Researcher in Cell Biology

University of Helsinki

Employer: University of Helsinki – Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) / Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (2 positions)
Deadline: 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST
Start Date: Preferably between 1 May 2026 and 1 January 2027, or upon agreement
Duration: Full-time, fixed-term 2 years, with possible 2-year extension
Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland

Project Overview

The research group of Assoc. Prof. Claudius Kratochwil invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to join the ERC-funded project IntEvoCell, which investigates the evolution of pigment cells in tropical cichlid fishes. The project integrates:

  • Single-cell sequencing

  • High-throughput cell phenotyping

  • Comparative evo-devo across species and developmental stages

The goal is to link molecular cell states to quantitative phenotypes and evolutionary change. Candidates will work in an international, collaborative team with access to core facilities and computational infrastructure in Helsinki.

More info: www.intevobio.fi

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral researchers will:

  • Lead and conduct research aligned with project goals

  • Generate and/or analyze single-cell and phenotyping data, developing robust workflows

  • Write manuscripts and present findings at international conferences

  • Mentor students and research trainees

  • Contribute to project coordination, data management, collaborations, and lab responsibilities

  • Undertake teaching/supervision duties (up to 10% of annual working time)

Required Expertise

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and demonstrate ability to conduct independent scholarly work. Desired expertise is in at least one of the following tracks:

Track A – Single-cell & computational analysis

  • Single-cell RNA-seq analysis (Seurat/Scanpy, QC, integration/batch correction, clustering, annotation)

  • Multimodal integration/feature engineering linking phenotypes to transcriptomics

  • Statistics/machine learning for biological inference

  • Reproducible research software, HPC/cluster usage

Track B – High-throughput cell-phenotyping & sorting

  • Flow cytometry/spectral cytometry and cell sorting

  • Sample preparation and dissociation protocols for cells/nuclei, across multiple tissues

  • High-throughput imaging and quantitative image analysis

  • Experimental QC and data/metadata handling

Track C – Evo-devo / functional genetics

  • Experimental evo-devo in fish or vertebrates

  • Genetics of pigmentation and patterning; comparative developmental analysis

  • Functional follow-up (CRISPR/Cas9, genotyping, mutant/variant assessment)

  • Comparative frameworks (cross-species mapping, phylogenetic reasoning)

General expectations:

  • Strong written and spoken English

  • Excellent communication and collaborative skills

  • Evidence of research productivity (publications, datasets, code, etc.)

Salary & Benefits

  • Gross salary: ~€3,600–€4,000/month (based on Finnish university salary system, level 5, plus personal performance)

  • Stimulating research environment at one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary universities

  • Access to core facilities and computational resources via CSC Finland

  • Support for conference travel and international networking

  • Employee benefits including occupational health care, sports facilities, and relocation support

Application Instructions

Submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

Required documents (PDF format):

  1. Cover letter (1–2 pages): background, motivation, and skills across Tracks A–C

  2. CV: including publications, ORCID, and contact details of 2–3 referees

  3. Short research statement (1–2 pages): describe how you would analyze pigment cell evolution in cichlid fishes, including data types, analysis/integration, and key hypotheses

Applications will be accepted until 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Contacts for further information:

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The University of Helsinki is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

More information: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/sustainability-and-responsibility/sustainable-and-equal-campus/accessibility

Apply