FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders in Molecular Medicine

FIMM is seeking outstanding candidates for positions of

FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders in Molecular Medicine

This group leader search is for 2-3 early-stage group leaders with significant international experience during their PhD and postdoc periods. The selected group leaders are expected to initiate a new independent research program in one of FIMM’s research fields. 

Background

FIMM is a leading molecular medicine research institute with a strong international research profile. FIMM employs over 300 researchers and scientific support personnel from 34 different nationalities in a highly international and inclusive environment. FIMM offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of science and technology to improve human health and well-being. We are a dynamic and highly motivated organisation with a supportive and collaborative working culture.
 
FIMM promotes translational research, specifically focusing on human genomics and precision medicine, in addition to AI and data science in health. FIMM coordinates multiple large-scale research projects and globally unique data resources, such as FinnGen, nationwide health registry data and the Finnish Twin Study and leads the molecular profiling of cancer patient samples for the University of Helsinki’s iCAN flagship project. FIMM also hosts the Academy of Finland’s Center of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics, a collaborative program of computational, statistical, experimental and registry-based research in common diseases. Further information on the Research areas and Principal investigators can be found here .

The candidate

We are interested in group leader candidates who can provide novel and complementary contributions to existing research at FIMM and the University of Helsinki more broadly. The candidates should have a background for example in the following fields: human genetics (including but not limited to focus on statistical genetics), systems medicine, population health and precision medicine. International candidates with strong background in AI and/or data science and interest in applying analytical methods to large-scale molecular and health data are particularly encouraged to apply. 

Candidates are expected to be able to leverage the data, infrastructure, expertise and networks available at FIMM, including the translational, clinical and wide industrial contacts.

We offer

The group leader appointment is initially for five years with the potential of an additional four years based on evaluation by the FIMM Scientific Advisory Board. HiLIFE and the life science faculties offer regularly separate tenure track assistant/associate professor searches where highly successful FIMM-EMBL Group Leaders have traditionally been successful.
 
FIMM provides an attractive support package which includes the salary of the group leader, support to other personnel, consumables and modern laboratory and office facilities. The candidate is expected to significantly complement this budget through other national or international grants and/or industrial collaborations. 

Our group leaders can get access to FinnGen (520K genomes linked to lifetime health-registry data) and other nationwide datasets, which provide unique statistical power for discovery research and possibilities for translation. The group leader will enjoy access to the state-of-the-art infrastructures available at the FIMM Technology Centre, at HiLIFE, at the national Biocenter Finland network and international capabilities provided by the EMBL. 

Finally, the group leaders have a chance to work and live in a society with deep respect for science and a country ranked as the happiest for eight years in a row.

Qualification requirements

Qualification requirements include an MD/PhD, PhD or equivalent degree, postdoctoral training and a track-record of high-impact publications in the top journals in the field and international mobility. Like a typical EMBL group leader position, the FIMM-EMBL molecular medicine group leader position is intended for an early-stage independent researcher, typically a candidate who has reached a career level equivalent to that applicable for applicants to ERC Starting Grant. We expect that the group leader will engage in multidisciplinary research collaborations with other FIMM research groups, and with the life science community in Helsinki and beyond nationally and internationally.

How to apply

Applications should include a cover letter summarising the applicant’s career, past research accomplishments and future plans (max 2 pages), a CV and a list of publications (with 5 most significant publications indicated), a short research plan (max 5 pages) with a summary of expected translational, medical or public health impact and the names of three references. 
 
The top candidates will be invited to an interview with the international Evaluation Committee and a site visit (initially planned for Oct 20th - 21st), as well as to provide a more detailed research plan and three letters of reference. We hope the new group leaders will be available to start their research at FIMM by the early 2026.
 
To apply, please submit the application, together with your CV and a cover letter in PDF format through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply link. Please apply no later than August 10, 2025.
 
For further information please visit our website or contact FIMM Director Samuli Ripatti samuli.ripatti(at)helsinki.fi
 
Information for arriving international staff. In case you need support with the recruitment portal, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! 

The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research unit focusing on human genomics and personalised medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki - a leading Nordic university with a strong commitment to life science research. Locally, FIMM collaborates closely with the Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and National Institute for Health and Welfare. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community.