Research Assistant or Master Thesis worker, group Hakala

The Hakala Research group is looking for highly motivated Undergraduate student for Research Assistant or Master thesis project. The start date of the employment is November 17th, 2025 or upon agreement. The duration of the employment is 3-12 months upon agreement. 

The Research Group

The Hakala Research Group is a newly founded research team at the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki. We study structural mechanisms and biological functions of mechanosensitive membrane microdomains. By using a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, in vitro reconstitution, cell biology, and fluorescence microscopy imaging tools, we aim to uncover how protein-membrane interactions promote membrane microdomain formation and how these structures respond to external stress. We want to understand how mechanosensitive membrane microdomains maintain normal cellular processes and how changes in their structure and biophysical properties lead to diseases.

Your profile 

•    Strong motivation to learn new methods and work independently, and as part of the team
•    Prior experience in molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, cell culture techniques, and/or fluorescence microscopy is an advantage
•    Team-oriented and proactive mindset
•    Good oral and written communication skills in English (working language).

We offer

•    An opportunity to learn new techniques in a highly collaborative and inspiring research environment.
•    An opportunity to work and study in an international, multidisciplinary research environment that values equality, diversity, inclusion, and well-being.
•    The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, insurance for work-related travel and occupational accidents, sports services at a reduced price and opportunities for professional development.
•    The salary is based on the collective agreement followed by Finnish universities, with a salary typically in the range of 2000-2443€/month for undergraduate students.

How to apply

Please submit your application, which includes the following documents in English: 

•    A motivation letter describing why you are interested in this position and how you are qualified (max. 1 page).
•    A curriculum vitae.
•    A Bachelor’s degree certificate and a record of studies.
•    Names and contact information of referees who are willing to provide reference letters upon request (optional).

Applications are to be sent as a single PDF-file using the University’s recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. 

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found; call closes latest by 30th November 2025.

For more information, please contact Academy Research Fellow, Dr. Markku Hakala (markku.hakala@helsinki.fi)

About the University and the Institute of Biotechnology

The 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.