Assistant/Associate Professor of Life Science

HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science is one of the leading life science research institutes in the Nordics. It fosters outstanding research and innovation across the University of Helsinki campuses and Faculties, creating an attractive international environment where today's grand challenges in health and the environment are solved together.

We are now opening the 5th HiLIFE tenure-track call and look forward to recruiting three new tenure-track assistant/associate professors to join our excellent crowd. In the previous four calls, HiLIFE has recruited 20 assistant/associate professors, who to date have secured 11 ERC grants during their years at the University of Helsinki. The currently offered tenure-track positions will start in 2027 at the earliest and are initially for three to five years, with a possibility for promotion and tenuring following successful evaluation.

The positions are shared between one of the HiLIFE units (Institute of Biotechnology, Neuroscience Center and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM)) and one of the participating life science faculties on the Viikki, Meilahti and Kumpula campuses. We encourage applicants from all life science fields to apply. The faculties participating in the call encourage applications especially from the following fields:

• Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry: Future Food
• Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: all fields within the Faculty
• Faculty of Medicine: Public Health; Bio-imaging; Reproductive medicine; Clinical endocrinology
• Faculty of Pharmacy: Digital and computational drug discovery, development, and safety
• Faculty of Science: Targeted radiotherapy and dosimetry; Nano- and/or microtomography in bioimaging
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Physiology

Position requirements

We seek talented candidates with a doctoral degree completed approximately 2–12 years ago (excluding career breaks), postdoctoral experience, and recent demonstration of excellence in life-sciences research appropriate to their career stage. We build on scientific excellence; a suitable candidate has, for example, already produced an early-career scientific track record, attracted external research funding, and is now ready to start working independently.

The successful candidate at the assistant professor level shows potential to be a future research leader and is expected to develop an independent, externally funded line of research in current or emerging areas of life sciences. At the associate level, evidence for these achievements is required.

We are also looking for individuals who can contribute to the development of life science research infrastructures, innovations, and/or higher education in evolving areas of life sciences. Early-stage independent researchers with 2-12 years of experience since completing their PhD are especially encouraged to apply.

For formal qualifications, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/academic-careers/tenure-track. You must meet the degree requirement by the application deadline.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

What we offer

The positions come with an attractive, negotiable startup package and are initially for three to five years, with the possibility of extension or tenure following a successful evaluation. All positions are shared between HiLIFE units and one of the participating faculties. During the tenure track (assistant/associate professor), contracts are with HiLIFE; after tenuring (as professor), they are with the faculty.

The salary is negotiable within the University of Helsinki regulations. The salary will be based on level 7 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The assistant/associate professor's gross annual salary ranges from 60 000 to 80 000 euros, depending on the appointee's qualifications and experience. The position includes a six-month trial period.

HiLIFE takes a proactive, transformative role in ensuring our institute is the best place for everyone to do their work. Our Code of Conduct translates the University of Helsinki values and principles into practical guidelines that define how we behave and how we wish to be treated, with zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities.

Want to work in the world's happiest country at a dynamic, international institute? Finland has been nominated as the happiest country in the world nine times in a row. https://media.visitfinland.com/es/media-press-releases/happiest-country-2026/ Finland is a member of the EU and NATO, has high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits, and excellent healthcare. Helsinki has been ranked multiple times as one of the world's top ten most livable cities, and Finland has been ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university

Application & recruitment process

Applications are submitted as a single pdf attachment via the link at the bottom of the page. Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own voice and thoughts. AI-generated applications do not meet our expectations.

Please include only the following requested materials in the PDF file:

• a motivation letter (max 1 page);
• curriculum vitae including teaching experience
• a list of not more than 20 publications, patents, invention disclosures, and/or other important research outputs, including five highlighted key publications with a brief summary of their importance at the top, and your ORCID ID for a complete list of publications;
• a research plan (max 2 pages excluding references).

Kindly ensure that the application package does not exceed more than 10 pages. Other attachments will not be considered.

Submit your application by Monday, November 16, 2026, at 23:59 EET (UTC +2).

An Appointment Committee evaluates applications, and the process includes external referee statements and interviews with shortlisted applicants. Finalists must successfully complete an interview process that includes a research seminar and teaching demonstration. The interviews are expected to take place on May 31 – June 2, 2027. We kindly ask candidates to save the dates; we will send site visit invitations in April or early May. The recruitment is expected to be completed in September 2027.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.

Further information

HiLIFE director Jari Koistinaho, e-mail: jari.koistinaho(at)helsinki.fi

For more information on HiLIFE, please contact Head of Administration Sanna Leinonen, sanna.p.leinonen(at)helsinki.fi

For more information on the process and schedule, please contact Human Resources Partner Anu Roine, e-mail: anu.roine(at)helsinki.fi

If you have any questions, need assistance, or require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact hilife-recruit(at)helsinki.fi – we are here to support you.

Updates on the recruitment process and schedule can be obtained also from our website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-helsinki-institute-life-science/about-us/careers/call-hilife-tenure-track-assistantassociate-professor-positions

HiLIFE

Life Science research at the University of Helsinki covers a broad scope, from the structure, function, and dynamics of molecules, microbes, and cells to entire organisms and ecosystems. Multiple units at all four University campuses, but mainly Viikki and Meilahti, host life science researchers. HiLIFE was established in 2017 to bridge the University's units and campuses and thus build an even more vibrant life science community.

HiLIFE's operative units, the Institute of Biotechnology, the Neuroscience Center, and FIMM, play an important role in developing a strong international research environment in their focus areas and bring important expertise to HiLIFE in recruitment, training, core facilities, innovation, and international cooperation. HiLIFE also takes responsibility for cross-campus needs and development in the life sciences. This dual role makes HiLIFE a unique entity in the University.

HiLIFE employs more than 650 diverse scientists and support staff. With about 50% international staff, English is the daily working language. HiLIFE's budget exceeds 70 M€, of which over 65% is external competitive research funding. HiLIFE hosts about 80 principal investigators, including multiple ERC grantees. HiLIFE is the University of Helsinki's highest-impact research unit as measured by Category Normalized Citation Impact (CNCI), with publications cited nearly three times above the global average in their respective fields.

University of Helsinki

Through the power of science, the University of Helsinki has contributed to society, education, and welfare since 1640. The University is a vibrant and international scientific community of 40 000 students and researchers. It is one of Europe's leading multidisciplinary research universities. The University of Helsinki is currently investing heavily in life sciences research.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

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Open position

Due Date: 16.11.2026 (23.59 Europe/Helsinki time)

Unit: Helsinki Institute of Life Science

Sub-unit: HiLIFE - Joint Activities

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