The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. Helsinki Institute of Life Science HiLIFE is a new life science research institute forming an attractive international environment for researchers, and facilitating national and international partnerships in areas of research, infrastructures, and innovations. The university life science research institutes – Institute of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, and Neuroscience Center – are included in HiLIFE as operative units.

Post doc positions are available in the research group led by Ari Pekka Mähönen at Institute of Biotechnology (HiLIFE)/ Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Vascular cambium produces xylem (wood) and phloem, and together with the cork cambium, which produces a protective layer at the surface called phellem, they provide thickness to plant organs. The goal of the group has been to understand the molecular regulation and cellular organization of vascular cambium. We have been utilizing lineage tracing techniques, molecular genetics, advanced microscopy and genomics as approaches to study the cambial cells in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. Using these techniques, we recently identified stem cell organizer of the vascular cambium (Smetana et al. Nature 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30626967).

We are looking for post doc(s) to carry out a ERC Consolidator Grant -funded (https://erc.europa.eu/news/erc-2018-consolidator-grants-results) research line, in which we investigate growth dynamics and regulatory mechanism of the stem cells of cork cambium. We will also study how the two lateral meristems, cork and vascular cambia, together increase the thickness in plants. More information available in the lab website https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/plant-growth-dynamics.

The topics of research projects will be discussed in detail during the interview of the selected candidates.

Applicants with strong background in developmental genetics, plant molecular biology and/or cell biology are encouraged to apply. Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English are required. Postdocs are also encouraged to develop their own research lines.

We provide an international and stimulating work environment. We offer a competitive salary based on previous qualifications, experience and personal performance in the position according to University of Helsinki regulations.

The deadline for applications is March 11th, 2019, or until suitable candidates are found. Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply for the position link below. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal. The application should include personal data and contact information of at least two referees, as well as a single pdf-file containing: a motivation letter describing previous achievements, future career ambitions and motivation for this position (max 1 page), a CV (max 2 pages) and a publication list.

For more information about the positions, contact AriPekka.Mahonen(at)helsinki.fi. For technical support regarding the recruitment system, please, contact rekrytointi(at)helsinki.fi.