic year.
• Occupational health care.

How to apply

• Please submit your application in English as a single PDF file, including the following documents: cover letter, CV, PhD degree diploma.
• Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file through the University recruitment system, as soon as possible but no later than 31 October 2025. For questions, contact Group Leader Nidal Karagic ([e-mail]).

About the University

University of Helsinki is a leading university for multidisciplinary research. HiLIFE and the Institute of Biotechnology (BI) host shared research infrastructures including genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), light microscopy, and proteomics.