Postdoctoral researcher in molecular nutrition focusing on human gut health

University of Helsinki; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Helsinki is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project on increasing fibre intake using gut microbiota-matched sustainable sources. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in relevant life sciences, experience in dietary trials, and strong bioinformatics skills. This role offers opportunities for personal development and high-quality publication in a supportive international team.

Benefits

Opportunities for personal development

Possibility for high-quality publications

Support for independent career development

Networking opportunities in a multidisciplinary project

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting dietary trials in humans or animals.
• Solid track record and scientific drive.
• Ability to work independently and in a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct randomized controlled trials on dietary fibers.
• Coordinate sample and data collection for clinical trials.
• Conduct analyses on trial samples and data using bioinformatics.

Skills

Expertise in dietary trials

Molecular biology methods

Advanced bioinformatics (preferably R)

Strong interpersonal skills

Good communication skills in English

Education

PhD degree in relevant life sciences

Job description

The University of Helsinki invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position for a contract starting as soon as possible and ending in August 2028. The position is open at the Department of Food and Nutrition located in Viikki campus in Helsinki, Finland. The appointed person will be joining the Molecular Nutrition group led by Professor Anne-Maria Pajari.

The successful candidate will work in the project Precision Nutrition Approach for Increasing Fibre Intake and Health Using Gut Microbiota-matched Sustainable Fibre Sources (fibrematch.eu), funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC). The project aims to match dietary fibre types to prevalent functional gut microbiome subtypes to increase fibre consumption without digestive symptoms. The project aligns with the overall aim of our research group in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which diets and diet-derived compounds mediate their effects on health and prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Our main focus is on gut physiology, metabolism and microbiota. Our methodological approaches include cell cultures, animal models and randomised controlled trials.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in human gut health and the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of diet on gut and metabolic health. The work will involve:

• Planning and conducting a randomised controlled trial on the impact of dietary fibres on gut microbiome and gut and metabolic health, together with the PI
• Coordinating sample and data collection for the trial
• Conducting analyses on trial samples and data, depending on the expertise and experience of the candidate, possibly involving both wet lab and bioinformatics
• Communicating the results in scientific publications and conference presentation
• Co-supervising PhD and MSc students working in the project
• Contributing to new research ideas and (co)-applying for grants
• Depending on interests and expertise, some teaching on nutritional physiology, microbiome or bioinformatics will be available.

The Candidate We Seek

The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in nutrition, nutritional physiology/molecular nutrition, integrative physiology, molecular biology or other relevant areas of life sciences
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting dietary trials either in humans or in animals, using molecular biology methods on biological samples, and analysing clinical trial data using advanced bioinformatics tools (preferably using R)
• A solid track record and strong scientific drive
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build scientific relationships
• Good communication skills and proficiency in verbal and written English

We Provide

The University of Helsinki offers:

• Opportunities for personal development in an enthusiastic, supportive and international team that has a strong track record in nutritional physiology
• Possibility to produce high-quality publications within the FIBRE-MATCH project
• Encouragement to develop own projects with support to transition to an independent career
• National and international networking as part of a multidisciplinary EU-funded project

Terms Of Employment

The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be c. 3500-3800 €/month depending on experience.

A six-month trial period will be applied. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The workplace of the position is at Viikki campus in Helsinki.

How To Apply

Applications should be submitted in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply now button. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

Please send your application and the following appendices as a single pdf file:

• Motivation letter (max 1 page), summarising your current research experience and achievements (half page) and research vision for postdoctoral period (half page)
• A complete CV, including PhD thesis title, date of defence and link to the online version of the thesis (if exists), previous and current positions, experience in supervision and mentoring, contact information for two references
• A complete list of publications

The closing date for applications is 13.10.2025 (at 23.59 EEST).