Researchers in Biology (University of Helsinki)

Group: Muhleip Institute: HiLIFE – Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki Project Description The research in the group is focused on understanding how protein complexes organise mitochondrial membranes in protozoan parasites and how membrane organization is disrupted in human mitochondrial disorders. The successful applicant will work on the structural and functional characterisation of mitochondrial energy conversion complexes and remodelling in protozoan parasites using: Protein biochemistry Single-particle cryo-EM In-situ cryo-electron tomography Specifically, the project is aimed at: Visualisation of inner-membrane architecture Characterising parasite-specific modulation of membrane biogenesis Opportunities: Combine parasitology and mitochondrial biology with state-of-the-art structural biology techniques Access to a 200-kV Talos Arctica microscope in-house Access to 300-kV cryo-electron microscopes at international facilities Recent publications from the group: Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41594-025-01531-7 Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56057-9 About You Ambitious, goal-oriented, collegial, and motivated to tackle a challenging project High interest in learning structural biology methods (comprehensive cryo-EM training will be provided); prior experience beneficial Prior experience in parasitology cell culture and genetic engineering (malaria or kinetoplastid parasites) is greatly beneficial but not required Master’s degree (or final stage of obtaining degree) in cell/molecular biology, parasitology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, or a similar field Excellent command of English (working language at the institute) Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills What We Offer A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment Training in state-of-the-art methods in structural parasitology Doctoral education within the Integrated Life Sciences Doctoral Programme (ILS) Competitive salary depending on qualifications and performance 5–7 weeks of holiday Flexible working hours Occupational health care and access to high-quality sports facilities How to Apply Applications in English should be submitted as soon as possible or no later than 30th September 2025. Applications will be continually reviewed. Positions are available immediately or according to mutual agreement. Required application materials: Cover letter CV Contact details of three references Contact for further information: Alexander Mühleip – alexander.muhleip@helsinki.fi About the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki Independent research institute within the University of Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) Global forefront of life science research with state-of-the-art core facilities in genomics, biological imaging, and structural biology Ranked among the top 80 universities worldwide in life science research (Times Higher Education, 2024) Welcoming environment for international researchers, with support for relocation to Finland Employee login for applications: For those with a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment, grant researcher, visiting researcher, or visiting professor contract at the University of Helsinki Deadline: 30.09.2025 Unit: Helsinki Institute of Life Science Sub-unit: Institute of Biotechnology ID: 4256 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. Our approach: Multidisciplinary research Cross-border collaboration Dedication to real-world solutions and sustainable futures Values: truth, bildung, freedom, inclusivity, and passion for meaningful work Join us: Work for the future – work for the world Questions: See the recruitment system FAQ If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Group: Muhleip
Institute: HiLIFE – Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki

Project Description

The research in the group is focused on understanding how protein complexes organise mitochondrial membranes in protozoan parasites and how membrane organization is disrupted in human mitochondrial disorders.

The successful applicant will work on the structural and functional characterisation of mitochondrial energy conversion complexes and remodelling in protozoan parasites using:

Protein biochemistry
Single-particle cryo-EM
In-situ cryo-electron tomography

Specifically, the project is aimed at:

Visualisation of inner-membrane architecture
Characterising parasite-specific modulation of membrane biogenesis

Opportunities:

Combine parasitology and mitochondrial biology with state-of-the-art structural biology techniques
Access to a 200-kV Talos Arctica microscope in-house
Access to 300-kV cryo-electron microscopes at international facilities

Recent publications from the group:

Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41594-025-01531-7
Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56057-9

About You

Ambitious, goal-oriented, collegial, and motivated to tackle a challenging project
High interest in learning structural biology methods (comprehensive cryo-EM training will be provided); prior experience beneficial
Prior experience in parasitology cell culture and genetic engineering (malaria or kinetoplastid parasites) is greatly beneficial but not required
Master’s degree (or final stage of obtaining degree) in cell/molecular biology, parasitology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, or a similar field
Excellent command of English (working language at the institute)
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills

What We Offer

A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment
Training in state-of-the-art methods in structural parasitology
Doctoral education within the Integrated Life Sciences Doctoral Programme (ILS)
Competitive salary depending on qualifications and performance
5–7 weeks of holiday
Flexible working hours
Occupational health care and access to high-quality sports facilities

How to Apply

Applications in English should be submitted as soon as possible or no later than 30th September 2025. Applications will be continually reviewed. Positions are available immediately or according to mutual agreement.

Required application materials:

Cover letter
CV
Contact details of three references

Contact for further information:
Alexander Mühleip – alexander.muhleip@helsinki.fi

About the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki

Independent research institute within the University of Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE)
Global forefront of life science research with state-of-the-art core facilities in genomics, biological imaging, and structural biology
Ranked among the top 80 universities worldwide in life science research (Times Higher Education, 2024)
Welcoming environment for international researchers, with support for relocation to Finland

Employee login for applications:

For those with a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment, grant researcher, visiting researcher, or visiting professor contract at the University of Helsinki

Deadline: 30.09.2025

Unit: Helsinki Institute of Life Science
Sub-unit: Institute of Biotechnology
ID: 4256

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.

Our approach: