Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Protein Synthesis

A fully funded PhD position is available to study protein synthesis in the lab of Sarah O’Keefe at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.

About the Position

We invite applications for a doctoral researcher position at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland. The doctoral researcher will work in the project Inhibiting Protein Synthesis – Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The doctoral researcher will be supervised by the Principal Investigator Sarah O’Keefe and co-supervised by Brendan Battersby. The successful candidate will complete an article-based PhD thesis and 30 ECTS credits of studies that are required for a PhD degree in Finland. The position is available and funded for 44 months from January 2027, or as agreed.

Project Description

Proteins are key working molecules in all cells and their synthesis is an elaborate jigsaw puzzle. The early stages of protein synthesis include translation on ribosomes and the translocation of new polypeptides across, and their insertion into, membranes via translocons or insertases. New mechanistic insights are rapidly revolutionising our textbook models and bringing previously ‘undruggable’ protein synthesis machineries to the forefront of drug development. This doctoral project combines cellular and chemical biology, cell-free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing and orthogonal high-throughput screening to discover breakthrough protein synthesis inhibitors and re-purpose existing ones. By expanding the chemical and biological space of protein synthesis and its inhibition, this research will develop new tools to probe how proteins are made and unlock new ways to treat human diseases.

Why Work for Us?

•    A collaborative, innovative and inclusive research environment.
•    Training in cell culture, cell free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing, high throughput screening, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, presenting, project management and writing.
•    Access to cutting-edge infrastructures, including working closely the local cryoEM Unit, High Throughput Biomedicine Unit and Finnish Genome Editing Centre.
•    International collaboration with Chemists and Computational Physicists (US, Japan and Finland). 
•    International mobility including conference attendance and short-term research visits at the University of Leeds (UK) to use new approaches for cryoEM sample preparation. 
•    As the first doctoral researcher in the lab, you will benefit from close, individualised mentorship and hands-on training from the Principal Investigator. You will also play a foundational role in shaping the lab’s core culture and scientific techniques as it grows.

About the O’Keefe Lab

We integrate biochemistry, cell biology, cryoEM and small molecules to unlock new mechanisms, methods and drug candidates of protein synthesis for the benefit of human health. To date, the Principal Investigator has discovered new protein synthesis inhibitors with anti-infective (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and anti-cancer utility, identified new mechanisms of protein biogenesis and visualised protein synthesis in action using cryoEM. Our research is highly interdisciplinary, drawing upon the Principal Investigator’s diverse career path in Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry and Cellular and Structural Biology in academic and industry settings. Supported by our collaborative network, we are committed to training and equipping lab members with the multidisciplinary skills needed to take their next career step.

Selection Criteria

•    You are ambitious, collegial, proactive and motivated to pursue multidisciplinary science research. 
•    You should have a Master’s degree (or be due to complete before the start date) in biology, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or another relevant field, including medicinal chemists with strong research experience and a commitment to switch fields. Competencies in cell culture, molecular biology, protein purification/expression and cryoEM will be learned during the project.
•    Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
•    The ability to work independently, problem solve, master new skills and work in a collaborative team. 
•    Merited criteria: research experience in industry or a research-intensive academic lab or knowledge of the protein synthesis field.

The successful applicant will receive support in applying for the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, which should be obtained within the six-month probationary period.

Salary and working hours

The position is currently funded for a maximum of 44 months (3 years and 8 months, if commenced in January 2027). The starting gross monthly salary for a doctoral researcher is around 2500-2700 EUR and is based on job demand level 2 in the salary system for teaching and research personnel of Finnish Universities. The salary depends on the appointee’s qualifications and stage of doctoral studies and includes a personal performance component.

The doctoral researcher should reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. Finland is a member of the European Union, has high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare. Helsinki offers an outstanding quality of life and Finland is consistently ranked among the world’s best countries for safety, work-life balance, education and family-friendliness.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive occupational healthcare, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities, staff training opportunities and support for international employees relocating to Finland. Read more about why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice. 

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system via ‘Apply now’ no later than 13th November 2026 (23:59 Helsinki time). Current employees at the University of Helsinki must submit their applications via the ‘Employee login’. Applications that are submitted via email, elsewhere, or after the closing date will not be evaluated. Excluding spellcheck and typo correction, the use of AI in application preparation will not be evaluated favourably.

Applications should include the following documents as a single pdf called ‘lastname_firstname’ (in the field reserved for CV):

1. A cover letter describing your motivation and suitability for the position (maximum 1 page).
2. A curriculum vitae, including any publications or manuscripts in preparation.
3. The names and contact details of two referees.
4. A copy of your Master’s diploma. If you have not graduated at the time of applying, please describe your remaining studies and timeline to graduate before the starting date.
5. A copy of your transcript of records, including completed courses and a grading system explanation.
6. Succinct answers to the following:
a)    How does this PhD fit into your career vision and what are your alternatives to reach that goal?
b)    Based on your understanding of the project, what do you think the biggest obstacle is?
c)    Describe a time when a research task or project failed and how you approached the problem.    
d)    What are your expectations for supervision, scientific training and professional development?

Further Information

Feel free to contact Sarah O’Keefe at sarah.okeefe@helsinki.fi. For support with the recruitment system can be obtained from University of Helsinki HR specialists at recruitment@helsinki.fi.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

 
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