Two group leader positions, Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE

The University of Helsinki, Finland, is a vibrant scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. It is currently investing heavily in life sciences research. 

The Neuroscience Center is an international research unit within Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) (www.helsinki.fi/hilife/nc). The mission of the Neuroscience center is to advance fundamental discoveries in neurosciences to understand how the brain gives rise to complex behaviors in health and disease. The research groups at the institute operate across  several scales in the areas of systems and cognitive neuroscience, circuit neuroscience and physiology, neurobiology and molecular neuroscience, and neurogenetics and stem cell research.  

The Neuroscience Center invites applications from outstanding candidates for  

2 GROUP LEADER positions 

The positions are initially for five years with a possibility for a four-year extension based upon external mid-term evaluation. The successful candidate will have an excellent track-record of research performance, including a PhD or equivalent degree along with post-doctoral experience. We are particularly looking for candidates with a focus in circuit, systems or computational neuroscience.   

We offer an international, inspiring, and supportive research environment, along with excellent research facilities and in-house state of the art technologies. NC hosts state of the art infrastructures and facilities for rodent brain research. These include neuronal stem cell core, multiphoton microscopes, optogenetics, in vivo imaging and electrophysiology, as well behavioral facilities. The members of NC have also access to cutting-edge human brain imaging including MEG, EEG, TMS, and MRI-based techniques and high-performance computing via Finnish IT Center for Science - CSC.   

The qualification requirements include an applicable doctoral degree, postdoctoral training from a relevant field in neuroscience, and an excellent scientific track record with high-impact publications in the top journals of the field. 

We expect successful candidates to carry out independent research line, engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations, and participate in the supervision of students. Candidates should be able to take advantage of the infrastructures and networks available at the Neuroscience Center.  

The salary is based on the scale of the Finnish universities for teaching and research personnel, depending upon qualifications, career stage and experience. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.  

Finland is an EU member state, has high quality public schooling (also in English) and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the happiest country in the world. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university. 

We welcome applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities. HiLIFE employs more than 650 diverse scientists and support staff. With about 50 % of international staff the daily working language is English.   

The application consists of an online form and attachments. The application should include:  

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae (2 - 3 pages) 
• Publication list 
• Summary of past research, and future plans (max 3 pages).  
• Names of two referees 

Applications will be evaluated by an Appointment Committee. Short-listed candidates will complete an interview process that is expected to take place in August – September, 2024. To apply, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki recruitment system by clicking on "Apply for the position".  

The closing date for submitting applications is 31.5. 2024 at 23:59 (EET).

Further information: NC director, Satu Palva, tel: +350504484742, Email: [email protected] 

For additional information on the recruitment process, HR Specialist Anu Roine, tel. +358 50 556 0633, e-mail: [email protected].  

Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is a research institute established in 2017 that supports high quality life science research across the University campuses and faculties. HiLIFE builds on existing strengths and new recruits and partnerships to create an attractive international environment for researchers to solve grand challenges in health, food, and environment. HiLIFE coordinates research infrastructures in life sciences and provides research-based interdisciplinary training. 

The University of Helsinki is a vibrant and international scientific community of 40 000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in Europe. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education, and welfare since 1640. The University of Helsinki is currently investing heavily in life sciences research. UH offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. 

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most liveable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university