Postdoctoral Researcher in Cell and Developmental Biology, Shimmi group
Description
University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. Helsinki Institute of Life Science HiLIFE is an independent research institute that supports high-quality life science research across University campuses and faculties. 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 cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), light microscopy, sequencing, and proteomics. For more information, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/hilife/bi.
The position
A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Osamu Shimmi at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland. We are seeking a motivated and skilled researcher to join our team in the field of cell and developmental biology.
Our team uses the developing wing of the Drosophila melanogaster as a model system to investigate how tissue morphogenesis and intercellular communication are regulated (1-3).
The successful candidate will focus on the dynamics and molecular mechanisms of the Interplanar Amida Network (IPAN) – a membrane protrusion network – using a multidisciplinary approach that includes advanced bioimaging and image analysis, cell biology and genetics, and omics technologies.
Qualifications
We invite applications from candidates with a background in cell and developmental biology, and experience in bioimaging, Drosophila genetics, and/or omics technologies.
Contract & salary
The position is available immediately and will continue until August 31, 2026.
The salary of the positions will be based on levels 5 of the demands level table for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance.
How to apply
Applications are to be sent as a single PDF-file by July 15, 2025 using the University’s recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. The application should include a short cover letter describing your expertise and motivation for the position, a CV (max 2 pages), and the names and contact information for at least two references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.
Contact details
Further inquiries regarding the project scope or position details, please contact: osamu.shimmi@helsinki.fi
Osamu Shimmi, Ph.D
E-mail: osamu.shimmi@helsinki.fi
HiLIFE/Institute of BiotechnologyUniversity of Helsinki, Finland
References
1. Tran, N.V., Montanari, M.P., Gui, J., Lubenets, D., Fischbach, L.L., Antson, H., Huang, Y., Brutus, E., Okada, Y., Ishimoto, Y., Tõnissoo, T. and Shimmi, O. (2024). Programmed disassembly of a microtubule-based membrane protrusion network coordinates 3D epithelial morphogenesis in Drosophila. EMBO J. 43(4): 568-594. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44318-023-00025-w
2. Toddie-Moore, D.J., Montanari, M.P., Tran, N.V., Brik, E.M., Antson, H., Salazar-Ciudad, I. and Shimmi, O. (2022). Mechano-chemical feedback mediated competition for BMP signalling leads to pattern formation. Dev Biol. 481:43-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.0063. Gui, J., Huang, Y., Montanari, M., Toddie-Moore, D., Kikushima, K., Nix, S., Ishimoto, Y. and Shimmi, O. (2019). Coupling between dynamic 3D tissue architecture and BMP morphogen signaling during Drosophila wing morphogenesis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 116, 4352-4361. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1815427116