Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Biotechnology

The Cellular Engineering group, lead by Assistant Professor Sesilja Aranko, is looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biotechnology

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a project focused on understanding the role of post-translational modifications in shaping the assembly and functional properties of protein-based materials. In this position, you will develop methods for the recombinant production of post-translationally modified structural proteins, investigate their effects on material assembly and properties, and design new, functional materials. In the project, we are particularly interested in modifying proteins relevant for biomaterials, including silk- and collagen-proteins, with the aim of developing novel sustainable yet high-performing and functional biomaterials.

The successful candidate will join our Cellular Engineering research group, which operates at the interface of molecular biotechnology, protein engineering, and biomolecular materials. Our research aims to advance microbial production of sustainable solutions. To enable this, we develop methods for biomolecular protein-conjugation reactions as well as enzymatic post-translational modifications, including phosphorylations, hydroxylations, and glycosylations. We apply and develop ultra-high throughput screening technologies to facilitate efficient optimization of the enzymes and products. The applications of this research span enzyme technologies to functional biomaterials.

Scientific environment

, one of three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of Europe’s leading research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources.

BIO2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials.

Requirements

What we offer

At Aalto University you have the possibility to work within a well-resourced learning community where the students are rigorously selected and highly motivated. This results in an unusually interactive and intellectually engaging atmosphere. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland, in the capital Helsinki region. Helsinki is the lively, dynamic capital of Finland with active international social scene, good opportunities for culture or outdoor activities, and reputedly high quality of living in general.

You will work as part of a supportive and creative team, be part of a vivid, multidisciplinary scientific community, and have access to high-end laboratory infrastructure that facilitates you in achieving ambituious scientific goals and supports your career development.

The candidate will be granted fixed-term contract for two years with a possibility for extension. The expected starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 4000-4200 EUR/month depending on experience. The contract includes occupational health care benefits and Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit the following application materials in English through the ’Apply’ link at the latest on 31.10.2025.

The application should include the following:

Evaluation of the applications may start immediately.

Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via the internal HR system Workday (keyword Find Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

For more information

For additional information, please contact Prof. Sesilja Aranko (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

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