About Position/Job
The University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position in Microbiology and Archaeological Science within the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland. This 22-month postdoctoral role is funded by the Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE) and forms part of the project “From Clay to Code: Investigating Microbial Evolution in Response to Human Influence.” The research explores viable ancient bacteria recovered from archaeological ceramics, comparing them with modern strains to understand evolutionary adaptation shaped by human environments. Combining microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular dating, and archaeological science, the project offers a unique interdisciplinary opportunity to develop expertise in sequencing technologies and computational analysis while contributing to globally relevant research on microbial evolution and long-term human impact.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Helsinki
- Department: Department of Microbiology
- Research Field: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Archaeological Science
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (22 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: Approximately €3,600 per month (depending on qualifications and experience)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ancient viable bacteria from archaeological ceramics
- Microbial evolution under human influence
- Comparative genomics of ancient and modern microbes
- Bioinformatics and sequencing data analysis
- Molecular dating methods linked with archaeological context
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or related field (completed before start date)
- Ability to conduct independent research
- Experience in analysing sequencing data in cluster computing environments
- Knowledge of R, Python, or Bash
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with molecular dating techniques
- Experience using nanopore sequencing technologies
Key Responsibilities
- Advance the research project in collaboration with the team
- Contribute to the preparation of future research funding proposals
- Undertake teaching duties (10–20%) as part of academic responsibilities
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki online recruitment system. External applicants should apply via the standard application portal, while internal applicants with a university username should apply through the employee login system.
Required Documents
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Curriculum Vitae including publication list
- Contact details of two referees (optional at application stage)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently Open
- Deadline: 2 February 2026 (23:59 Helsinki time)
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Helsinki
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply now: Click here
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