The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the best multidisciplinary research universities in the world. The University of Helsinki is an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations. The high-quality research carried out by the university creates new knowledge for educating diverse specialists in various fields, and for utilization in social decision-making and the business sector.
The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is Finland’s most high profile and extensive hub of research and teaching in the field. The Faculty is comprised of three research programmes – Ecosystems and Environment, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular and Integrative Biosciences – the latter with focus areas on cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, neurobiology, structural biology and virology.
The RNAcious Laboratory, directed by PI and Academy of Finland Research Fellow Peter Sarin, studies the role of post-transcriptional nucleoside modification on transfer RNA (tRNA) as modulators of translation following abiotic and biotic stresses. The RNAcious laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to study several aspects of tRNA biology, addressing e.g. how specific tRNA modifications influence host and pathogen translation during infection, how adaptation of tRNA modification affects neoplastic proliferation, and how tRNA modifications may be utilized to reprogramme translation.
The RNAcious laboratory invites applications for two fixed term positions as
DOCTORAL STUDENT
in a Novo Nordisk Foundation funded project on RNA-based optimization of heterologous protein production in cell-free translation systems. We are looking for two highly motivated and skilled doctoral students with a M.Sc.-degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, organic chemistry, or a related field. Prior experience in protein expression, translation analysis, and/or RNA-seq and bioinformatics is an advantage. The successful applicants will work alongside a senior postdoctoral researcher on one of two focus areas: (i) post-transcriptional modification strategies for enhanced protein production in cell-free translation systems, and (ii) bioinformatics approaches for predicting the impact of post-transcriptional modification optimization strategies. Applicability to national and international funding schemes is a merit, and excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are expected.
Successful candidates will be employed on a full-time, fixed term four-year contract starting September 2019 or by agreement, however no later than January 2020. The appointees must either have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period. The main application period for doctoral education at the University of Helsinki is in September, with a second call in February.
The salary is based on levels 2–3 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary of the doctoral student will be ca. 2200–2300 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland . A six-month trial period will be applied.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/open-positions/two-doctoral-students-faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences