About the opportunity
The Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is a leading life science research institute in the Nordics that fosters outstanding research and innovation across University of Helsinki campuses and faculties. HiLIFE is opening its 5th tenure-track call to recruit three new assistant or associate professors to join its international environment. Positions are shared between a HiLIFE unit (Institute of Biotechnology, Neuroscience Center, or Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland) and a participating life science faculty (Agriculture and Forestry, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, or Veterinary Medicine). Appointments start in 2027 and are initially for three to five years, with possibilities for extension or tenure following successful evaluation.
Salary and benefits
- Negotiable startup package
- Gross annual salary ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 euros depending on qualifications and experience, based on level 7 of the demands level chart plus a personal work performance component
- Comprehensive employee services including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities
- Initially a three to five-year contract with possibility of promotion and tenuring following successful evaluation
Who can apply?
- Doctoral degree completed no more than 2 to 12 years ago, excluding career breaks
- Postdoctoral experience and a recent demonstration of excellence in life sciences research appropriate to the career stage
- Ability to work independently and develop an externally funded line of research
- Requirement to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki
Required documents
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae including teaching experience
- List of not more than 20 publications, patents, invention disclosures, and/or other important research outputs, including five highlighted key publications with a brief summary and ORCID ID
- Research plan (maximum 2 pages excluding references)
When to apply
- Application deadline is Monday, November 16, 2026, at 23:59 EET (UTC +2)
How to apply
- Prepare the required application documents into a single PDF attachment not exceeding 10 pages
- Submit the application via the online application link provided on the official page
Additional information
- The recruitment process includes external referee statements, interviews with shortlisted applicants, a research seminar, and a teaching demonstration.
- Interviews are expected to take place from May 31 to June 2, 2027.
- English is the daily working language at HiLIFE.
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…
- Early-career researchers in life sciences with 2 to 12 years post-PhD experience ready to establish an independent, externally funded research group
- Scientists seeking a world-class Nordic research environment with robust core facilities and strong international collaboration networks
- Applicants aiming for long-term academic career progression supported by generous startup packages and formal tenure-track mentorship
What should you think carefully about?
- Relocation to Finland is mandatory for the duration of employment
- Fixed-term initial appointment of three to five years requires successful evaluation for tenuring
- Strict application length limits apply, requiring concise and impactful research planning
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These tenure-track positions offer an exceptional platform for ambitious life scientists aiming to secure independent funding, lead innovative research teams, and build a sustainable academic career within a top-tier European multidisciplinary university.
Our take
Highly recommended for accomplished postdoctoral researchers and early-career group leaders in life sciences who are ready to commit to an independent academic trajectory in Helsinki.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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