Doctoral Researcher position in regeneration and ageing biology, group Pentinmikko

• The Pentinmikko laboratory at the University of Helsinki offers a 3-year Doctoral Researcher position in regeneration and ageing biology starting in January 2027 or as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
• The Research Council of Finland–funded project studies how inflammation and ageing affect liver regeneration using animal experiments and in vitro organoid models, and includes presenting results, applying for travel grants, and leading manuscript writing.
• Applicants should hold an M.Sc. (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field with prior laboratory experience, good English, eligibility for doctoral studies, residence in Finland, and willingness to spend about 5% of working time on teaching.
• The starting salary will be approximately 2600 €/month with university benefits, and applications (CV, transcripts, one-page research letter and two referee contacts) must be submitted via the University recruitment system by October 6, 2026, although earlier applications are encouraged.

Pentinmikko laboratory invites applications for a 3-year DOCTORAL RESEARCHER position in regeneration and ageing biology under the supervision of Dr. Nalle Pentinmikko. The successful applicant will join the research group located at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, and enrol in one of the doctoral programs at the University of Helsinki. The work is scheduled to start in January 2027 or as soon as a suitable candidate has been found. 

Position description

The Research Council of Finland funded PhD project aims to discover how inflammatory conditions and ageing affect the function and regenerative capacity of liver tissue. Your work will involve the use of research animals to investigate cell-cell interactions during regenerative processes and to developed new in vitro organoid models. You are expected to discuss your work in regular group meetings, to present your findings in scientific conferences, prepare funding applications for travel grants, as well as lead the writing of manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals. You will have shared responsibilities in management of the facilities of the research group. 

Requirements

Motivated candidates with a M.Sc. degree or equivalent in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in laboratory work is required. Experience in working with research animals and organotypic cell cultures is advantageous, but most importantly you should have a strong motivation to learn new methods, contribute ideas, and possess the ability to conduct your research independently while being an active member of an international research environment. Good written and oral communication skills in English will be needed. The selected candidate must meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes) and obtain doctoral study right within the trial period of 6 months. 

Five percent of the working time is expected to be devoted to teaching and undergraduate student supervision.

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

Salary and benefits

The salary will be in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel, starting level 2). In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be approximately 2600 €/month.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and ample opportunities for professional development and language studies. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome-finland-information-arriving-staff) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

How to apply

Applications shall be submitted through the University of Helsinki´s recruitment system and include the following documents: a CV (maximum 2 pages), a copy of your transcript records, and a letter (maximum 1 page) with a description of your research interests and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project and the contact information of two referees to provide reference letters upon request. Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own capability and thoughts. 

 
The deadline for applications is October 6, 2026. However, we encourage to apply as soon as possible as the role will be filled when a suitable candidate is found. Top candidates will be interviewed in October 2026.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to the University of Helsinki. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from different gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities to apply for the position. You can read about the accessibility and inclusivity of our university via this link.

About the Institute of Biotechnology 

Institute of Biotechnology BI, a part of HiLIFE, is an internationally renowned research institute with an inclusive and curiosity-driven working culture. The research activities are carried out in research groups joined into three multidisciplinary research programs. The Institute hosts several shared research infrastructures, including cutting-edge facilities for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), light microscopy, sequencing, and proteomics. For more information, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/hilife/bi

Additional information

For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Nalle Pentinmikko (nalle.e.pentinmikko@helsinki.fi).

Support with the recruitment system may be obtained from University of Helsinki HR Specialists at recruitment@helsinki.fi.