Postdoctoral researcher in microbiology – Helsinki

Suomen Solubiologit ry; Jyväskylä; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laboratory access

Sequencing infrastructure

Computational resources

Career development support

Job summary

Suomen Solubiologit ry invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology at the University of Helsinki, Viikki campus, starting January 2027 and ending December 2028. The role focuses on AMR gene identification, bioinformatic method development, and laboratory validation, with opportunities to publish and co-supervise students.

The successful candidate will join an international team, access to state‑of‑the‑art labs, and collaborate across environmental microbiology and One

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Computational microbiology

Bioinformatics

Molecular microbiology

English communication

Independent working

Education

PhD in microbiology or related life sciences

Tools

R

Python

HPC environments

Job description

Suomen Solubiologit ry

Postdoctoral researcher in microbiology – Helsinki

21.9.2026

Summary

• The University of Helsinki is hiring a postdoctoral researcher in microbiology for the AMaRONE One Health project on a fixed-term contract from January 2027 to December 2028 at the Viikki campus in Helsinki, Finland.
• The position involves developing and applying bioinformatic methods, performing molecular microbiology experiments to validate AMR genes and mobility, publishing findings, and co‑supervising PhD and MSc students.
• Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant life‑science field, have a strong publication record, be able to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment, and have excellent English communication skills.
• The starting salary will be approximately 3600 euros per month and the role offers access to modern labs, sequencing and computational infrastructure, career development support, and international collaboration opportunities.

Tämä tiivistelmä on luotu tekoälyn avulla.

Position

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.

Project Description

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.

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

• 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
• Metagenomics, microbial genomics, or bioinformatics
• Statistical programming in R or Python
• High‑performance computing environments
• Molecular cloning and functional characterisation 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.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is essential 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. Read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.

Contact

For project and position questions, please contact

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

More information on the research group and project

• 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).

Why Finland and Helsinki

• Why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-finland
• 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-helsinki
• Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome
• International House Helsinki: https://ihhelsinki.fi
• Welcome to Helsinki: https://welcome.hel.fi/

Tule kanssamme tekemään työtä maailman parhaaksi – yhdisseessä!

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