Lab Manager / Research Technician

The Najumudeen Lab is seeking a highly motivated Lab Manager / Research Technician to join our collaborative and international research team at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki. The lab is also affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE).

Our research focuses on intestinal stem cells, metabolism, cancer biology, and integrative multi-omics approaches, including spatial omics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, single-cell workflows, and preclinical cancer models.

This position is ideal for a person who combines strong hands-on experience in mouse work with excellent organizational skills and enjoys keeping a research laboratory running smoothly. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting research projects, coordinating daily lab operations, and contributing intellectually to an active research environment.

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

1. Coordinate day-to-day lab operations, documentation, shared protocols, and general laboratory organization.
2. Support research projects of lab members, with a strong drive to contribute intellectually. Tasks will include mouse genotyping, mouse management, mouse monitoring, and communication with mouse facility staff. The candidate is expected to understand the experimental design and the underlying reasons for performing each experiment.
3. Assist with sample logistics for single-cell and multi-omics workflows.
4. Maintain lab safety documentation, SOPs, equipment records, and onboarding materials for new lab members.
5. Support administrative tasks for the group leader, including research meetings, purchasing, invoice processing, and financial documentation.
6. Actively contribute to research discussions, including lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions.

Candidate requirements

• MSc or PhD, preferably, in a relevant field, such as translational medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in experimental mouse work is required. Existing authorisation to work with mice is required; candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain the required authorisation in Finland. Please do not apply if this requirement is not applicable.
• Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work, particularly preclinical mouse models, with a careful working style.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing tasks.
• Capability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken; Finnish is an advantage but not required.

Merits

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:

• Preclinical cancer models
• Primary stem cell and organoid models
• Metabolism assays
• Spatial omics methods
• Single-cell workflows
• Lab management, safety documentation or purchasing
• Onboarding or training of new lab members

What we offer

• A friendly, international, and multidisciplinary research environment
• A central role in keeping an ambitious research lab organized, compliant, and productive
• Access to high-quality research infrastructure at the University of Helsinki, FIMM, and HiLIFE
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A workplace in Helsinki, Finland, with excellent quality of life, strong public services, and close access to nature

Salary and contract

The position is offered for a fixed term of two years, starting in August 2026 or as negotiated. Salary will depend on the applicant’s level of skills, knowledge, and abilities and is based on the university salary system. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. The typical starting gross salary for comparable UH laboratory manager roles is approximately €2,600–€3,200/month (depending on duties and experience).

Interested?

Applications should include the following documents:

1. Cover letter, max. 1 page
2. CV, max. 4 pages
3. Full publication list, if applicable
4. Names of three references

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki recruitment system.
We value authentic applications that reflect the applicant’s own experience, motivation, and voice.

Diversity and inclusion

The University of Helsinki promotes an inclusive and equal work community. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

Join the Najumudeen Lab to study intestinal stem cells, metabolism, and cancer in an international research environment in Helsinki.

Deadline: June 30th, 2026.