Postdoctoral Position in Microbiology

University of Helsinki

Faculty: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Department: Department of Microbiology
Unit: Microbial Ecology and Evolution Research Group
Supervisor: Professor Ville-Petri Friman
Position ID: 4620
Location: University of Helsinki, Viikki Campus, Finland
Employment type: Postdoctoral researcher, 4 years
Start date: Preferred 1.4.2026
Application deadline: 2.2.2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time

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About the Position

The Microbial Ecology and Evolution Research Group, led by Professor Ville-Petri Friman, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for a Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation-funded project: “Discovering the benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteriophages.”

Plant growth is influenced not only by genotype but also by beneficial microbes. This project investigates how bacteriophages can indirectly enhance plant growth by shaping rhizosphere bacterial communities through:

1. Release of nutrients via bacterial lysis
2. Selective enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria
3. Provision of plant growth-promoting genes through temperate phages

The study uses a tomato rhizosphere model system to experimentally investigate these mechanisms.

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Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, or related field (must be completed by start of employment)
• Experience in bioinformatics, metagenomics, and/or metaviromics
• Knowledge or experience in plant biology/pathology, plant-microbe interactions, microbial ecology, evolution, or phage biology is desirable
• Ability to independently conceive, execute, and complete research projects
• Creativity and strong team-working skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

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What We Offer

• Competitive salary: €3,600–3,800/month, based on Finnish university salary system, plus personal performance component
• State-of-the-art computational resources via Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC)
• Top-level interdisciplinary and international collaboration network
• Training opportunities in microbial bioinformatics and plant pathology
• Opportunities for research visits to Nanjing Agricultural University and other collaborators
• Supportive and non-discriminatory working environment

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How to Apply

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF in English via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

Include the following:

• Motivation letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
  • Relevant background and methodological skills
  • Research interests or vision for the project
  • Experience in multidisciplinary research environments
• CV including publication list
• Names and contact details of two referees

Internal applicants (employees of University of Helsinki) should apply via Employee Login.

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Additional Information

Contact for position: Professor Ville-Petri Friman – ville-petri.friman@helsinki.fi
Recruitment system contact: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen – uni-help@helsinki.fi

Department and Faculty:
Department of Microbiology
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry

About Finland: High quality of life, excellent education, affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and excellent public healthcare.

Diversity and Inclusion: The University promotes an inclusive and equitable work culture and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.