"Post-doctoral and PhD student positions in stem cell, metabolism and aging biology"

The laboratories of Dr. Jette Lengefeld (www.lengefeldlab.com) and Dr. Nahid Khan are inviting applicants for two post-doctoral and two PhD student positions in stem cell, metabolism and aging biology.

The Lengefeld Lab is located on the Viikki Campus, and the Khan Lab is located at Faculty of Medicine, both part of the University of Helsinki.

The NovoNordisk funded project focuses on the observation that people live longer than ever, but health declines significantly during the later years. Current treatments target age-related conditions and diseases individually, despite their shared root in cellular aging. This leads to inefficient treatments and high healthcare costs. We will study how rejuvenating the blood system affects systemic metabolic functions in the body during aging. Using mouse models, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, immunofluorescence microscopy, HSC transplantation and assays of multiple organs, we aim to metabolically restore cellular functions to extend healthspan.

Lengefeld lab:

Position description:

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher and PhD student to join Lengefeld at Viiki campus to perform a project focused on metabolic aging using hematopoietic stem cells.

Qualifications for postdoc position:

• PhD in hematology, hematopoietic stem cell biology, aging biology or a related field (degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment).
• Strong interest to carry out cutting-edge research and an attitude to drive own research and work in an intra and inter team fashion is highly expected
• Strong expertise in stem cell biology and experience working with mice is highly beneficial
• Excellent communication skills in English are required

Qualifications for PhD position:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell Biology, or related field
• Hands-on experience with mouse models (handling, treatment, phenotyping)
• Experience with stem cell research and microscopy
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools
• Highly motivated, and able to work collaboratively
• Knowledge of aging pathways
• Excellent communication skills in English are required

Khan lab:

Position description:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join Khan lab at Stem Cell and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM) focused on metabolic aging. The successful postdoc candidate will lead projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction during aging using cutting-edge approaches in immunology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and tissue histology. The project will combine molecular biology, metabolomics, and mouse/cell culture models to understand the mechanisms underlying age-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Qualifications for postdoc position:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, or related field.
• Expertise in FACS-based immunophenotyping and general immunology techniques.
• Experience in metabolomics analysis (LC-MS/MS or GC-MS).
• Proficiency in transcriptomics analysis (RNA-seq) and associated bioinformatics workflows.
• Histological analysis of tissues, including sample preparation, staining (H&E, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence), and microscopy.
• Skilled in R programming for statistical analysis and data visualization is plus
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with mouse models and histology.
• Familiarity with multi-omics data integration.
• Knowledge of immunometabolic pathways.

Qualifications for PhD position:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, Western blotting, etc.).
• Experience with metabolomics analysis (sample prep, LC-MS/MS, or GC-MS).
• Skilled in mouse models (handling, treatment, phenotyping) and/or cell culture experiments.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.
• Highly motivated, and able to work collaboratively.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of aging models or metabolic pathways.
• Experience with histology or imaging techniques.
• Familiarity with R or other statistical tools for data analysis.

The postdoctoral researcher and PhD-student positions are initially limited to 2 and 4 years, respectively, with a possibility of extension. A trial period of 6 months will be applied, and the salaries will be based on the University salary scheme for teaching and research personnel composed of both task specific and personal performance components.

Application Process:

1. Cover letter detailing research experience and interests.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including link to Google Scholar profile
3. Contact information for two references.

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki recruitment system by clicking the “Apply for the position” - link below. Applicants employed by the University of Helsinki must submit their application through the SAP Fiori portal.

The deadline for the applications is 1st of March 2026, but the positions will be filled immediately once suitable candidates have been identified.

For technical support regarding the recruitment system, please contact rekrytointi@helsinki.fi.