The Institute of Biotechnology is a leading European research institute within the University of Helsinki with a mission to increase knowledge in cross‐disciplinary biology and biotechnology. The Institute has state‐of-the‐art facilities in imaging, model organisms, proteomics, genomics, crystallography and NMR.

We seek an outstanding candidate for

DOCTORAL STUDENT

in systems and developmental biology (gene networks evolution).

Working period is up to 4 years. The purpose of the position is research and training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The selected doctoral student will apply for a right to conduct graduate studies at the University of Helsinki (UH) and register at a relevant Graduate Program at UH.

The main objectives of the research project: a) Develop computational models of organ development (morphogenesis and pattern formation) and their evolution in mammalian teeth, hair, Drosophila wing, and/or b) Develop models about the evolution of gene networks and embryonic development in general.

The research will take place in the Center of Excellence in Experimental and computational developmental biology, at Biotechnology Institute of the University of Helsinki. The project would involve collecting data with a CT-scanner and analyzing already existing data. The supervisor of the theoretical aspects will be Dr. Isaac Salazar-Ciudad but the PhD student include also close collaboration with academy professor Jukka Jernvall group. This includes collaboration with developmental biologists, bioinformaticians, paleontologists and other evolutionary and systems biologists.

Qualifications and experience: Background in biology, preferably with zoology or in evolutionary biology, developmental biology or theoretical biology. The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation on science, morphological evolution and development. A capacity for creative and critical thinking is also desirable.

Starting salary: According to demand level 2 of the teaching and research staff (app. 2000-2400 EUR/month). Salary evolves according to gained experience.

The application: The application letter (addressed to Isaac Salazar-Ciudad) including a statement of interests - CV (summarizing degrees obtained, subjects included in degree and grades, average grade) should be send as a single pdf-file to: bi-recruit@helsinki.fi. The applications are to be sent by 15.5.2015. Starting as agreed.

Applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English, Swedish or Finnish.

Examples of recent publications (Isaac Salazar-Ciudad team): Salazar-Ciudad I1, Marín-Riera M. Adaptive dynamics under development-based genotype-phenotype maps. Nature. 2013 Salazar-Ciudad I, Jernvall J. A computational model of teeth and the developmental origins of morphological variation. Nature. 2010.

Group webpage: http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/salazar/index.html

Further Information
https://university.helsinki.fi/en/open-positions
Application Deadline : 15 May 2015