Director of Biocenter Finland
Biocenter Finland invites applications for the position of Director (part-time) for the period 1.4.2026–30.6.2031. This leadership role provides a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction and advancement of life science research infrastructures across Finland.
About Biocenter Finland
Biocenter Finland (BF, https://biocenter.fi) is a national organization, which develops and coordinates life science research infrastructures in Finland, including instruments, services, and databases. BF offers open-access cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure services to the entire Finnish research community in academia and industry, and also to international users. Its seventeen technology platforms cover all key areas of life sciences from genomics and single-cell omics to advanced imaging, structural biology, and data-driven science. These platforms serve over 3,000 research groups annually and enable innovative research. The services are complemented by diverse training opportunities for researchers and students in the field.
Biocenter Finland was selected for the Research Council of Finland's National Roadmap for Finnish Research Infrastructures 2025–2028 with excellent reviews. BF was also awarded Lighthouse Status, a distinction granted to the most successful infrastructures that lead in service provision, impact, functionality, and shared use. Research activities relying on Biocenter Finland services include the majority of national Centres of Excellence, Academy Professors, ERC grantees, and Flagships in the Life Sciences.
Biocenter Finland is jointly hosted by University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, Tampere University, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University with coordination at the University of Helsinki.
Description of position and duties
The Director will play a key role in advancing strategic cooperation among host universities and promoting the development of Finnish life science research infrastructures both nationally and internationally.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing Biocenter Finland’s activities and coordinating the activities of the Technology Platforms in collaboration with the host universities and their research infrastructure units.
- Working with the Biocenter Finland Governing Board to secure long-term funding for Biocenter Finland and Finnish Life Science research infrastructures.
- Monitoring developments in the field and managing and strengthening Biocenter Finland’s domestic and international relations and communications, including collaboration with national and international networks such as the Finnish ESFRI Nodes.
- Promoting Biocenter Finland’s international visibility and networking, with particular emphasis on engagement within the European Union.
- Authoring Biocenter Finland’s applications for Finland’s Research Infrastructure Roadmap, as well as other relevant funding applications.
- Leading the activities of the Coordination Office.
- Organizing Scientific Advisory Board meetings.
- Preparing and presenting items for the Governing Board and implementing decisions from the Board and Rectors’ Council.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Familiarity with research infrastructures.
- Affiliation with one of BF’s host universities (Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, University of Turku or Åbo Akademi University), or otherwise obtained excellent knowledge of Finnish research infrastructures.
- Appointees to academic leadership and management positions must hold a doctoral degree, professorship or equivalent academic credentials (defined in the Regulations of the University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/assets/drupal/2022-11/hy_johtosaanto_en_220407_0.pdf)
- Capability, strong expertise in the field of life sciences and professional skills required for successfully performing the duties.
- Good leadership skills demonstrated in practice:
- Previous experience in leading a larger group and evidence of related successes.
- Ability or potential for duties and expertise defined for management positions at the University of Helsinki.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience in international expert roles.
- Expertise in international science and research infrastructure policy.
Contract Details
The Director will be employed by the University of Helsinki, the coordinating university of Biocenter Finland, for the period 1.4.2026–30.6.2031. The position is part-time (minimum working time 50%). The Director may lead a research group with external funding. The salary and working hours are negotiable based on the candidate’s qualifications and the university’s salary scale.
How to apply
Submit your application and the required attachments as a single PDF file using the University of Helsinki’s recruitment portal via the “Apply now” button by December 10, 2025. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through the SAP Fiori portal (https://msap.sap.helsinki.fi/).
Required documents (in English):
- Cover letter (max 1 page) describing your expertise and motivation for the position, and your experience of Finnish life science research and research infrastructures.
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages).
- List of publications.
- Action plan (max 3 pages) describing your vision for developing Biocenter Finland during your term.
Experts nominated by the Biocenter Finland Governing Board will give a statement on the qualifications of the applicants. The Biocenter Finland host universities Rectors Council will decide on the appointment based on the Board’s proposal.
Contact information
Further information of the position is provided by the Chair of the Board, Professor Lauri Eklund (lauri.eklund@oulu.fi), +358 50 350 1782, available for a phone call on 20.11.2025 at 1-3pm, and 8.12.2025 at 1-3pm (the time in Finland), and the Coordinator of Biocenter Finland, Jenni Leppiniemi (jenni.leppiniemi@helsinki.fi) +358 50 3054 272. For questions concerning the recruitment portal, please contact: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi.