3- Postdoctoral Research Fellows in Proteomics at the University of Helsinki, Finland
The positions are hosted by the Varjosalo group and the newly established Järvinen group at the Institute of Biotechnology (HiLIFE). The research uses advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate how proteins, protein interactions, and post-translational modifications influence disease mechanisms and drug responses.
Position Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Positions | 3 Postdoctoral Research Fellows |
| Institution | University of Helsinki |
| Institute | Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE |
| Location | Helsinki, Finland |
| Research areas | Proteomics, neurodevelopment, cancer, drug toxicity |
| Salary | Approximately €3,900–€4,376 gross/month |
| Contract | 2–3 years |
| Trial period | 6 months |
| Expected start | 1 October 2026 or as agreed |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Language | English |
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the positions may be filled before the deadline if suitable candidates are identified.
1. Postdoctoral Fellow – Neurodevelopmental Proteomics
The first position focuses on understanding the molecular circuitry of human neurodevelopment using advanced cellular models and patient-derived material.
The project combines 2D and 3D cell models, differentiation systems, organoids and assembloids with quantitative proteomics approaches. The objective is to understand how genetic variants affect protein networks involved in neurodevelopment.
Research activities
The successful candidate will work with:
Human neurodevelopmental models
Stem-cell-derived systems
Organoids and assembloids
Patient-derived clinical material
Interaction proteomics
Expression proteomics
Quantitative molecular data
Protein networks associated with genetic variants
The project involves collaboration with neurobiology researchers from the Neuroscience Center and Karolinska Institute.
Ideal background
Applicants should preferably have experience in:
Stem cell biology
Neurobiology
Developmental biology
Quantitative biological research
Mass spectrometry experience is advantageous but not mandatory. The research group will provide training for candidates without prior mass spectrometry experience.
2. Postdoctoral Fellow – Clinical Proteomics of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The second position focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and uses clinical proteomics to investigate disease progression, relapse and drug resistance.
The researcher will work with patient-derived AML specimens to characterize their proteome and interactome.
Research focus
The project aims to understand:
How AML is organized at the protein level
Molecular mechanisms underlying disease relapse
Development of drug resistance
Protein interactions associated with disease progression
Potential mechanisms relevant to patient treatment
The project has a strong translational component because it is conducted in collaboration with clinical hematologists at the University Hospital.
Ideal background
Applicants should have:
Hands-on experience handling clinical patient material
Experience preparing biological samples for molecular analysis
An understanding of disease biology
Strong interest in quantitative data analysis
Ability to connect molecular findings with clinical questions
This position may be particularly attractive to researchers with backgrounds in cancer biology, molecular biology, clinical research, proteomics or biomedical sciences.
3. Postdoctoral Fellow – Chemoproteomics of Drug Toxicity and Efficacy
The third position is based in the newly established research group of Dr. Erkka Järvinen and focuses on chemoproteomics, drug target engagement, drug efficacy and toxicity.
The researcher will investigate how drugs interact with their targets and how these interactions influence cellular phenotypes.
Research focus
The work includes:
Chemoproteomic approaches
Target engagement
Target selectivity
Activity-based profiling
Global proteomics
Phosphoproteomics
Phenotype deconvolution
Machine-learning-based data analysis
Drug-induced liver toxicity
Drug efficacy
The project provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new research direction within the Järvinen group.
Suitable backgrounds
Candidates may come from areas such as:
Chemical biology
Biosciences
Medicinal chemistry
Proteomics
Molecular biology
Data-rich biological sciences
A strong interest in small molecules and drug mechanisms will be valuable.
The project also connects closely with the group's AML research.
General Eligibility Requirements
The University of Helsinki expects candidates for all three positions to have:
A doctoral degree in a relevant field, either completed or close to completion at the time of appointment.
A publication record appropriate to their career stage.
Ability to independently plan and conduct research.
Willingness to contribute to the research group's activities.
Interest in research fundraising.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Finnish language skills are not required.
The selected candidates are expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
Salary and Benefits
The salary follows the Finnish university salary system, at requirement level 5, with an additional personal performance component.
Salary
Approximately €3,900–€4,376 gross per month.
The appointment is for 2–3 years, with a six-month trial period.
Additional benefits
The University of Helsinki offers several benefits, including:
Occupational healthcare
Subsidized lunch
Holiday bonus
Parental leave system
International working environment
Relocation support
Assistance with residence permits
Support for finding schools and daycare
International Staff Services
Helsinki is an international city where English is widely used, including within the university community.
Why Choose the University of Helsinki?
The research is conducted within HiLIFE – Helsinki Institute of Life Science, an interdisciplinary research environment supporting high-quality life-science research across the University of Helsinki.
The research groups have direct access to the Helsinki Proteomics Center (HPC), Finland's national proteomics infrastructure.
Researchers can therefore work with extensive state-of-the-art instrumentation across the University's Viikki and Meilahti campuses.
The combination of:
Advanced mass spectrometry
Clinical collaborations
Quantitative proteomics
Molecular biology
Computational analysis
Drug discovery
Disease research
makes these positions particularly relevant for researchers interested in translational and technology-driven life-science research.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki recruitment system.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Required documents
Applicants should prepare:
- CV
- Publication list
- One-page motivation letter
- The motivation letter should clearly state which position—or positions—you are applying for.
- Contact details of 2–3 referees
Candidates may apply for more than one position, but should clearly indicate their preference in the motivation letter.
Application deadline
30 September 2026
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, candidates should not necessarily wait until the deadline to apply.
APPLY HERE: University of Helsinki recruitment system
Which Position Should You Apply For?
Your background should determine which project you target.
| Your background | Best-fit position |
|---|---|
| Stem cell biology | Neurodevelopmental Proteomics |
| Neurobiology | Neurodevelopmental Proteomics |
| Developmental biology | Neurodevelopmental Proteomics |
| Clinical molecular biology | AML Clinical Proteomics |
| Cancer biology | AML Clinical Proteomics |
| Hematology-related research | AML Clinical Proteomics |
| Clinical sample processing | AML Clinical Proteomics |
| Proteomics | Any of the three |
| Mass spectrometry | Any of the three |
| Chemical biology | Chemoproteomics |
| Medicinal chemistry | Chemoproteomics |
| Drug discovery | Chemoproteomics |
| Phosphoproteomics | Chemoproteomics |
| Bioinformatics/data-rich biology | Particularly Chemoproteomics |
Importantly, mass spectrometry experience is not mandatory for the neurodevelopmental position, making that position potentially suitable for candidates coming from stem-cell, developmental or neurobiology backgrounds.
About HiLIFE
The Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) was established in 2017 and supports interdisciplinary life-science research across the University of Helsinki.
HiLIFE brings together researchers, infrastructures and partnerships addressing major challenges in areas including:
- Health
- Food
- Environment
- Molecular biology
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical research
The institute also coordinates life-science research infrastructures and provides interdisciplinary research training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many postdoctoral positions are available?
There are three Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions at the University of Helsinki.
They cover:
- Neurodevelopmental proteomics
- Clinical proteomics of acute myeloid leukemia
- Chemoproteomics of drug toxicity and efficacy
2. What is the salary?
The gross monthly salary is approximately €3,900–€4,376, depending on the Finnish university salary system and personal performance component.
3. How long is the contract?
The appointment is for 2–3 years, with a six-month trial period.
4. When does the position start?
The expected starting date is 1 October 2026 or as agreed.
5. Do I need Finnish language skills?
No. Finnish is not required, and excellent English communication skills are expected.
6. Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes. Applicants may apply to more than one research area. If doing so, clearly state your preferred position or positions in the motivation letter.
7. Is mass spectrometry experience mandatory?
Not for all positions. For the neurodevelopmental proteomics position, prior mass spectrometry experience is welcome but not required, as training will be provided.
8. What documents are required?
You need:
- CV
- Publication list
- One-page motivation letter
- Contact details of 2–3 referees
9. Can I apply by email?
No. Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki recruitment system. Email applications will not be considered.
10. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 30 September 2026. However, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions may be filled before the deadline.
11. Do I need to live in Finland?
Selected applicants are expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
12. Is relocation support available?
Yes. International Staff Services can assist international researchers with relocation, residence permits, schools and daycare arrangements.
Final Takeaway
These three University of Helsinki postdoctoral positions provide opportunities to work at the intersection of proteomics, molecular biology, clinical research and drug response.
The strongest applicants will have a relevant PhD, a good publication record and the ability to work independently. However, the positions are deliberately multidisciplinary: candidates do not necessarily need to come from a traditional proteomics background.
If your expertise is in neurodevelopment, stem cells, cancer biology, clinical research, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, mass spectrometry or quantitative bioscience, at least one of these projects could be a strong match.
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