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🧬 Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position – RNA Biology, Energy Metabolism & Neurodegenerative Disease | University of Helsinki
Institution: University of Helsinki – Institute of Biotechnology
📍 Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
💼 Position Available: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
🔬 Research Area: RNA Biology | Molecular Genetics | Energy Metabolism | Neurodegenerative Diseases | ALS | Myotonic Dystrophy | C. elegans | Transcriptomics
The Garcia Group at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a strong interest in RNA biology and disease mechanisms.
The successful candidate will investigate how toxic repeat-expansion RNAs disrupt cellular energy metabolism and contribute to progressive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and myotonic dystrophy (DM).
The project combines genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches using both Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian cell systems to uncover the mechanisms through which repeat-bearing RNAs drive cellular and organismal dysfunction.
🔬 What You’ll Work On
Toxic RNA Biology
Investigate how unstable nucleotide repeat sequences expand and produce RNAs carrying expanded repeats that can become intrinsically toxic to cells.
Study the molecular mechanisms through which these repeat-bearing RNAs contribute to cellular dysfunction and disease progression.
Energy Metabolism & Disease Mechanisms
Examine how toxic RNAs disrupt cellular energy metabolism and identify early metabolic changes associated with progressive dysfunction.
The project will also explore the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying these disruptions.
Neurodegenerative & Neuromuscular Disorders
Conduct research relevant to diseases caused or influenced by toxic repeat-expansion RNAs, including:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Myotonic Dystrophy (DM)
C. elegans & Mammalian Cell Research
Use C. elegans as a model system together with mammalian cell systems to study how expanded nucleotide repeats cause broad cellular and organismal dysfunction.
Genetics & Molecular Biology
Conduct original research using advanced genetic and molecular approaches to identify and dissect pathways that mediate the effects of toxic RNAs.
Transcriptomics & Imaging
Apply transcriptomic and imaging approaches to investigate molecular and cellular changes associated with disease mechanisms.
🧪 Laboratory Methodology & Expertise
The Garcia Laboratory offers expertise in:
- Forward and reverse genetics
- High-throughput genetic and pharmacological screening
- Generation of C. elegans models of neurodegenerative disease
- Animal transgenesis and microinjection methods
- Transcriptomic and genomic analysis
- Advanced microscopy and image analysis
- Genetic analysis
- Complex strain construction through genetic crosses
- Epigenetic approaches
🎯 Ideal Candidates
Applicants must have a PhD degree, obtained or expected, in a relevant field such as:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
- Life Sciences
- Or another closely related discipline
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience with RNA-based methodologies, such as RNA isolation, quality control, gene expression analysis, RNA sequencing, or related approaches.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Strong motivation to conduct research in RNA biology and disease mechanisms.
⭐ Desirable Qualifications
The following experience will be considered an advantage:
- Microscopy
- Transcriptomic analyses
- Bioinformatics approaches
- Experience working with C. elegans
Previous experience with C. elegans is a plus but is not required.
🌟 What You’ll Gain
- Opportunity to conduct original research in RNA biology and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
- Work with both C. elegans and mammalian cell systems.
- Access to advanced expertise in genetics, transcriptomics, microscopy, and image analysis.
- Opportunity to develop an independent research profile.
- Collaborate with international research partners.
- Contribute to high-impact scientific publications.
- Receive mentoring and support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships.
- Access to career development opportunities within an international scientific community.
- Work in a vibrant research environment with state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
💰 Salary & Appointment
Position Type: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position
Funding Duration: 2 Years
Start Date: Beginning of November 2026
Location: Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Campus, University of Helsinki, Finland
The position is funded for two years and will remain open until filled.
📄 How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter – Maximum one page, describing research accomplishments, scientific interests, and motivation for joining the Garcia Laboratory and contributing to the project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including a list of publications.
- Contact Information for at Least Two Referees.
Application Mode
Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system:
Apply via the University of Helsinki e-Recruitment System
📧 For Questions: susanamaria.garcia@helsinki.fi
Applications received by 25 September 2026 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
📌 Job Details
Institution: University of Helsinki
Department: Institute of Biotechnology
Laboratory: Garcia Group
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Location: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
Research Areas: RNA Biology | Energy Metabolism | Molecular Genetics | Neurodegenerative Disease | ALS | Myotonic Dystrophy | Transcriptomics
Research Models: C. elegans | Mammalian Cell Systems
Qualification: PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Life Sciences, or a Related Field
Experience Required: RNA-Based Methodologies and Strong Research Skills
Desirable Skills: Microscopy | Transcriptomics | Bioinformatics | C. elegans
Position Type: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Position
Funding Duration: 2 Years
Start Date: November 2026
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026 – Full Consideration
Application Mode: University of Helsinki e-Recruitment System
Contact Email: susanamaria.garcia@helsinki.fi
Category
Postdoctoral Position | Postdoc Jobs | RNA Biology | Molecular Biology | Cell Biology | Genetics | Neurodegenerative Disease | ALS Research | Myotonic Dystrophy | Energy Metabolism | Transcriptomics | Bioinformatics | C. elegans Research | Research Jobs | Finland Jobs | University Jobs
🏷️ Tags
#PostdocPosition #PostdocJobs #UniversityOfHelsinki #RNABiology #MolecularBiology #CellBiology #Genetics #NeurodegenerativeDisease #ALSResearch #MyotonicDystrophy
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