PhD Position in Biology

Institution: University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE)
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Contract: Initially 3 years, with possibility of continuation as an open-ended contract
Salary: €3,300–4,300/month, depending on experience
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025

Facility Overview

• Part of INSTRUCT-HILIFE structural biology platform: Cryo-EM, protein crystallization, and biocomplex purification.

• Current equipment: 200 kV Talos Arctica with Falcon 4i detector.

• Upcoming upgrades: 300 kV microscope and cryo-FIB/SEM installation in 2027.

• National and European service center role under FINSTRUCT and INSTRUCT-ERIC networks.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the cryo-EM facility.

• Sample preparation using Leica GP2 or Cryosol Vitrojet.

• Support users in structural biology projects, including data collection and troubleshooting.

• Collaborate with team members and users on research projects.

• Contribute to service expansion, including preparation for upcoming 300 kV and cryo-FIB/SEM installations.

Candidate Profile

Required:

• PhD (or M.Sc. with strong cryo-EM experience).

• Experience with modern 200 kV (preferably 300 kV) cryo-electron microscopes.

• Skills in cryo-EM data processing, analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Strong teamwork and service orientation.

Desirable:

• Experience managing cryo-EM infrastructure.

• Publications in single particle cryo-EM or tomography.

• Experience with cryo-FIB/SEM.

• Collaborative research on user projects.

Application Requirements

• Motivation letter (1 page)

• CV (max 3 pages)

• List of publications

• Contact information of 2 references

• Submit as a single PDF via the University’s recruitment system

Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Tommi Kajander – tommi.kajander@helsinki.fi

Highlights / Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a leading cryo-EM facility with national and European impact.

• Exposure to top-end structural biology research and infrastructure upgrades.

• Supportive international research environment at HiLIFE.

• Finland: family-friendly, high quality of life, affordable education and healthcare.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com