Senior Scientist in Life Science (University of Helsinki)

About Us The Helsinki Proteomics Center (HPC) is a state-of-the-art technology platform operating across two life-science campuses at the University of Helsinki. Dedicated to advancing proteomics research, we provide cutting-edge services and collaborate with researchers to explore protein functions, interactions, and dynamics. This position is based at the Viikki Proteomics Unit, which is part of the Helsinki Proteomics Center. Your Role We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Senior Scientist to join the Viikki Proteomics Unit. This is primarily a hands-on core-facility position: the appointee will help deliver reliable proteomics services, support facility users, maintain robust daily operations, and develop methods that can be implemented across the HPC service portfolio. The role is therefore best suited to a collaborative scientist who is motivated by enabling the research of others as well as advancing proteomics technology. Key Responsibilities Research and Development Investigate and evaluate new sample preparation protocols for bottom-up proteomics, including protein digestion, peptide clean-up, enrichment of post-translationally modified peptides, and handling sub-nanogram protein quantities. Optimize protocols for sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, and evaluate new MS data-acquisition and analysis workflows for implementation as new or improved HPC services. Operational Support Perform day-to-day technical operation of the high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems. Prepare customer and internal samples using validated facility protocols. Participate in routine maintenance of existing equipment, quality-control checks, and troubleshooting. Maintain accurate records of instrument usage, downtime, maintenance, and experimental procedures. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with HPC colleagues to maintain an efficient, safe, and well-organized core-facility laboratory, and coordinate priorities to deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines. Advise facility users on experimental design, sample requirements, available technologies, instrument capabilities and limitations, and realistic expected outcomes. Prepare clear reports, discuss results and appropriate next steps with users, and provide evidence-based recommendations to HPC leadership on new platforms, methods, and technologies. Administrative Duties Oversee inventory and coordinate procurement to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Viikki Proteomics Unit. Work with service contract providers to restore operations of the LC-MS/MS system promptly after system downtime. Qualifications Educational Background Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline. Experience 2+ years of research experience with proteomic or related technologies. Strong background in protein chemistry is required. Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics is highly preferred. Technical Skills Proficiency in using both vendor-specific and publicly available software tools for MS data analysis. Detail-oriented both at the lab bench and with record-keeping. Good command of English, both written and spoken. Soft Skills Excellent time management and organizational abilities. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-oriented team environment. Willingness to learn, standardize, document, and routinely apply a range of sample preparation protocols. Ability to provide demonstrations and training to facility users with varying levels of proteomics experience. Motivation to expand data-analysis expertise and contribute to user support and reporting. What We Offer The salary is based on the Finnish university salary system, depending on qualifications and experience. The University of Helsinki provides occupational health services, staff well-being resources, access to sports facilities, and extensive opportunities for professional development. You will join a world-class research community, work with cutting-edge technologies, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. Join Us Employment is expected to start on November-December, 2026, or as agreed. The position is initially offered for two years with the possibility of extension. A 6-month trial period will be applied. The formal title of the position will be determined according to the appointee's qualifications and experience: Research Coordinator/Postdoctoral Researcher / Specialist (for an appointee with a MSc). How to Apply Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the "Apply now" button. Please include the following enclosures: Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications and manuscripts in preparation Cover Letter (maximum one page) describing your research interests, motivation, and suitability for the position Reference Contacts Applicants must have completed their Master's degree before the start of employment. Application deadline: September 30, 2026 For further information on the position, please contact Dr. Markku Varjosalo at markku.varjosalo@helsinki.fi. The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender, age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group. About the University of Helsinki The University of Helsinki is Finland's leading multidisciplinary research university. Together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), it forms an internationally recognized academic medical center. HiLIFE was established in 2017 and 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. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers Do you have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract, a visiting researcher's or visiting professor's contract at the University of Helsinki? Log in here to apply to our open positions. Employee Login Open position Due Date: 30.9.2026 (23.59 Europe/Helsinki time) Unit: Helsinki Institute of Life Science Sub-unit: Institute of Biotechnology ID: 5133 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. Any questions? See our recruitment system FAQ If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

About Us

The Helsinki Proteomics Center (HPC) is a state-of-the-art technology platform operating across two life-science campuses at the University of Helsinki. Dedicated to advancing proteomics research, we provide cutting-edge services and collaborate with researchers to explore protein functions, interactions, and dynamics. This position is based at the Viikki Proteomics Unit, which is part of the Helsinki Proteomics Center.

Your Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist / Senior Scientist to join the Viikki Proteomics Unit. This is primarily a hands-on core-facility position: the appointee will help deliver reliable proteomics services, support facility users, maintain robust daily operations, and develop methods that can be implemented across the HPC service portfolio. The role is therefore best suited to a collaborative scientist who is motivated by enabling the research of others as well as advancing proteomics technology.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Development

Investigate and evaluate new sample preparation protocols for bottom-up proteomics, including protein digestion, peptide clean-up, enrichment of post-translationally modified peptides, and handling sub-nanogram protein quantities.
Optimize protocols for sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, and evaluate new MS data-acquisition and analysis workflows for implementation as new or improved HPC services.

Operational Support

Perform day-to-day technical operation of the high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems.
Prepare customer and internal samples using validated facility protocols.
Participate in routine maintenance of existing equipment, quality-control checks, and troubleshooting.
Maintain accurate records of instrument usage, downtime, maintenance, and experimental procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with HPC colleagues to maintain an efficient, safe, and well-organized core-facility laboratory, and coordinate priorities to deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines.
Advise facility users on experimental design, sample requirements, available technologies, instrument capabilities and limitations, and realistic expected outcomes.
Prepare clear reports, discuss results and appropriate next steps with users, and provide evidence-based recommendations to HPC leadership on new platforms, methods, and technologies.

Administrative Duties

Oversee inventory and coordinate procurement to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Viikki Proteomics Unit.
Work with service contract providers to restore operations of the LC-MS/MS system promptly after system downtime.

Qualifications

Educational Background

Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline.

Experience

2+ years of research experience with proteomic or related technologies.
Strong background in protein chemistry is required.
Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in using both vendor-specific and publicly available software tools for MS data analysis.
Detail-oriented both at the lab bench and with record-keeping.
Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Soft Skills

Excellent time management and organizational abilities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-oriented team environment.
Willingness to learn, standardize, document, and routinely apply a range of sample preparation protocols.
Ability to provide demonstrations and training to facility users with varying levels of proteomics experience.
Motivation to expand data-analysis expertise and contribute to user support and reporting.

What We Offer

The salary is based on the Finnish university salary system, depending on qualifications and experience.
The University of Helsinki provides occupational health services, staff well-being resources, access to sports facilities, and extensive opportunities for professional development.
You will join a world-class research community, work with cutting-edge technologies, and collaborate with leading experts in the field.

Join Us

Employment is expected to start on November-December, 2026, or as agreed. The position is initially offered for two years with the possibility of extension. A 6-month trial period will be applied. The formal title of the position will be determined according to the appointee's qualifications and experience: Research Coordinator/Postdoctoral Researcher / Specialist (for an appointee with a MSc).

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the "Apply now" button.

Please include the following enclosures:

Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications and manuscripts in preparation
Cover Letter (maximum one page) describing your research interests, motivation, and suitability for the position
Reference Contacts

Applicants must have completed their Master's degree before the start of employment.

Application deadline: September 30, 2026

For further information on the position, please contact Dr. Markku Varjosalo at markku.varjosalo@helsinki.fi.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender, age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

About the University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is Finland's leading multidisciplinary research university. Together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), it forms an internationally recognized academic medical center. HiLIFE was established in 2017 and 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.

JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!

#HelsinkiUniCareers

Do you have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract, a visiting researcher's or visiting professor's contract at the University of Helsinki? Log in here to apply to our open positions.

Employee Login

Open position

Due Date:
30.9.2026

(23.59 Europe/Helsinki time)

Unit:
Helsinki Institute of Life Science

Sub-unit:
Institute of Biotechnology

ID:
5133

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.