The Bioorganic Group at the Department of Chemistry is recruiting a doctoral researcher / project researcher for a fixed-term position.
The doctoral candidate will be working in the Department of Chemistry in a research project funded by the Research Council of Finland:”Chimeric MOANA-DNAzymes (CHIMODNAZ)” (1.9.2026-31.8.2030). The fixed term position starts at the earliest on the 1st of January 2027 or upon mutual agreement, and lasts 31st of August, 2030.
Job description
A doctoral researcher/project researcher is responsible for the development and analysis of post- and pre-SELEX-modified ligase DNA enzymes. The work includes the synthesis, reaction kinetics and in vitro evolution of both small organic and organometallic molecules and oligonucleotides.
In addition to research work, the duties of a doctoral researcher/project researcher include the guidance of the bachelor's and master's assignments.
Who we are looking for
A suitable candidate has:
• Motivation to conduct research with the aim of a dissertation.
• An MSc or equivalent in chemistry or in another relevant field
• Experience with conventional methods of synthesis in organic chemistry.
• Ability to work independently.
• Fluent English language skills.
• Willingness to travel and stay abroad (part of the project will be carried out in Germany and the United States).
We also appreciate the following:
• Experience with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).
• Experience in mass spectrometry (MS).
• Experience with high-resolution liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC).
• Experience with oligonucleotide synthesis.
Qualification requirements
The qualification requirements of the position state in the University of Turku’s Rules of Procedure. In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (spring 2027/autumn 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs. If the candidate is close to graduation (MSc or equivalent), an employment contract is initially made under the title of a research assistant and the right to study for a doctoral degree is applied for after graduation in the next possible call (spring 2027/autumn 2027).
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
• City of Turku,
• Welcome visitor
• Career in Southwest Finland,
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)
Salary and trial period
Salary will be determined in a contract. Salary will be determined through University of Turku system for research and teaching personnel and for a doctoral researcher / project researcher will be in levels 2-4 and personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience and basis on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2 500 –2 800 € / month. For a research assistant it will be in level 1 and additional personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will be approximately 2 300 –2 450 €/month in the beginning of the employment.
A six (6) months trial period applies to the position.
How to apply
In your application, please include
• a CV
• a cover/motivation letter
• a statement of current and future research interests, including a research plan for a prospective doctoral thesis
• a copy of MSc degree certificate or equivalent, or expected date of certification. If the certificate is not in Finnish, Swedish or English, an official English translation (at your own cost) is required.
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is August 31, 2026 at 4pm (Europe/Helsinki).
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Tuomas Lönnberg,[email protected]
With questions about the application process, please contact HR Specialist Susanna Virtanen, [email protected]
