The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities.
We are looking for a
Doctoral Researcher
in structural biology and biophysics, with a strong interest in understanding how molecular machines drive cell motility and host-pathogen interactions.
Our research group is part of the Protein and Structural Biology research unit at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.
The research unit is one of the three research focus areas of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The Faculty provides a dynamic research environment and cutting-edge research infrastructure services to academics and other users in Finland and abroad.
About the job
We have an opening for a fixed-term, full-time doctoral researcher position in a research project headed by Professor Inari Kursula in the Protein and Structural Biology research unit. The doctoral studies are expected to be completed in four years.
Work in our group is focused on understanding malaria parasite gliding motility and the molecular machinery behind it at the molecular level. To address these questions, we combine structural biology and biochemical/biophysical approaches, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and protein interaction/functional assays. In this project, the candidate will investigate how Plasmodium myosins generate force and interact with their binding partners, with the aim of establishing structure-function relationships underlying parasite motility and host cell invasion.
What we offer
- A collaborative and international research environment with access to state-of-the-art structural biology infrastructure, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM facilities.
- The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 5-10 people, where you can contribute your ideas, develop your expertise, and grow as a scientist.
- Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
- Development and career opportunities within a large organization.
- Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
- Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
- We have an HR Excellence in Research quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
- Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.
Who are you?
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in structural biology, molecular mechanisms of cell motility, host-pathogen interactions, and motor protein function. To succeed in this position, we expect you to have:
- Master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of employment.
- Experience in recombinant protein production.
- Ability to work as part of a team while also demonstrating critical thinking and independence.
- Strong motivation for fundamental science and doctoral studies.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).
In addition, the following are considered as assets:
- Experience with structural biology methods, computational analysis, molecular modelling, or related approaches.
- Experience with biophysical characterization of proteins and their interactions.
- Experience with eukaryotic cell culture.
Salary
The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 1.9.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-3200 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.
How to apply?
Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.7.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system (see link below).
The application should be written in English and include the following:
The applicants who best match the profile will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process. The verification of the diplomas and contacting the referees will be conducted at the latest for the shortlisted candidates.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Inari Kursula, [email protected]
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2026/434
Published: 2026-06-17
Last application date: 2026-07-10
