Postdoctoral Researcher, Computational Biophysics

The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university that ranks among the best in the world and the top ten among European universities. The university has some 36,000 degree students. 

The Department of Physics is a large and multidisciplinary department that offers the most varied university programme in the physical sciences in Finland. At the beginning of 2024, the department employs about 200 people, of which 1 is an academy professor, 20 are professors and 4 are associate professors. The research  at the department and the research-based teaching follow a high international standard, are nationally significant, and promote the mental and economic wellbeing in society.

Faculty of Science invites applications for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in computational biophysics starting in March 2024 (position to be filled as soon as possible)

Background

The Computational Bioenergetics Group  at the Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, is led by Associate Professor Vivek Sharma. The focus of research is on the structure and mechanism of proteins involved in biological energy (ATP) generation and mitochondrial function and dysfunction. An ensemble of multi-scale computational approaches (molecular dynamics simulations, quantum chemistry, machine learning approaches) are applied to study the mechanistic aspects of biomolecules in great depth. The work is done in collaboration with experimental teams (such as structural biology, clinical research, etc) in Finland and abroad. Some of the recent work has been published in well-read journals such as Nature, Science Advances, Chemical Sciences, etc. See publications here – https://scholar.google.fi/citations?user=G4xsLQ0AAAAJ&hl=en

Postdoctoral researcher position

We are seeking an exceptionally talented postdoctoral researcher, who recently completed his/her their doctoral degree in the field of computational biophysics, and is looking forward to challenging projects, which he/she they can lead and develop. The selected candidate will be working on the structure and mechanism of respiratory complexes, and their interplay with the lipid/solvent environment. The multi-scale approaches that will be used to study these systems include (but not limited to) classical atomistic/coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum chemical methods, their hybrid variants, etc. Therefore, any knowledge in these areas will be considered an asset. Also, working knowledge of major software packages used for classical MD simulations and QM/MM calculations will be considered as a major advantage. Furthermore, experience in latest ML/AI methods and their usage on MD simulation data is considered a major plus. The candidate will get a chance to attend international conferences and present his/her their scientific work in local and international meetings. As an employee of the University of Helsinki, researcher will receive occupational health care, and will be entitled to sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The postdoctoral researcher position starts in March 2024 (or as soon as the position is filled). The position is initially for 1 year and can be extended further. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. 

Research environment

Computational Bioenergetics Group  is also affiliated with the HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki, providing an added value in terms of research collaborations with structural biology and biophysics teams at the Institute. We also maintain extensive collaborations in the department (Professors Ilpo Vattulainen and Simo Huotari), which further enhances scientific exchange. We have access to high-quality supercomputing infrastructure provided by the Center for Scientific Computing, Finland (including the upcoming Lumi, the preexascale supercomputing environment), and group is setup in a high-quality research environment provided by the University of Helsinki.

Finland is a member of 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 livable 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 https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university . 

The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3600–3900 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

How to apply 

Please apply with;

a one-page motivation letter clearly highlighting research accomplishments, a two-page CV (clearly highlighting earlier relevant experience in biophysics and modeling/simulation), and a publication list with a brief (ca. two lines) discussion on the role played by the candidate in each publication.  

Please submit all files in a single pdf document using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the Apply for the position button below. button “Apply now”. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via SAP Fiori. Deadline for applications is 20th January 2024. The selected candidates will be contacted personally and will be invited for an interview/discussion.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Vivek Sharma, vivek.sharma(at)helsinki.fi .