Website University of Helsinki (Lengefeld Lab and Khan Lab)
Job description
**Project Introduction**
The Lengefeld Lab (www.lengefeldlab.com) and the Nahid Khan Lab sincerely invite applicants to join us. We are recruiting **2 Postdoctoral Researchers** and **2 PhD Students**. The research direction focuses on stem cells, metabolism, and aging biology.
The Lengefeld Lab is located on the Viikki Campus, and the Khan Lab is located at the Faculty of Medicine, both affiliated with the University of Helsinki.
The HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology (BI) is situated in the Viikki Science Park. It is a research institute of the University of Helsinki with approximately 35 research groups and 250 research personnel, operating at an internationally top-level standard.
The Biomedicum Helsinki at the University of Helsinki is located on the Meilahti campus. It brings together more than 90 research groups, integrating basic science, translational research, and clinical innovation, and is equipped with advanced facilities for genomics, proteomics, and AI-driven discovery.
This project is funded by **Novo Nordisk** and focuses on the continuous extension of human lifespan while addressing the significant decline in health during old age. Current treatments target individual age-related diseases, but the root cause of these diseases is cellular aging, leading to low treatment efficacy and high medical costs. We will study **how rejuvenating the blood system** affects whole-body metabolic function during the aging process. Using mouse models, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, immunofluorescence microscopy, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, and multi-organ experiments, the goal is to restore metabolic cell function and thereby extend healthspan.
**Lengefeld Lab Position Description**
We are seeking highly motivated, independent Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students to join the Lengefeld Lab on the Viikki Campus to conduct metabolism and aging projects based on **hematopoietic stem cells**.
**Khan Lab Position Description**
We are seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to join the Khan Lab (stem cell and metabolism research project, STEMM) with a focus on metabolic aging. Successful candidates will lead projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction during aging, using cutting-edge methods in immunology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and histology. The project combines molecular biology, metabolomics, mouse/cell culture models to reveal the mechanisms of age-related metabolic dysfunction.
offer requirements
**Lengefeld Lab Postdoctoral Position Requirements**:
– PhD degree in hematology, hematopoietic stem cell biology, aging biology, or related fields (must be obtained by the start date).
– Strong interest in frontier research, with the ability to independently drive research and collaborate effectively within and outside the team.
– Highly preferred: professional knowledge in stem cell biology and experience with mouse experiments.
– Excellent English communication skills (required).
**Lengefeld Lab PhD Position Requirements**:
– Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields.
– Experience in mouse model operations (handling, treatment, phenotypic analysis).
– Experience in stem cell research and microscopy.
– Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.
– Highly motivated and able to work collaboratively.
– Understanding of aging-related pathways.
– Excellent English communication skills (required).
**Khan Lab Postdoctoral Position Requirements**:
– PhD degree in molecular biology, immunology, metabolism, or related fields.
– Proficient in FACS-based immunophenotyping and routine immunological techniques.
– Experience in metabolomics analysis (LC-MS/MS or GC-MS).
– Transcriptomics analysis (RNA-seq) and related bioinformatics pipeline proficiency.
– Histology analysis experience, including sample preparation, staining (H&E, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence), and microscopic observation.
– Proficient in using R for statistical analysis and data visualization (bonus points).
– Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
– Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
– **Preferred skills**: experience with mouse models and histology; familiarity with multi-omics data integration; knowledge of immunometabolism pathways.
**Khan Lab PhD Position Requirements**:
– Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related fields.
– Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, Western blot, etc.).
– Experience in metabolomics analysis (sample preparation, LC-MS/MS or GC-MS).
– Experience with mouse models (handling, treatment, phenotypic analysis) and/or cell culture experiments.
– Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.
– Highly motivated and able to collaborate.
– **Preferred skills**: knowledge of aging models or metabolic pathways; experience with histology or imaging techniques; proficiency in R or other statistical tools for data analysis.
offer benefits
**Employment Terms**
The initial contract period for postdoctoral positions is **2 years**, and for PhD positions is **4 years**, both with the possibility of extension. There is a 6-month probationary period. Salary is determined according to the University of Helsinki’s salary system for teaching and research staff (including task-specific and personal performance components).
**Working in Finland and at the University of Helsinki**
Finland is an EU member state that provides high-quality free education (including English-taught courses), generous family benefits, and healthcare services. It has recently been rated as one of the best countries in the world for expatriate families. The Helsinki region ranks among the top 10 most livable cities globally. The Helsinki area possesses top talent, leading research, strong support services, and highly efficient collaborative networks in the scientific field. Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading comprehensive research universities and provides comprehensive services to employees, including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and career development opportunities. The International Staff Services office assists international employees in adapting to work and life in Finland.
To apply for this job email your details to rekrytointi@helsinki.fi