Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology / Aquatic Ecology

Karlstad University; Jyväskylä; On-site; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Jyväskylä, Finland, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology / Aquatic Ecology. The successful candidate will apply molecular techniques to study biosynthetic pathways in freshwater zooplankton and fish. This position requires independence, teamwork, and excellent communication skills, offering an opportunity to contribute to significant environmental research. Salary ranges between 3600-4800 €/month gross, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Opportunity for international collaboration

Access to high quality laboratories

Lively campus with active lifestyle options

Qualifications

• Experience in applying molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, and sequencing.
• Ability to work with international scientists on collaborative projects.
• Participation in laboratory experiments and field studies.

Responsibilities

• Characterize biosynthetic pathways of freshwater zooplankton.
• Determine gene expression of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in juvenile fish.
• Explore zooplankton and fish capacity for LC-PUFA synthesis.

Skills

Independence

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Sequencing analysis

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology / Aquatic Ecology

The JYU is a nationally and internationally significant research university and an expert on education that focuses on human and natural sciences.

Global warming and eutrophication increase the abundance of low-nutritional-value cyanobacteria over high-nutritional-value phytoplankton, decreasing the dietary quality of primary producers for zooplankton and, via fish, up to humans. The proposed project challenges the current concept that autotrophic primary producers are the only source of physiological essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA => LC-PUFA) in aquatic food webs. The proposed project aims to characterize biosynthetic pathways of LC-PUFA in freshwater invertebrates (zooplankton and freshwater Insecta) for the first time, and to determine if any of the explored invertebrate taxa possess a complete capacity for LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Moreover, the hydrogen isotopes of fatty acids enable us to unravel, for the first time, how much of the LC-PUFA content of pelagic invertebrates and planktivorous fish is produced or bioconverted by themselves, which is critical in understanding how they can adapt to environmental changes, such as eutrophication and warming, resulting in intensified cyanobacteria blooms. In this project, we investigate the unknown mechanisms by which zooplankton and fish compensate for low-nutrition diets in lake ecosystems. This may be a crucial mechanism determining how ecosystems can adapt to global environmental change.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience in applying basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, and sequencing analysis. The primary objective is to characterize the biosynthetic pathways of freshwater zooplankton for the first time and to determine whether they possess partial or full capacity for LC-PUFA biosynthesis. The molecular work will be conducted in collaboration with top international scientists. The task also involves determining the expression of LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes in juvenile fish and exploring their capacity for LC-PUFA synthesis through laboratory experiments and field studies. The project offers the opportunity to work with novel methods in aquatic ecology and visit internationally renowned laboratories in the field.

We also expcet the candidates to have:

• Independence and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and motivation to work as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide .

The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3600-4800 €/month(gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

How to apply?

Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org ) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

• A short and free-formmotivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
• A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of theResearch Council of Finland .

Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form byOctober 31, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty.We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.

Department of Biological and Environmental Science

The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä.JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.

The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

Job details

Title

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology / Aquatic Ecology

2025-10-31 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
2025-10-31 22:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Helsinki)

Closing on: 2025-10-19 (Europe/Helsinki)

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Helsinki)

Closing on: 2025-11-17 (Europe/Helsinki)

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Helsinki)

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Helsinki)