"Postdoctoral Researcher in Integrative Evolutionary Cell Biology (ERC Project IntEvoCell)"

University of Helsinki – Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) / Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

The research group of Assoc. Prof. Claudius Kratochwil at the University of Helsinki (www.intevobio.fi) invites applications for two Postdoctoral Researcher positions in integrative evolutionary cell biology. Our ERC-funded project uses pigment cells in tropical cichlid fishes as a powerful model to uncover how complex cellular phenotypes and developmental programs evolve. We integrate single-cell sequencing with high-throughput cell phenotyping and comparative evo-devo across species and developmental stages to link molecular cell states to quantitative phenotypes and evolutionary change.

We are building an integrative framework that links (i) high-dimensional single-cell molecular profiles to (ii) quantitative cellular phenotypes and (iii) evolutionary and developmental variation. The project already includes existing datasets and established pipelines, and the successful candidates will contribute both by analyzing and extending these resources and by developing new data and approaches where needed. You will join an international, collaborative team with access to excellent core facilities and computational infrastructure in Helsinki.

The positions

We are hiring two postdoctoral researchers whose expertise is complementary. Applicants may be primarily experimental or computational. We are especially interested in candidates who can cover a strong combination of skills (not necessarily all) from the lists below.

The preferred start date is between 1 May 2026 and 1 January 2027, or upon agreement. The positions are full-time and fixed-term for two years, with a possibility for a two-year extension. A six-month probationary period will be applied (standard in Finnish university employment contracts).

Main responsibilities

• Lead and carry out research aligned with the project goals, contributing intellectually, methodologically and empirically
• Generate and/or analyze single-cell and phenotyping data; develop robust, reproducible workflows
• Write manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences
• Participate in mentoring of students and research trainees
• Contribute to coordination of project activities, data management, collaborations and shared lab responsibilities.
• The work may include teaching and supervision duties (up to 10% of annual working time).

A more detailed work plan will be crafted based on the selected candidates’ strengths and interests.

What kind of expertise are we looking for?

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree by the start of employment and have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work.

We encourage applicants with a strong profile in at least one of the tracks below, and ideally a combination across tracks:

Track A: Single-cell & computational analysis (choose a combination)

• Single-cell RNA-seq analysis (e.g., Seurat/Scanpy, QC, integration/batch correction, clustering, annotation)
• Multimodal integration and/or feature engineering (linking phenotypes, imaging, cytometry, or other readouts to transcriptomics)
• Statistics / machine learning for biological inference (model validation, differential state testing, embeddings/classifiers)
• Reproducible research software (Git, workflow tools, documented pipelines; HPC/cluster use)

Track B: High-throughput cell-phenotyping & cell sorting (choose a combination)

• Flow cytometry / spectral cytometry, gating strategy development, and cell sorting
• Sample preparation and dissociation protocols for nuclei and/or cells, ideally across multiple tissues including challenging tissues (e.g., skin)
• High-throughput imaging or microscopy-linked phenotyping; quantitative image analysis
• Robust experimental QC and data/metadata handling across many samples and conditions

Track C: Evo-devo / functional genetics (choose a combination)

• Experimental evo-devo in fish or other vertebrate systems; developmental staging and phenotyping
• Genetics of pigmentation and patterning; comparative developmental analyzes
• Functional follow-up (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 strategy, genotyping workflows, mutant/variant assessment)
• Comparative frameworks (orthology-aware thinking, cross-species mapping, or phylogenetic reasoning)

General expectations

• Strong written and spoken English
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
• Evidence of research productivity (publications/preprints, datasets, code, or equivalent research outputs)

What we offer

• A stimulating research environment at one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary universities
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and computational resources offered by CSC Finland
• A respectful, collaborative, and supportive lab environment
• Support for conference travel and international networking
• Comprehensive employee benefits, including occupational health care and sports facilities
• Support for international staff relocating to Finland

Salary

The salary is based on level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the Finnish university salary system, plus a personal performance component. The typical starting gross salary is approximately €3,600–€4,000/month depending on experience and performance.

How to apply

Please submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System using the “Apply now” link. The positions will remain open until 30 April 2026 (23:59 EET/EEST), or until a suitable candidate is found.

Please attach the following documents (PDF format):

1. Cover letter (1–2 pages): your background, motivation, and which skill combinations (Tracks A–C) you bring
2. CV (including publication list, ORCID, and contact details of 2–3 referees)
3. A short research statement (1–2 pages): How would you analyze the evolution of pigment cell types in cichlid fishes? Based on your background and what you know from this job advertisement, outline your suggested approach, including (i) what types of data you would collect and/or prioritize, (ii) how you would analyze and integrate these data, and (iii) which key questions or hypotheses you would test and with which analytical and/or experimental strategies. Bullet points are welcome; we are looking for the logic of your approach rather than a detailed project plan. The statement is not required to match a pre-defined project plan; rather, it will be used to assess your creative thinking, biological intuition, and technical fluency, and to support discussion of project fit during the interview process.

We expect applications to reflect the applicant’s own thinking and writing. Other attachments (letters, certificates) are not required at this stage.