Postdoctoral researcher in microbiology

Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-impact project

International research environment

Access to labs, sequencing, and HPC

Support for conferences and travel

Career development support

Job summary

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology to join the AMaRONE project. The position is based at the Department of Microbiology, Viikki campus, with a starting January 2027 and a fixed-term end in December 2028.

The role emphasizes integrating computational and laboratory work in AMR research. We offer access to state-of-the-art microbiology labs, sequencing and HPC resources, and opportunities to publish in leading journals.

Qualifications

• We expect a PhD in microbiology or related life sciences field.
• Strong publication record and initiative for independent work.
• Excellent written and oral English in international settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply bioinformatic approaches to identify AMR genes from environmental data.
• Design and conduct molecular experiments to validate resistance phenotypes and mobility.
• Publish findings and present at international conferences.
• Co-supervise PhD and MSc students within the project.
• Contribute to new research directions and grant applications.

Skills

Computational microbiology

Bioinformatics

Molecular biology

Independent work

English communication

Education

PhD in microbiology or related field

Tools

R

Python

High-performance computing

Job description

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The Department of Microbiology at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN MICROBIOLOGY.

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position for a fixed-term contract starting in January 2027 and ending in December 2028. The position is located at the Department of Microbiology on the Viikki campus in Helsinki, Finland. The successful candidate will join the research group led by University Lecturer Antti Karkman. A six-month trial period applies.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the AMaRONE project (Risks and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Sectors), funded by the Research Council of Finland. The project investigates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the human-animal-environment interface and combines environmental microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and One Health approaches to identify emerging resistance threats and develop strategies for their mitigation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across human, animal, and environmental reservoirs remains a major One Health challenge arising from the interconnectedness and complex interactions among these sectors. Resistant bacteria and resistance genes can move between environments, while resistance evolution and transmission can introduce novel genes or clinically relevant hosts into the global AMR pool.

To slow the spread of resistance, preserve antimicrobial efficacy, and protect public health, there is a pressing need for approaches that move beyond surveillance towards proactive mitigation. AMaRONE addresses this challenge by identifying novel AMR genes of greatest concern from environmental microbial communities, validating their resistance phenotypes and mobility through laboratory experiments, and developing preventive mitigation strategies that integrate computational predictions with experimental validation.

The successful candidate will have substantial freedom to shape the scientific direction of their work within the broader objectives of the project.

Research environment

The Research group investigates the ecology, evolution, and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in environmental and One Health contexts. The group combines large-scale sequencing, bioinformatics, microbial cultivation, and molecular biology approaches and collaborates extensively with national and international partners.

The position provides access to state-of-the-art microbiology laboratories, sequencing infrastructure, and high-performance computing resources at the University of Helsinki. The candidate will also have opportunities for collaboration with national and international project partners.

Responsibilities

We welcome applicants with expertise in computational microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, or combinations thereof. Depending on the successful candidate's expertise and interests, the project can be tailored towards computational analyses, laboratory-based validation experiments, or an integrated approach combining both.

The work may involve:

• Developing and applying bioinformatic approaches to identify and prioritize novel antimicrobial resistance genes from environmental metagenomic datasets
• Designing and conducting molecular microbiology experiments to validate resistance phenotypes, mobility, and mitigation strategies of prioritized AMR genes
• Communicating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific conferences
• Co-supervising PhD and MSc students working within the project
• Contributing to the development of new research directions and participating in grant applications

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD degree in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or another relevant field of life sciences
• Has a strong publication record relative to career stage and demonstrated scientific initiative
• Is able to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse and international research environment
• Has excellent written and oral communication skills in English

The following experience is considered an advantage:

• Antimicrobial resistance research
• Statistical programming in R or Python
• High-performance computing environments
• Molecular cloning and functional characterization of genes
• Supervision of students
• Interdisciplinary or One Health research

We offer

• An opportunity to contribute to a high-impact Research Council of Finland-funded project addressing a major global health challenge
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment
• Access to excellent laboratory, sequencing, and computational infrastructure
• Opportunities to publish high-quality research in leading international journals
• Funding and encouragement to participate in international conferences and scientific networks
• Strong support for career development, including opportunities to develop independent research directions, build collaborations, co-supervise students, and participate in grant writing
• Extensive opportunities for national and international networking through project collaborators

Requirements and eligibility criteria

The appointee shall hold a doctoral degree and have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work as well as the teaching skills necessary for the position. The doctoral degree requirement must be fulfilled before the beginning of the employment.

Salary and benefits

The salary is defined in accordance with the University’s salary system for teaching and research personnel.

The Postdoctoral Researcher’s salary is based on level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee shall be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The starting salary of the Postdoctoral Researcher will c. 3600 euros/month, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, well-equipped sports facilities, and vast opportunities for professional development.

Finland is a member of the EU, has high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the happiest country in the world. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services, and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers .

Application documents

• A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae including a list of publications (if any).
• Names and contact information of two referees, who are willing to provide reference letters upon request (optional).

Deadline

We are eager to fill this position as soon as possible and therefore encourage early applications. However, the absolute deadline for submitting applications is September 30, 2026 (at 23:59 UTC +3).

More information?

For project and position questions, please contact

• University lecturer, Antti Karkman, antti.karkman(at)helsinki.fi

For more information on the research group’s publications and the project, see

• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=inNx1qgAAAAJ
• https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/antti-karkman/
• https://microbiology.fi

If you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Services (recruitment(at)helsinki.fi).

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.

Unit: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

Sub-unit: Department of Microbiology

ID: 5132