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University of Helsinki
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Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Protein Synthesis University of Helsinki in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
Fully funded doctoral position for 44 months from January 2027; starting gross monthly salary around 2500-2700 EUR.
Deadline
Nov 13, 2026
Country
Finland
University
University of Helsinki
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About this position
A fully funded doctoral researcher position at the University of Helsinki invites applications to study protein synthesis in the lab of Sarah O’Keefe, with co-supervision from Brendan Battersby. The project, Inhibiting Protein Synthesis – Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, is based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki and sits within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
The project brings together cellular and chemical biology to investigate how protein synthesis works and how it can be disrupted with small molecules. The doctoral researcher will study translation on ribosomes, membrane translocation via translocons or insertases, and the discovery and repurposing of inhibitors that affect these processes. The research aims to expand understanding of protein biogenesis and to develop new tools that can probe protein production and support future therapeutic discovery.
The lab combines biochemistry, cell biology, cryo-EM and small molecules in an interdisciplinary setting. The position offers access to specialised infrastructure including the local cryoEM Unit, the High Throughput Biomedicine Unit and the Finnish Genome Editing Centre, alongside collaboration with chemists and computational physicists in multiple countries. The first doctoral researcher in the lab will receive close mentorship and help shape the lab’s scientific culture and methods as it develops.
The position includes training across a broad range of techniques and research skills, including cell culture, cell-free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing, high-throughput screening, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, as well as presentation, project management and writing. The student will complete an article-based PhD thesis and required doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki.
The environment is highly collaborative and international, with planned conference attendance and short research visits to the University of Leeds for cryoEM sample preparation methods. The advertisement emphasises an inclusive research culture and strong support for international staff relocating to Finland.
Funding details
Fully funded doctoral position for 44 months from January 2027; starting gross monthly salary around 2500-2700 EUR.
What's required
Applicants should have a Master’s degree, or be due to complete it before the start date, in biology, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or another relevant field. Medicinal chemists with strong research experience and a commitment to switch fields may also be considered. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Merited criteria include research experience in industry or a research-intensive academic lab, or knowledge of the protein synthesis field.
How to apply
Submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system via Apply now by 13 November 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time. Include the requested documents as a single PDF named lastname_firstname in the CV field. Do not apply by email or after the deadline.
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Prepare your application
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