About the opportunity
The Vähärautio lab at the Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher or Bioinformatician to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team applying single-cell methodologies to study treatment resistance in ovarian cancer. The lab combines advanced molecular biology method development with multi-omic single-cell analyses of ex vivo models and clinical tumor specimens. The ideal candidate will work at the interface of basic biology, cancer, data science, and translational medicine, collaborating closely with experimental scientists, clinicians, and other bioinformaticians to support lab projects.
Salary and benefits
- An inspiring and international research environment at the interface of computational, translational, and clinical cancer research
- Possibility to broadly contribute to lab projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary lab members
- Access to unique patient-derived datasets and cutting-edge technologies
- Opportunities to work closely with experimental researchers, clinicians, and computational scientists
- A collaborative, ambitious, and supportive multidisciplinary team
- Opportunities to contribute to high-impact cancer research and deeper understanding of cellular dynamics in cancer
- Salary commensurate with qualifications based on the Finnish university salary (YPJ) system
- Occupational health and fitness services
- Professional development opportunities
- Relocation support for international staff
Who can apply?
- PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, or a related field for the Post-doctoral position; OR MSc with a strong background in single-cell omics analyses for the Research Assistant or Specialist position
- Strong interest in gene regulation dynamics, cancer research, and translational medicine
- Experience in computational analysis of biological data
- Experience with single-cell, transcriptomics, spatial biology, or other omics data analysis approaches
- Programming skills in R, Python, or equivalent
- Ability to work independently while flexibly contributing actively to an interdisciplinary research team
- Sufficient communication skills and fluency in English
- The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki
Required documents
- CV including 3 highlighted publications and a short description of your role in them
- Motivation letter describing your research interests, previous experience, and how your profile matches the position and research topics of the team (no more than 2 pages)
- Contact information for referees
When to apply
- The call is open until 18 September 2026 (23:59 Europe/Helsinki time)
- Applications may close earlier if a suitable applicant is found
- The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible
How to apply
- Prepare your application documents including CV, motivation letter, and referee contact information
- Submit your application through the online recruitment system by clicking 'Apply now'
Additional information
- The contract will initially be offered for two years with a possibility of extension
- A 6-month trial period will be applied
- This is not a PhD student position
- For further inquiries, contact Project Coordinator Alyce Whipp at alyce.whipp@helsinki.fi
- For technical support with the recruitment system, contact HelsinkiUni Help at uni-help@helsinki.fi
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Applicants with a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, or master's graduates with single-cell omics experience.
- Researchers experienced in R or Python programming and single-cell, transcriptomics, or spatial biology data analysis.
- Scientists eager to work at the interface of translational medicine and cancer research.
What should you think carefully about?
- The selected candidate is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
- The initial contract lasts for two years and includes a six-month trial period.
- Applications may close earlier than the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The role provides an opportunity to contribute to high-impact cancer research using patient-derived datasets within an international, multidisciplinary lab environment.
Our take
Bioinformaticians and computational biologists passionate about cancer treatment resistance should submit their application before September 18, 2026.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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