Funded PhD in Protein Synthesis and Inhibitor Discovery, University of Helsinki, Finland

Job Description

The University of Helsinki is offering a funded PhD in protein synthesis in Finland. You will look for new drugs that block how cells make proteins, and find new uses for known ones. The work uses cryoEM, gene editing and high-throughput screening. Apply by 13 November 2026.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral Researcher (PhD), job ID 5261
• Lab: O’Keefe lab, Department of Molecular and Integrative Bioscience, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
• Where: Viikki Campus, Helsinki, Finland
• Pay: Starting gross salary around EUR 2,500 to 2,700 a month
• Duration: Up to 44 months from January 2027, funded by the Research Council of Finland
• Apply: 13 November 2026, 23:59 Helsinki time

What the Helsinki protein synthesis PhD student will do

• Work on the project “Inhibiting Protein Synthesis – Old, New, Borrowed, Blue”
• Combine cell biology and chemical biology with cell-free protein synthesis
• Use cryoEM, gene editing and orthogonal high-throughput screens
• Study inhibitors of translation, protein translocation and insertases
• Make short research visits to the University of Leeds, UK, for cryoEM sample preparation
• Write an article-based thesis and complete 30 ECTS of doctoral studies

Why this role matters

Many antibiotics and some cancer drugs work by stopping protein synthesis. Finding new blockers, or new uses for old ones, can open new treatments. You would be the first doctoral researcher in a new lab. That usually means close supervision and a wide training in methods.

What University of Helsinki is looking for

• A master’s degree in biology, biological sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy or a related field, or due by the start date. Medicinal chemists with strong research experience who want to switch fields can also apply
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work alone, solve problems, learn new skills and work in a team
• You must live in Finland while employed by the university

Nice to have

• Research experience in industry or a research-intensive lab
• Knowledge of the protein synthesis field

Pay and location

The ad says the starting gross monthly salary is around EUR 2,500 to 2,700. It follows the Finnish university pay system and includes a personal performance part. Funding lasts up to 44 months from January 2027. You must win the right to study for a doctorate at Helsinki within the six-month trial period; the university supports this.

How to apply

Apply through the official University of Helsinki page. The closing date is 13 November 2026, 23:59 Helsinki time. Upload one PDF named lastname_firstname in the CV field. It must hold a one-page cover letter, a CV, two referees, your master’s diploma or study plan, a transcript with its grading scale, and short answers to four questions set in the ad. Email or late applications are not reviewed. The ad warns that applications written with AI will not be judged well. The supervisor is Dr Sarah O’Keefe, with co-supervisor Brendan Battersby.

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