Researcher in Cell Biology (University of Helsinki)

Employer: University of Helsinki – Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) / Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (2 positions) Deadline: 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST Start Date: Preferably between 1 May 2026 and 1 January 2027, or upon agreement Duration: Full-time, fixed-term 2 years, with possible 2-year extension Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland Project Overview The research group of Assoc. Prof. Claudius Kratochwil invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to join the ERC-funded project IntEvoCell, which investigates the evolution of pigment cells in tropical cichlid fishes. The project integrates: Single-cell sequencing High-throughput cell phenotyping Comparative evo-devo across species and developmental stages The goal is to link molecular cell states to quantitative phenotypes and evolutionary change. Candidates will work in an international, collaborative team with access to core facilities and computational infrastructure in Helsinki. More info: www.intevobio.fi Responsibilities Postdoctoral researchers will: Lead and conduct research aligned with project goals Generate and/or analyze single-cell and phenotyping data, developing robust workflows Write manuscripts and present findings at international conferences Mentor students and research trainees Contribute to project coordination, data management, collaborations, and lab responsibilities Undertake teaching/supervision duties (up to 10% of annual working time) Required Expertise Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and demonstrate ability to conduct independent scholarly work. Desired expertise is in at least one of the following tracks: Track A – Single-cell & computational analysis Single-cell RNA-seq analysis (Seurat/Scanpy, QC, integration/batch correction, clustering, annotation) Multimodal integration/feature engineering linking phenotypes to transcriptomics Statistics/machine learning for biological inference Reproducible research software, HPC/cluster usage Track B – High-throughput cell-phenotyping & sorting Flow cytometry/spectral cytometry and cell sorting Sample preparation and dissociation protocols for cells/nuclei, across multiple tissues High-throughput imaging and quantitative image analysis Experimental QC and data/metadata handling Track C – Evo-devo / functional genetics Experimental evo-devo in fish or vertebrates Genetics of pigmentation and patterning; comparative developmental analysis Functional follow-up (CRISPR/Cas9, genotyping, mutant/variant assessment) Comparative frameworks (cross-species mapping, phylogenetic reasoning) General expectations: Strong written and spoken English Excellent communication and collaborative skills Evidence of research productivity (publications, datasets, code, etc.) Salary & Benefits Gross salary: ~€3,600–€4,000/month (based on Finnish university salary system, level 5, plus personal performance) Stimulating research environment at one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary universities Access to core facilities and computational resources via CSC Finland Support for conference travel and international networking Employee benefits including occupational health care, sports facilities, and relocation support Application Instructions Submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Required documents (PDF format): Cover letter (1–2 pages): background, motivation, and skills across Tracks A–C CV: including publications, ORCID, and contact details of 2–3 referees Short research statement (1–2 pages): describe how you would analyze pigment cell evolution in cichlid fishes, including data types, analysis/integration, and key hypotheses Applications will be accepted until 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST, or until a suitable candidate is found. Contacts for further information: About the project: Claudius Kratochwil, claudius.kratochwil@helsinki.fi Recruitment system: recruitment@helsinki.fi Integrative Evolutionary Biology lab: www.intevobio.fi HiLIFE: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-helsinki-institute-life-science Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/visit-us/campuses/viikki-campus Accessibility and Inclusivity The University of Helsinki is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. More information: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/sustainability-and-responsibility/sustainable-and-equal-campus/accessibility If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Employer: University of Helsinki – Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) / Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (2 positions)
Deadline: 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST
Start Date: Preferably between 1 May 2026 and 1 January 2027, or upon agreement
Duration: Full-time, fixed-term 2 years, with possible 2-year extension
Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland

Project Overview

The research group of Assoc. Prof. Claudius Kratochwil invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to join the ERC-funded project IntEvoCell, which investigates the evolution of pigment cells in tropical cichlid fishes. The project integrates:

Single-cell sequencing
High-throughput cell phenotyping
Comparative evo-devo across species and developmental stages

The goal is to link molecular cell states to quantitative phenotypes and evolutionary change. Candidates will work in an international, collaborative team with access to core facilities and computational infrastructure in Helsinki.

More info: www.intevobio.fi

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral researchers will:

Lead and conduct research aligned with project goals
Generate and/or analyze single-cell and phenotyping data, developing robust workflows
Write manuscripts and present findings at international conferences
Mentor students and research trainees
Contribute to project coordination, data management, collaborations, and lab responsibilities
Undertake teaching/supervision duties (up to 10% of annual working time)

Required Expertise

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and demonstrate ability to conduct independent scholarly work. Desired expertise is in at least one of the following tracks:

Track A – Single-cell & computational analysis

Single-cell RNA-seq analysis (Seurat/Scanpy, QC, integration/batch correction, clustering, annotation)
Multimodal integration/feature engineering linking phenotypes to transcriptomics
Statistics/machine learning for biological inference
Reproducible research software, HPC/cluster usage

Track B – High-throughput cell-phenotyping & sorting

Flow cytometry/spectral cytometry and cell sorting
Sample preparation and dissociation protocols for cells/nuclei, across multiple tissues
High-throughput imaging and quantitative image analysis
Experimental QC and data/metadata handling

Track C – Evo-devo / functional genetics

Experimental evo-devo in fish or vertebrates
Genetics of pigmentation and patterning; comparative developmental analysis
Functional follow-up (CRISPR/Cas9, genotyping, mutant/variant assessment)
Comparative frameworks (cross-species mapping, phylogenetic reasoning)

General expectations:

Strong written and spoken English
Excellent communication and collaborative skills
Evidence of research productivity (publications, datasets, code, etc.)

Salary & Benefits

Gross salary: ~€3,600–€4,000/month (based on Finnish university salary system, level 5, plus personal performance)
Stimulating research environment at one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary universities
Access to core facilities and computational resources via CSC Finland
Support for conference travel and international networking
Employee benefits including occupational health care, sports facilities, and relocation support

Application Instructions

Submit your application via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

Required documents (PDF format):

Cover letter (1–2 pages): background, motivation, and skills across Tracks A–C
CV: including publications, ORCID, and contact details of 2–3 referees
Short research statement (1–2 pages): describe how you would analyze pigment cell evolution in cichlid fishes, including data types, analysis/integration, and key hypotheses

Applications will be accepted until 30 April 2026, 23:59 EET/EEST, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Contacts for further information: