The Insect Symbiosis Ecology and Evolution (ISEE) Research Group at the Organismal and Evolutionary Research Program (OEB), the University of Helsinki, Finland invites applications for a Doctoral researcher in Host-Symbiont interactions
Starting in September 2023, or as agreed with the candidate. The doctorate researcher will be offered a 4-year contract.
The project is funded by the Finnish Research Council. We are aiming to characterize the diversity and prevalence of host-symbiont-virus interactions already in place naturally in diverse pollinator species of the Baltic region, and to experimentally test symbiont-induced resistance against pathogens in these insects. Virus control strategies using microbial symbionts are feasible, and we aim to further develop and provide such innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly approaches to the conservation of pollinators in our agricultural landscapes. The tasks will include field work, molecular work, and both viral and bacterial community analyses, and writing of manuscripts; there are also opportunities for the doctoral researcher to develop their own research ideas. The project is in collaboration with Pr. Thomas Walker from Warwick University, UK; Pr. Dalial Freitak from Graz University, Au; and Pr. Johan Ekroos from University of Helsinki, Fin.
For this position previous experience in developing, conducting or analysing meta-barcoding or community data will be advantages. Candidates with a MSc degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or similar with experience in the above-mentioned research areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience with data analysis using R are recommended. The candidate should also have organization skills and be able to work independently and within a team of diverse researchers. The ISEE research group currently includes a doctoral researcher, a postdoc, a bioinformatician and several undergraduate students.
Please see here for further information about the hosting research group: www.anneduplouy.net and the PI:
The salary is defined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel (ca. 2300-2500 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience). The position is for a fixed-term of 4 years. A trial period of six months will be applied. The position will be filled as soon as possible, or as agreed with the selected candidate. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, supported access to high quality sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. There are also several funding opportunities that the candidate may consider to acquire their own funding with full support from the PI.
According to the system of the University of Helsinki, all doctoral researchers belong to a doctoral programme. The successful candidate should apply to the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology (LUOVA) and obtain the study right within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. For more information about our doctoral programmes and the requirements for conducting a doctoral degree, please visit:
The application should include the following attachments as a single pdf-file (in English):
- Statement on your background and motivations to join the research group (eg. How do you fit?, what would you bring?, what do you seek?) (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications if any (preprints included, and quick description of your contributions to the works). 3) Names and contact details of two references
To apply, please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply button for the position. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.
The closing date is August 15th, 2023 but review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
For more information concerning the project and position: ISEE leader, Dr. Anne Duplouy, anne.duplouy(at)helsinki.fi
For support with the recruitment system, please contact: HR Specialist, Harri Hamara, harri.hamara(at)helsinki.fi
The University of Helsinki and the ISEE research group are strongly committed to diversity and equity, and welcome applications from persons of any background, who will contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest academic institution with ca 30,800 students and 8200 employees. It is consistently ranked in the top 100 of the world’s universities. The Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme (OEB) in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences comprises roughly 40 research groups which employ ca 40 principal investigators and 120 researchers. The ISEE research group is also part of the Research Centre for Ecological Change (REC).