University Lecturer in Genetics

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of

UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN GENETICS

starting 1st September, or by mutual agreement.  

The candidate is expected to have a strong track record in the field of Genetics and to be committed to excellence in undergraduate education, research and research training.  Suitable research topics include mechanistic studies on gene function and regulation, as well as population-level genetic approaches, addressing questions related to basic biology or human disease.  Research experience on using advanced analysis methods of next-generation sequencing data is required. The selected candidate is expected to conduct innovative research and apply for external research funding. We are looking for candidates who would complement the scientific profile of the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences/research).

The selected candidate should have a vision and drive to develop teaching of genetics, especially in the area of human genetics, actively advancing the use of interactive and student-centered education methods. Expected teaching will cover introduction of key concepts of genetics, bioinformatic quantitative analysis methods as well as examples of the use of genetic approaches in basic research and applications. Teaching will be carried out primarily as part of the curricula of both the BSc and MSc programmes (see BSc Molecular Biosciences https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/koulutusohjelmat/molekyylibiotieteiden-kandiohjelma , BSc Biology https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/koulutusohjelmat/biologian-kandiohjelma , and MSc Genetics and Molecular Biosciences https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/koulutusohjelmat/genetiikka-ja-molekulaariset-biotieteet-maisteriohjelma ). Student guidance and thesis work supervision also are important part of the duties.

An appointee to the lecturership must have a doctoral degree, high-level scholarly qualifications, an ability to provide top-level research-based teaching and to supervise theses. Evidence of international research network is valued as a merit. Early-stage independent researchers are also encouraged to apply.

When considering the applicant’s qualifications, attention will be given to scientific publications and their impact in the applicant’s field of research, teaching experience, pedagogical competence, supervision of undergraduate and graduate theses, as well as participation in doctoral education. Skills in blended learning approaches using digital tools is considered an advantage. Furthermore, applicant’s activity in the scientific community, success in obtaining external research funding, international research experience will be considered. The University of Helsinki has signed the DORA Declaration and applies its principles when assessing the scientific merit of applicants.

The lecturer needs to be able to provide teaching and student guidance in Finnish and in addition to have sufficient skills in Swedish to set and evaluate student assignments.

The starting annual gross salary for a university lecturer typically amounts to 53000-67000 euros, depending on the appointee’s career stage and scholarly qualifications. Trial period of 6 month is applied. 

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, language courses, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers ) assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

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. We are committed to the principles and practices of open science. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences ) is Finland’s premier hub for life science research and education. The professorship is based in the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, which is one of the three Research Programmes in the Faculty. Strong research areas of the Programme, which are also reflected in teaching, are cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, neurobiology, and structural biology and virology. For further information, see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/research/molecular-and-integrative-biosciences .

The research and teaching activities at the Viikki Campus are supported by state-of-the-art infrastructures including core facilities for e.g. DNA sequencing and genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and light- and electron microscopy (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science/hilife-research-infrastructures ). Within the Research Programme, an in-house animal facility and a wide range of laboratory services support research.

Application procedure. Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English:

1) Motivation letter (max 1 page)