TRAINEE for the Institute of Biotechnology (group Syrjänen)
The University of Helsinki Trainee Programme for International Master Students is open to all international students enrolled in a University of Helsinki master’s programme.
Description of the Institution of Biotechnology and Syrjänen research group: We are now looking for a trainee for the Syrjänen lab, Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE. The Institute of Biotechnology is an internationally renowned research institute with an inclusive and curiosity driven working culture. We advance breakthrough discoveries, technology development and innovations. Our mission is to advance fundamental discoveries in biosciences for the benefit of people and the environment.
The Syrjänen lab works on understanding the molecular basis for cellular communication. We are interested in how a cell communicates information about the external environment to itself, how neighbouring cells communicate to each other, and how paracellular communication occurs. We are interested in the molecular and structural mechanisms that underpin these processes, which are all fundamentally mediated by proteins. The projects in our group require a multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology techniques to address fundamental questions in these fields.
Tasks: Your primary tasks as a trainee are to contribute the ongoing research in the lab. This will involve reading the scientific literature, experimental wet lab work, and keeping an organized lab notebook. Methods that you will use in the lab may include molecular biology techniques, cell culture, protein expression and purification, as well as cryogenic electron microscopy. Tasks will be further defined and guided by the trainee’s background, motivation and research interests. Training will be supported by senior lab members.
Skills: We are a small, dynamic and enthusiastic team. We are looking for a dedicated and motivated student with a strong interest in protein biochemistry to join us. We value scientific excellence, collaboration and open communication. As we are an international group, we expect excellent spoken and written English.
Contact: Johanna Syrjänen (johanna.syrjanen@helsinki.fi)
The duration of the traineeship is from 1 September to 31 December 2025 (four months) of part-time (55%) work, leaving time for studies as well. The salary of a trainee is €825 per month for a part-time (55%) trainee.
The application period is from 7 April to 28 April 2025. You are eligible to apply if you are an international student enrolled in a University of Helsinki master’s programme. Read more on the programme and its eligibility criteria on the website of the traineeship programme.