Postdoctoral Research Fellow in RNA biology and disease mechanisms, group Garcia
The Garcia group is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong interest in RNA biology and disease mechanisms for two years with the gross month salary range 3736-3837 € and offers support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships. The successful candidate will investigate how toxic RNAs disrupt cellular energy metabolism and drive progressive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. The researcher will be based at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki. The Institute provides state-of-the-art research infrastructures and a vibrant international scientific community.
About the project
Repeat sequences are widespread in genomes and inherently unstable; changes in nucleotide repeat length that result in expansions cause the production of RNAs bearing expanded repeats. RNAs with expanded repeats are intrinsically toxic and drive widespread molecular and cellular dysfunction. These RNAs contribute to a growing number of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and myotonic dystrophy (DM). Despite their importance in disease, the mechanisms through which repeat-expansion RNAs drive progressive organismal dysfunction remain poorly understood. Our laboratory aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which toxic, repeat-bearing RNAs drive cellular and organismal dysfunction. We combine genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches to identify and dissect the pathways that mediate these effects.
The successful candidate will conduct original research using the model system Caenorhabditis elegans together with mammalian cell systems to study how RNAs with expanded nucleotide repeats cause broad cellular energy metabolism disruptions. The project focuses on identifying early metabolomic disruptions, followed by the genetic and biochemical dissection of the mechanisms underlying these alterations. The project takes advantage of recent transcriptomic and imaging data, which identified a progressive metabolic dysregulation linked to loss of organismal fitness.
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to develop an independent research profile, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to high-impact publications.
Requirements:
Candidates must have:
- PhD degree (obtained or expected) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related Life Sciences fields.
- Experience in RNA-based methodology such as RNA isolation, quality control, gene expression analysis, RNA sequencing, or related approaches.
- The ability to work both independently and as a team member.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Desirable qualifications:
- Experience with microscopy, transcriptomic analyses, or bioinformatics approaches.
- Experience working with C. elegans is a plus but not required.
The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
We offer
The salary follows the Finnish university salary system, requirement level 5, with a personal performance component on top, giving a monthly gross salary of approximately 3736-3837 €.
The appointment is for 2 years with a 6-month trial period, starting 1st of November or as agreed. We offer mentoring and active support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships and other external funding opportunities, together with career development opportunities and access to expertise in a broad range of experimental and analytical methodologies.
The Garcia laboratory offers expertise in:
- Forward and reverse genetics.
- High-throughput genetic and pharmacological screening.
- Generation of C. elegans models of neurodegenerative disease.
- Animal transgenesis and microinjection methods.
- Transcriptomic and genomic analyses.
- Advanced microscopy and image analysis.
- Genetic analysis, complex strain construction through genetic crosses, and epigenetic approaches.
Beyond salary and career development, we offer occupational healthcare, a subsidized lunch, a generous holiday bonus, and a functioning parental leave system. The Viikki campus sits next to a nature reserve, twenty minutes by bus from the Helsinki city center.
Helsinki is an international city where English is widely spoken and sufficient for everyday life. The university community is particularly international, and members of our group and the wider institute come from outside Finland. Please read more why you should choose the University of Helsinki as your next place to work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki and why you should choose Finland as your home: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-finland
The International Staff Services support relocation, including help with residence permits and with finding schools and daycare for children.
The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the University of Helsinki recruitment system using the “Apply Now” no later than 25th of September 2026.
Please include:
- A Cover letter (maximum one page) describing their research accomplishments, scientific interests, and motivation for joining the Garcia laboratory and contributing to this research project.
- Curriculum vitae.
- List of publications.
The attachements should be identified by the candidate’s lastname_Coverletter.pdf, lastname_Cv.pdf and lastname_listofpublications.pdf
For questions regarding the position or the application process, please contact susanamaria.garcia@helsinki.fi.
Relevant bibliography: Garcia et al 2014, Teixeira et al 2025, Teixeira et al 2026.
Technical support for using the recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi
About the Institute of Biotechnology
Institute of Biotechnology BI, a part of HiLIFE, is an internationally renowned research institute with an inclusive and curiosity-driven working culture. The research activities are carried out in research groups joined into three multidisciplinary research programs. The Institute hosts several shared research infrastructures, including cutting-edge facilities for genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), light microscopy, and proteomics. For more information, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/hilife/bi