Postdoctoral Researcher, Gene regulation and Single cell genomics

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of Gene regulation and Single cell genomics. The position is hosted by the School of Medicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences and located on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a 3-year term from 1 January 2027 onwards (or as agreed) in the research team led by Prof. Merja Heinäniemi. Please find more information below and submit your application by 12 October 2026.

Role and salary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, broadly knowledgeable Postdoctoral Researcher who is familiar with genomics and bioinformatics methodology to drive projects focusing on deciphering gene regulatory mechanisms in leukemic and immune cells.

As our new Postdoctoral Researcher in Gene regulation and Single cell genomics, your research focus will be on generating, analysing and integrating transcriptome, chromatin access and transcription factor binding datasets at bulk and single cell resolution with the aim to connect these profiles with the underlying regulatory networks, and immune/leukemia cell state dynamics.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide-reaching international and interdisciplinary team of leading experts in leukemia biology, immunology, gene regulation, computational biology and clinicians.

Your Main Responsibilities Will Include

planning and conducting genomics-based studies related to leukemia biology and immunology,benchmarking and developing genomics and single cell methodology,reporting and creating high-quality scientific publications,participating in the preparation of research proposals in your field.

Other responsibilities include the co-supervision of PhD students. The researcher can take part in undergraduate teaching in their expert area. The position will be filled for a 3-year term from 1 January 2027 onwards (or as agreed). The position will be filled for a fixed term due to them pertaining to data generation and integration in a specific project. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of the Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job requirement element and a personal performance element. In this position, the job requirement element is 3,366.36 euros/month, based on level 5 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff. The personal performance element can be a minimum of 6 % and a maximum of 50 % of the above-mentioned sum. Depending on the personal performance element, the salary will be approximately 3703 – 4073 €/month at the beginning of the employment relationship.

Our requirements and expectations

We are looking for a researcher who is initiative and self-driven, enthusiastic in solving biomedical problems, and rigorous in their scientific work.

A doctoral degree in a field relevant to the proposed project. The doctoral degree may not have been completed more than five years ago at the time of accepting the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.)Excellent/good skills in oral and written English. English is used as the language of instruction and supervision in this position.

Expectations

A formal background in molecular biology or related fieldsPractical experience with genomics and bioinformatics methods A solid knowledge of single cell omics technologies and data analysisA strong research record

Advantages

Experience in the analysis of gene regulatory networksExperience with CRISPR and/or lineage barcoding methodsExperience in genomics method developmentExperience in leukemia or immunology researchExperience in international research cooperationExperience in supervision of undergraduate/graduate students

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including

opportunity for flexible multi-location workexcellent opportunities for professional development and continuous learningextensive occupational health care broad selection of staff trainingstaff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services affordable sports services

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting/meaningful/diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 12.10.2026 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3)

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

CV (Template for CV, TENK web page)a list of publications (Instructions, Research Council of Finland Web page)copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas motivation letter

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Merja Heinäniemi, merja.heinaniemi@uef.fi, +358 40 3553842

For further information on the application procedure, please contact hrbiomed@uef.fi

The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 800 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 960 staff members.

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 17,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.