Three tenure track assistant/associate professors in life science, HiLIFE

Position requirements 

We seek talented candidates with a doctoral degree completed approximately 2–12 years ago (excluding career breaks), postdoctoral experience, and recent demonstration of excellence in life-sciences research appropriate to their career stage. We build on scientific excellence; a suitable candidate has, for example, already produced an early-career scientific track record, attracted external research funding, and is now ready to start working independently.  

The successful candidate at the assistant professor level shows potential to be a future research leader and is expected to develop an independent, externally funded line of research in current or emerging areas of life sciences. At the associate level, evidence for these achievements is required. 

We are also looking for individuals who can contribute to the development of life science research infrastructures, innovations, and/or higher education in evolving areas of life sciences. Early-stage independent researchers with 2-12 years of experience since completing their PhD are especially encouraged to apply.  

For formal qualifications, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/academic-careers/tenure-track. You must meet the degree requirement by the application deadline. 

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. 

What we offer 

The positions come with an attractive, negotiable startup package and are initially for three to five years, with the possibility of extension or tenure following a successful evaluation. All positions are shared between HiLIFE units and one of the participating faculties. During the tenure track (assistant/associate professor), contracts are with HiLIFE; after tenuring (as professor), they are with the faculty.  

The salary is negotiable within the University of Helsinki regulations. The salary will be based on level 7 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. The assistant/associate professor’s gross annual salary ranges from 60 000 to 80 000 euros, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The position includes a six-month trial period.  

HiLIFE takes a proactive, transformative role in ensuring our institute is the best place for everyone to do their work. Our Code of Conduct translates the University of Helsinki values and principles into practical guidelines that define how we behave and how we wish to be treated, with zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, bullying, harassment, or discrimination. 

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities.  

Want to work in the world’s happiest country at a dynamic, international institute? Finland has been nominated as the happiest country in the world nine times in a row. https://media.visitfinland.com/es/media-press-releases/happiest-country-2026/  Finland is a member of the EU and NATO, has high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits, and excellent healthcare. Helsinki has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top ten most livable cities, and Finland has been ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university      

 Application & recruitment process 

Applications are submitted as a single pdf attachment via the link at the bottom of the page. Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own voice and thoughts. AI-generated applications do not meet our expectations. 

 Please include only the following requested materials in the PDF file:  

• a motivation letter (max 1 page);  

• curriculum vitae including teaching experience  

• a list of not more than 20 publications, patents, invention disclosures, and/or other important research outputs, including five highlighted key publications with a brief summary of their importance at the top, and your ORCID ID for a complete list of publications; 

• a research plan (max 2 pages excluding references).  

Kindly ensure that the application package does not exceed more than 10 pages.  Other attachments will not be considered.  

 Submit your application by Monday, November 16, 2026, at 23:59 EET (UTC +2).  

An Appointment Committee evaluates applications, and the process includes external referee statements and interviews with shortlisted applicants. Finalists must successfully complete an interview process that includes a research seminar and teaching demonstration. The interviews are expected to take place on May 31 – June 2, 2027. We kindly ask candidates to save the dates; we will send site visit invitations in April or early May. The recruitment is expected to be completed in September 2027.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.