A post-doctoral Researcher position is available at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in the group of Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen. The post-doctoral researcher will work on an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of the gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in birds within and across generations, and species. Starting date is flexible, preferably between 1.11.2025-30.1.2026.

All animals on our planet carry microorganisms in their gut. The gut microbiome has recently been shown to be strongly linked to health in humans and model animals and there is a complex two-way interaction between gut microbiome and host physiology. For example, our group recently showed how temperature-induced variation in gut microbiome can have causal effects on host thermal physiology. However, we still have limited knowledge on the relative contribution of gut microbiome on host traits and the interplay with host genetic background. In this project the post-doctoral research will study the contribution of host genetics and microbiome on cold tolerance by creating selection lines on thermal physiology, combined with microbiome-disturbance experiments, in an avian model system, the Japanese quail. In addition, the post-doc can contribute to other work on physiology, and gut microbiome and in the research group. The work is conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, with data collection at the Konnevesi Research Station, and collaborators include Dr. Barbara Tschirren (University of Exeter).

The postdoctoral researcher position will involve setting up selection lines of Japanese quails, leading and conducting physiological data and sample collection, contribution to laboratory analyses (physiological and molecular), bioinformatic analyses of 16s rRNA data, manuscript preparation and supervision of students.

Who we are looking for

Suitable candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary biology, (eco)physiology, molecular biology or related field by the time of starting the position, strong interest in animal physiology, host-microbiome research and bioinformatics.
We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, productive person, with good problem-solving and project management skills.
The candidates should have experience of working with animals, some experience in laboratory analyses and strong analytical skills.
The candidate is also expected to contribute intellectually to the project development.

The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

Benefits

We offer

Funding for 3 years at the University of Jyväskylä.
International, enthusiastic working environment (working language is English) in a friendly research group with a large collaborator network.
Possibility to join workshops etc to improve specific skills in e.g. bioinformatics, data analysis.
Excellent research infrastructure at Jyväskylä (incl Konnevesi research station with animal caretaker), labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, software, access to journals and scientific databases.
Resources for travel to conferences or workshops abroad.
Possibility to teach and supervise students

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5–6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3500-4200 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

How to apply?

Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
Degree certificate (highest degree).

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 15th July 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen, [email protected].

We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.

The Environmental Physiology lab (Environmental Physiology Lab | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi)), led by Suvi Ruuskanen, research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, evolutionary and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include, for example, physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. We also have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity.

Some previous work from the research group around the topic:

Ruuskanen S, Hsu BY, Nord A. 2021. Endocrinology of thermoregulation of birds in a changing climate. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 519, 111088.

Liukkonen, M., Muriel, J., Martínez-Padilla, J., Nord, A., Pakanen, V-M., Rosivall, B., Tilgar, V.,van Oers, K., Grond K., Ruuskanen,S. 2024. Seasonal and environmental factors contribute to the variation in the gut microbiome: a large-scale study of a small bird. Journal of Animal Ecology DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14153

Department of Biological and Environmental Science

The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä's Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.

Phone: (014) 260 1211

Email: [email protected]

Location: Seminaarinkatu 15

The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

Jobdetails

Titel

Postdoctoral Researcher: Contribution of genetic background and gut microbiome on thermal physiology

Arbeitgeber

University of Jyväskylä

Standort

Seminaarinkatu 15 Jyväskylä, Finnland

Veröffentlicht

2025-05-14

Bewerbungsfrist

2025-07-15 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
2025-07-15 22:59 (CET)

Jobart

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Fachgebiet

Physiologie, Bioinformatik, Molekularbiologie, Evolutionsbiologie

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