Postdoctoral Job in Agricultural Microbiology at the University of Helsinki, Finland

The University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. The position is based at the Viikki Campus in Helsinki, Finland, and is part of a research programme investigating one of the most important challenges in modern public health: antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The successful candidate will join the research group led by University Lecturer Antti Karkman and work within the AMaRONE – Risks and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Sectors project. Funded by the Research Council of Finland, AMaRONE brings together environmental microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and One Health approaches to identify emerging antimicrobial resistance threats and develop strategies for their mitigation. The fixed-term appointment is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and continue until December 2028. A six-month probationary period applies.

About the AMaRONE Research Project

Antimicrobial resistance is a global challenge that extends beyond hospitals and clinical settings. Resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes can circulate between human, animal, and environmental reservoirs, creating a complex One Health problem. Understanding how resistance develops, moves between environments, and enters new bacterial hosts is essential for protecting the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.

The AMaRONE project aims to move beyond conventional surveillance by developing proactive approaches to antimicrobial resistance mitigation. The research will identify novel AMR genes of particular concern in environmental microbial communities, validate their resistance phenotypes and mobility through laboratory experiments, and develop preventive strategies.

The project combines computational prediction with experimental validation, creating an interdisciplinary research environment for scientists working across microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and environmental health. The successful postdoctoral researcher will have substantial freedom to shape their own scientific direction within the broader objectives of the AMaRONE project.

Research Focus

The research group investigates the ecology, evolution, and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in environmental and One Health contexts.The team combines large-scale sequencing, bioinformatics, microbial cultivation, and molecular biology. Researchers also collaborate extensively with national and international partners.

The postdoctoral position can be tailored according to the successful candidate’s expertise and interests. Depending on their background, the research may focus primarily on computational analyses, laboratory-based validation experiments, or an integrated approach combining both. This flexibility makes the position particularly suitable for researchers who want to develop an interdisciplinary profile in antimicrobial resistance research.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate may contribute to several areas of the AMaRONE project. Responsibilities can include developing and applying bioinformatic approaches to identify and prioritize novel antimicrobial resistance genes from environmental metagenomic datasets.

The researcher may also design and conduct molecular microbiology experiments to validate resistance phenotypes, investigate the mobility of prioritized AMR genes, and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. Scientific communication will be an important part of the role. The postdoctoral researcher will communicate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific conferences. The position may also involve co-supervising PhD and MSc students, contributing to new research directions, and participating in grant applications.

Who Can Apply?

The University of Helsinki is looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong scientific background and the ability to work independently within an international and collaborative research environment. Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or another relevant life-sciences field. The doctoral degree must be completed before employment begins.

A strong publication record relative to career stage and evidence of scientific initiative are expected. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research while collaborating effectively with colleagues from different scientific backgrounds. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Desirable Research Experience

The following experience is considered advantageous:

• Antimicrobial resistance research
• Metagenomics
• Microbial genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Statistical programming in R or Python
• High-performance computing
• Molecular cloning
• Functional characterization of genes
• Student supervision
• Interdisciplinary research
• One Health research

Candidates do not necessarily need experience in every area. The project can be adapted toward computational, experimental, or integrated research depending on the successful applicant’s expertise and interests.

Research Environment at the University of Helsinki

The position is based in the Department of Microbiology at the Viikki Campus. The research environment provides access to state-of-the-art microbiology laboratories, sequencing infrastructure, and high-performance computing resources. The researcher will also have opportunities to collaborate with national and international project partners.

This combination of laboratory, sequencing, and computational infrastructure is particularly relevant to research involving environmental metagenomics, AMR gene discovery, microbial genomics, and molecular validation. The position also provides opportunities to build an international research profile through scientific publications, conferences, collaborations, and participation in broader research networks.

Why Join the AMaRONE Project?

This postdoctoral position offers an opportunity to contribute to a Research Council of Finland-funded project addressing a major global health challenge. Antimicrobial resistance requires research that connects environmental processes with microbial evolution, genetic mobility, and public-health risks. The AMaRONE project is designed around this One Health perspective.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research directions while working within an established interdisciplinary project. The role also supports career development through collaboration, publication, conference participation, student supervision, and grant-writing experience. For researchers interested in building an academic career in microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, environmental health, or One Health, these opportunities can provide valuable experience beyond a single research method or discipline.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position is a fixed-term appointment from January 2027 through December 2028. The Postdoctoral Researcher position is classified at level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the Finnish university salary system. The starting salary is approximately €3,600 per month, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. A personal performance component is added according to the university’s salary system.

The position includes a six-month probationary period. The University of Helsinki also provides comprehensive employee services, including occupational healthcare, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits of Working in Finland

The University of Helsinki offers an international academic environment with extensive research and professional development opportunities. International employees receive support with the transition to working and living in Finland. The country also provides public services including healthcare and education, while Helsinki offers an internationally oriented environment for researchers and academics. The university emphasizes diversity and an equitable study and work culture and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Key Details of the Postdoctoral Researcher Position

Detail	Information
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher
Research field	Microbiology
Specialization	Antimicrobial Resistance / One Health
Project	AMaRONE
Project title	Risks and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Sectors
University	University of Helsinki
Department	Department of Microbiology
Faculty	Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Campus	Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
Research group	Antti Karkman
Contract	Fixed-term
Contract period	January 2027 – December 2028
Probationary period	6 months
Salary level	Level 5
Starting salary	Approximately €3,600/month
Required degree	PhD
Main research areas	AMR, microbiology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, One Health
Application language	English
Application deadline	30 September 2026
Deadline time	23:59 UTC+3

How to Apply:

The absolute deadline for applications is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3. The university encourages early applications because it intends to fill the position as soon as possible. External applicants should apply through the University of Helsinki recruitment system using the Apply Now button.

Documents Required

Applications should be submitted in English and include the following materials.

Motivation Letter

Applicants should submit a maximum one-page motivation letter explaining why they are interested in the position and how their qualifications match the research opportunity. The letter should clearly connect the applicant’s previous research experience with antimicrobial resistance, microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or other relevant areas.

Curriculum Vitae

A CV should be submitted with a list of publications, where applicable. The CV should present the applicant’s research experience, academic background, publications, technical skills, and other achievements relevant to a postdoctoral research career.

Referees

Applicants may also provide the names and contact information of two referees who are willing to provide reference letters upon request. The announcement describes referee information as optional.

Apply Now

Because the position is intended to be filled as soon as possible, applicants are encouraged to submit their materials early. The final deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3.

Further Information and Contacts

For questions about the project or position, applicants can contact:

Antti Karkman
University Lecturer antti.karkman@helsinki.fi

For recruitment-system support: recruitment@helsinki.fi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Helsinki postdoctoral position about?

The position focuses on antimicrobial resistance across human, animal, and environmental systems. The researcher will join the AMaRONE project, which combines environmental microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and One Health approaches.

What is the AMaRONE project?

AMaRONE stands for Risks and Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance Across One Health Sectors. The project investigates emerging AMR genes and develops approaches for validating and mitigating antimicrobial resistance threats.

When does the postdoctoral position start?

The fixed-term position is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and end in December 2028.

What is the salary?

The starting salary is approximately €3,600 per month, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The position is based on level 5 of the Finnish university salary system, with an additional personal performance component.

What academic degree is required?

Applicants must hold a PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or another relevant life-sciences field. The doctoral degree must be completed before employment begins.

Is antimicrobial resistance experience required?

AMR research experience is listed as an advantage. The position also welcomes expertise in computational microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, or combinations of these fields.

Is programming experience useful?

Yes. Experience with R or Python statistical programming is considered an advantage, as is experience with high-performance computing environments.

Can computational and laboratory research be combined?

Yes. The project can be tailored toward computational analyses, laboratory validation experiments, or an integrated approach combining computational and experimental methods.

What research methods may be used?

Potential methods include environmental metagenomics, bioinformatics, microbial genomics, molecular cloning, functional characterization of genes, microbial cultivation, and molecular microbiology experiments.

Is there an opportunity to supervise students?

Yes. The postdoctoral researcher may co-supervise PhD and MSc students working within the project.

What is the application deadline?

The absolute deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3. Early applications are encouraged.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit a maximum one-page motivation letter, a CV including publications, and optionally the names and contact details of two referees.