Doctoral Researcher, Structural Biology And Inhibitor Discovery

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

who has interest in biochemistry, structural biology and early-stage drug discovery to work on a project in protein ADP-ribosylation.

Protein and structural biology is one of the three research focus areas of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The Faculty provides a dynamic research surrounding and cutting-edge research infrastructure services to academics and other users in Finland and abroad.

The host research team also belongs to Biocenter Oulu, which offers a high-level international multidisciplinary environment supplied with cutting-edge infrastructures. Under this framework, the Health and Biosciences Doctoral Program (HBS-DP) offers doctoral training in clinical medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular medicine, dentistry, health sciences, and medical technology.

About the job

We have now an opening for a fixed-term, full-time doctoral researcher position in a research project headed by Professor Lari Lehtiö in the Protein and Structural Biology research unit. The doctoral studies are expected to be completed in four years.

Our team focuses on structure, function and selective inhibition of ADP-ribosyltransferases, also known as PARPs. These proteins are involved in signaling through ADP-ribosylation – a post-translational modification affecting protein stability, function, and interactions in multiple cellular pathways. Our goals are to study how the multidomain PARPs function and are regulated by addressing several key questions in their oligomerization, protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions and use structural information for rational design to develop specific inhibitors.

The successful candidate will work on understanding PARP activation, integrating structural and biochemical information and develop protein-protein interaction inhibitors. We use a range of biochemical, structural and biophysical methods including X-ray crystallography and CryoEM to study PARPs function. The project can be somewhat tailored on the skills and interest of the recruited researcher.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 10-15 people, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To successfully occupy this position, you must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) preferably in biochemistry or related fields. Degree must have been completed with good grades or strong evidence for graduation before the appointment must be demonstrated.

The position is intended for an Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) who is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will be either starting their doctoral training or will have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. The selected candidate will carry out his/her doctoral studies in the HBS-DP of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS requirements.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years starting on 01.09.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-2900 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 5.7.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Certificates/Diplomas
• Contact information for two referees

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Lari Lehtiö (lari.lehtio-at-oulu.fi).

Työsopimuksen voimassaolo: määräaikainen yli 6 kuukautta | Työsuhteen luonne: kokoaikainen | Paikkojen lukumäärä: 1 | Työllisyysaste: 100% | Paikkakunta: Oulu | Maakunta: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa | Maa: Finland | Ilmoitusnumero: 2026/428 | Julkaistu: 2026-06-15 | Haku päättyy: 2026-07-05