Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Biology, Group Salo

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in the United Kingdom is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in structural biology to join the Salo research group. This role involves investigating membrane-associated protein assemblies and utilizing advanced techniques such as cryo-EM. The position will offer a competitive monthly salary between €3,500 and €4,000, depending on experience. Opportunities for career development and a dynamic research environment are included. Apply by January 1, 2026.

Benefits

Dynamic international research environment

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Career development and mentoring

5–7 weeks of paid leave

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Background in structural biology, particularly cryo-EM or membrane protein biochemistry.
• Must have relevant degree by the start of employment.
• Motivated to use biochemical approaches to understand protein complexes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on membrane-associated protein assemblies involved in lipid homeostasis.
• Develop and execute biochemical assays and analyses.
• Collaborate with team members to build a research group.

Skills

Structural biology

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)

Membrane protein biochemistry

Mammalian cell biology

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Cryo-EM

Biochemical core facilities

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 1 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Salo research group at the HiLIFE – Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, is seeking a collaborative and curiosity-driven Postdoctoral Researcher in structural biology. The position begins in early 2026 and is initially for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The salary scale is 3 500–4 000 € per month, depending on the candidate’s experience and merits.

About the project and group

The Nanoscale Architecture Lipid Flux – Veijo Salo research group aims to uncover the molecular logic of lipid flux and organelle biogenesis in metabolic health and disease. We use state-of-the-art approaches in cell biology, imaging, and in-cell structural biology to reveal nanoscale membrane architectures that drive lipid flux in their native context. The group operates across two interconnected sites: the University of Helsinki and Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. For more information, please visit ourwebsite.

This project will focus on structural and biochemical approaches to understand membrane-associated protein assemblies involved in lipid homeostasis. Depending on the candidate’s expertise and interest, the work may include protein and organelle purification, biochemical reconstitution, and single-particle cryo-EM analysis of membrane protein complexes, as well as structural–functional assays in human cells. The exact project will be developed together with the selected researcher. The role will be integrated with complementary cellular approaches in the group and will contribute core mechanistic insight to our broader research program.

The group is newly established, and the selected candidate will play an important role in building a collaborative, supportive, and scientifically rigorous research environment within the group.

About you

• You have a strong background in structural biology, particularly cryo-EM or membrane protein biochemistry.
• Further degree requirement for postdoctoral position: The degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment.
• You are motivated to use structural and biochemical approaches to understand the mechanisms of membrane-associated protein complexes and are interested in how these structures relate to cellular function.
• Experience with mammalian cell biology is considered an advantage but is not required.
• You are collaborative, communicative, and comfortable working in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
• You are motivated to help establish and shape the scientific foundation of a new research group.

What we offer

• A dynamic, international research environment at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE.
• Access to state-of-the-art structural biology and imaging infrastructure, including cryo-EM, advanced light microscopy, proteomics, and biochemical core facilities.
• Access to cutting‑edge cryo‑ET workflows and equipment via research visits at Karolinska Institute.
• Excellent opportunities for career development, mentoring, and training in advanced structural and cell biological methods.
• Occupational health care, access to university sports facilities, and relocation support if applicable.
• 5–7 weeks of paid leave and flexible working hours.
• A competitive salary based on the Collective Agreement for Finnish universities. The salary scale is 3 500–4 000 € per month, depending on the candidate’s experience and merits.

Please submit your application in English including:

Applications should be submitted via the University of Helsinki recruitment system using the “Apply Now” link no later than 1.1.2026. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews will take place continuously.

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. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our university.

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About the Institute of Biotechnology

The Institute of Biotechnology BI, a part of HiLIFE, is an internationally renowned research institute with an inclusive and curiosity‑driven working culture. The research activities are carried out in research groups joined into three multidisciplinary research programs. The Institute hosts several shared research infrastructures, including cutting‑edge facilities for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), light microscopy, sequencing, and proteomics. For more information, please visithttps://www.helsinki.fi/hilife/bi