Research in Biological Sciences (University of Helsinki)

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Dr. Melanie Brien invite applications for the position of: Doctoral researcher in evolutionary genomics Project title: Genetic mechanisms behind colour diversity About the Project We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join a Research Council of Finland funded project led by Dr. Melanie Brien investigating the genetic and molecular basis of colour pattern diversity in tiger moths. The position is available to start in early 2026 and is fully funded for 3.5 years. The project examines the genetic mechanisms producing and maintaining colour polymorphisms in a group of tiger moth species. This colourful group provides opportunities to investigate: Potential repeated evolution of novel colour pattern genes The role of regulatory elements in controlling colour variation The maintenance of colour polymorphisms by balancing selection The specific goals of the PhD project can be influenced by the candidate but could involve a mix of: Genomic analysis Molecular lab work Insect rearing Behavioural experiments CRISPR Field work Chemical analysis Requirements We welcome applications from candidates with the following qualifications: Strong interest in evolutionary biology research Master’s degree in ecology, evolution, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant research experience) Interest in field work and ideally a driving licence Basic bioinformatics or molecular lab skills (beneficial) Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Note: Candidate must successfully obtain the right to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Helsinki within the first 6 months of employment. What We Offer Training in molecular lab techniques and bioinformatics analysis Opportunities for field work in Europe Opportunities to visit collaborating labs at Stockholm University Funding to attend conferences and training courses Performance-based salary (job demands level 2–4) 5–7 weeks of annual leave, flexible working hours Occupational health care, access to high-quality sports facilities and language classes A friendly, collaborative, and international workplace within the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme How to Apply Candidates are required to submit their applications via the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system. Internal applicants are required to submit their applications via the SAP Fiori portal. Applications should include: A CV including contact details for two referees A one-page cover letter outlining your motivations and how your previous experience/studies are relevant to the project Enquiries: Melanie Brien (melanie.brien@helsinki.fi) Deadline for applications: 31 October 2025 (23:59 pm). Possible interviews will be held online in November 2025. Position Details Due Date: 31.10.2025 Unit: Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences Sub-unit: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme ID: 4415 Working for the World Science has the power to change the world. Join one of the best research universities in the world – an international community united through bold thinking, science, research, and learning, with over 30,000 students and 8,000 employees. We are defined by our multidisciplinary approach. This, combined with a dedication for cross-border collaboration, gives us our potential to find real solutions and build hope for a better, more sustainable future. We are united by our values – truth, bildung, freedom, and inclusivity – as well as our passion for work that truly matters. Join us: work for the future – work for the world. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Dr. Melanie Brien invite applications for the position of:

Doctoral researcher in evolutionary genomics

Project title: Genetic mechanisms behind colour diversity

About the Project

We are seeking a doctoral researcher to join a Research Council of Finland funded project led by Dr. Melanie Brien investigating the genetic and molecular basis of colour pattern diversity in tiger moths. The position is available to start in early 2026 and is fully funded for 3.5 years.

The project examines the genetic mechanisms producing and maintaining colour polymorphisms in a group of tiger moth species. This colourful group provides opportunities to investigate:

Potential repeated evolution of novel colour pattern genes
The role of regulatory elements in controlling colour variation
The maintenance of colour polymorphisms by balancing selection

The specific goals of the PhD project can be influenced by the candidate but could involve a mix of:

Genomic analysis
Molecular lab work
Insect rearing
Behavioural experiments
CRISPR
Field work
Chemical analysis

Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates with the following qualifications:

Strong interest in evolutionary biology research
Master’s degree in ecology, evolution, or a related field (or a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant research experience)
Interest in field work and ideally a driving licence
Basic bioinformatics or molecular lab skills (beneficial)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Note: Candidate must successfully obtain the right to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Helsinki within the first 6 months of employment.

What We Offer

Training in molecular lab techniques and bioinformatics analysis
Opportunities for field work in Europe
Opportunities to visit collaborating labs at Stockholm University
Funding to attend conferences and training courses
Performance-based salary (job demands level 2–4)
5–7 weeks of annual leave, flexible working hours
Occupational health care, access to high-quality sports facilities and language classes
A friendly, collaborative, and international workplace within the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme

How to Apply

Candidates are required to submit their applications via the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system.
Internal applicants are required to submit their applications via the SAP Fiori portal.

Applications should include:

A CV including contact details for two referees
A one-page cover letter outlining your motivations and how your previous experience/studies are relevant to the project

Enquiries: Melanie Brien (melanie.brien@helsinki.fi)

Deadline for applications: 31 October 2025 (23:59 pm).
Possible interviews will be held online in November 2025.

Position Details

Due Date: 31.10.2025
Unit: Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Sub-unit: Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme
ID: 4415

Working for the World

Science has the power to change the world. Join one of the best research universities in the world – an international community united through bold thinking, science, research, and learning, with over 30,000 students and 8,000 employees.

We are defined by our multidisciplinary approach. This, combined with a dedication for cross-border collaboration, gives us our potential to find real solutions and build hope for a better, more sustainable future.

We are united by our values – truth, bildung, freedom, and inclusivity – as well as our passion for work that truly matters.

Join us: work for the future – work for the world.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Apply

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