1-3 doctoral researcher /Post-doctoral researcher positions in photosynthesis in Turku, Finland

Position Details (PhD Research Project)

We are seeking 1–3 Doctoral Researchers (or a Postdoctoral Researcher) to join the Photosynthetic Microbes group led by Professor Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne. The positions are part of the PhotoFactory consortium funded by the Erkko Foundation. The positions will be based in the Faculty of Technology, Department of Life Technologies, at the University of Turku, Finland. Employment will start on 1 January 2026, or as agreed. The successful applicants will be offered a fixed-term two-year contract, and in case of a Doctoral Researcher, there is a possibility of extension until the completion of the PhD thesis (typically alltogether 3–4 years, depending on the project).

About the Photosynthetic Microbes Research Group

We study the regulation of photosynthesis and apply photosynthetic principles to develop sustainable biotechnologies. Our research encompasses several areas, including the elucidation of photosynthetic electron transport pathways, engineering photosynthesis for enhanced bioproduction of solar chemicals, biophotovoltaic (BPV) systems, and large-scale algal cultivation for phytoremediation and the production of green chemicals such as biostimulants and biopesticides

The truly international and large PhotoMicrobes group is involved in several EU, Nordic, and national projects and regularly publishes its research outcomes in highly respected journals. We have established a broad research network with connections to leading international laboratories and industrial partners. Our team members are not only active participants in international conferences but also regularly organize major symposia and meetings in Turku (e.g., the Nordic Photosynthesis Congress, the International Conference on Renewable Resources 2025, and the Nordic Algal Biotechnology Conference).

We are developing the national FIN-BioFoundry research infrastructure roadmap, which provides state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies. In addition, we are actively involved in science policymaking through the SYNERGY pan-European initiative.

To learn more about the Photosynthetic Microbes research group, you can visit our website at www.utu.fi/photo-microbes or follow us on LinkedIN and BlueSky at @PhotoMicrobes.

Job description

The PhotoFactory consortium aims to unleash photosynthesis from its inherent limitations to enhance the bioproduction efficiency of microalgae and cyanobacteria for solar-driven biomanufacturing. To achieve this goal, PhotoFactory integrates expertise in photosynthesis, synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, materials science, and data science. The recruited researchers will benefit from a well-established international and national network of collaborators.

Position 1: Photosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The selected candidate will investigate alternative electron transport routes in this model cyanobacterium. The work will provide insights into energy distribution and regulatory mechanisms essential for optimizing photosynthetic performance.

Position 2: Electron transport in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.
This position focuses on elucidating electron transport processes within heterocysts, with an emphasis on nitrogen fixation and its integration with photosynthetic electron flow.

Position 3: The photosynthetic apparatus of Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901, a fast-growing cyanobacterial model. The work will focus on the fundamental aspects of bioenergetics and will be linked to biotechnological applications.

Researchers will be trained to operate state-of-the-art instrumentation available within the FIN-BioFoundry infrastucture and will participate in research exchanges with partner laboratories.

Here are papers relevant to these projects:

Nikkanen L et al. 2025. Flavodiiron proteins associate pH-dependently with the thylakoid membrane for ferredoxin-1-powered O₂ photoreduction. New Phytologist. 246: 2084–2101 DOI: 10.1111/nph.70114
Santana-Sánchez A. et al. 2023 Flv3A facilitates O2 photoreduction and affects H2 photoproduction independently of Flv1A in diazotrophic Anabaena filaments. New Phytologist 237:126-139. DOI:10.1111/nph.18506.
Siitonen V et al. 2023 Engineered green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiias a whole-cell photosynthetic biocatalyst for stepwise photoproduction of H2 and ε-caprolactone. Green Chemistry 25, 5945-5955DOI:10.1039/d3gc01400b
Kosourov S et al. 2020. Water oxidation by photosystem II is the primary source of electrons for sustained H2 photoproduction in nutrient-replete green algae. PNAS 117:29629–29636. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009210117

Who we are looking for

We seek highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates with a strong interest in photosynthesis and biotechnology. For the Postdoctoral position, applicants are expected to have a PhD degree, a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in bioenergetics, biochemistry, or omics of photosynthesis.

Applicants for the doctoral researcher/project researcher position must hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in biotechnology, plant science, molecular biology, biophysics, or a related field (good GPA is considered an asset). Students who have not yet completed their degree may also apply and start as research assistants. In such cases, the employment will be temporary until the Master’s degree is completed, after which the title will be updated to project researcher. Once the applicant has received the right to study and has been accepted into the UTUGS doctoral programme, the title will be updated to doctoral researcher.

Eligibility requirements for these positions are defined in the University of Turku's regulations: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. A postdoctoral researcher is required to hold a doctoral degree, and a doctoral researcher/project researcher must hold a Master’s degree.

If you are applying for the doctoral researcher position, you must apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies (in the spring/autumn 2026 application round) at the University of Turku. Please familiarize yourself with the student information and application criteria of the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and its doctoral programmes. Note that you must meet the criteria required for the position. Pay particular attention to the English language proficiency requirements. The position requires fluent written and spoken English skills.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from ourCome work with us!pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use theHR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salaryand trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish universities. The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be commensurated with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will at the beginning of the employment be for a postdoctoral researcher approximately 3600-3800 €/month. Ifa doctoral researcher/project researcher is hired for the position, the starting salary will be approximately 2500-2600 €/month and for a research assistant 2280 eur/month.

The positions have a trial period of six months.

How to apply

Applicants should enclose with their application:

motivation letter, includingstatement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest (max 1 page)
CV, including education, positions, professional experience, names and contact details of two academic referees (max 2 pages)
list of publications (please do not attach your thesis or papers)
degree certificate(s)in English or in Finnish or officially translated to one of those languages

For further information about the position, please contact: professor Yagut Allahverdiyeva, allahve(at)utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi (during 3.10.2025 - 7.10.2025 please contact tech-hr(at)utu.fi)

This is an enriching job opportunity in a rapidly evolving field - we warmly welcome you to join our multicultural working community.

Department of Life Technologies

The Department of Life Technologies is one of the largest teaching and research units at the University of Turku. Professionals of both science and technology are educated in four mutually supportive fields: biochemistry, biotechnology, food sciences, and molecular plant biology. The research focuses on biomolecules and their reactions as well as aims to find out how nature functions at the cellular and molecular levels. This information is used in the applications of different fields and at the same time it enables versatile collaboration between research communities, businesses and industry.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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