Project Summary

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the project "Mutation clusters and origin of regulatory RNA genes" funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and led by Dr Heli Mönttinen at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland.

In this project we aim to identify recent and ancient mutation events in human regulatory RNA gene regions and study their impact on gene function and structure using a range of sequence analysis and comparative genomic methods. The projects will also involve programming for data collection and analysis. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will lead a subproject which involves screening mutation events from large genomic datasets and analysis the effects of the identified mutations using existing software as well as newly developed computational methods. You will report your results in a scientific publication as a first author with the support of other members of the group.

Skills, experience/qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

* Doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g. bioinformatics, genetics, computer science or molecular biology)
* Proven programming skills (preferably Python, other languages also appreciated)
* Ability to handle large sequence datasets
* Experience of working in HPC environments
* Strong interest in molecular evolution
* Good written and oral communication skills in English
* Willingness to work both independently and as part of a team

We also appreciate:
* Good statistical skills
* Previous experience in RNA and comparative genomics

Position details
The successful candidate will be employed on a full-time, three-year fixed-term contract starting in September 2025 (or later by agreement).  The position includes a six-month trial period.

Postdoc applicants must hold a doctoral degree by the start date of the appointment.

The salary is based on level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff in the Finnish university salary system. In addition, the appointee will receive a salary component based on personal performance.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive benefits to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.
There is also an active postdoctoral community at the Institute of Biotechnology, which organises various networking and career development events for postdoctoral researchers (for further information, please see: https://blogs.helsinki.fi/viikki-postdoc/).

Application and selection procedure

To apply, please send the following documents in a single pdf file:

* A letter of motivation (max. 2 A4 pages), including:

            i) Your motivation to apply
            ii) Description of your skills and research experience
            iii) How your experience supports the research position
* A curriculum vitae, structured according to the TENK guidelines (include only applicable sections, see https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
* A link to a coding sample in your Github profile (can be included to CV)
* Contact details of two referees (can be included to CV)
* Copy of Doctoral degree diploma.

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system:
https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki-Postdoctoral-researcher-in-RNA-gene-evolution%2C-M%C3%B6nttinen-group/818514702/

The deadline for applications is 16 May 2025.

The selection process will involve an initial shortlisting, followed by interviews with selected candidates. The interview may include a small bioinformatics task to be solved by the candidate during the interview. For more information about the position, please contact Heli Mönttinen (heli.monttinen(at)helsinki.fi).

Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, offers an international, inspiring, and supportive work environment. HiLIFE is a life science institute at the University of Helsinki established in 2017 supporting high quality research across campuses and life science faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths, new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for solving grand challenges in health, food, and environment. It coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences, provides research-based interdisciplinary training and supports researchers within its units and partner faculties. In 2019 HiLIFE has a staff of 600 and a budget of 59 M€.

For more information on the Institute, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science

The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.
 
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 best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. 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