Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors, and more than 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
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
The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (BIO2), 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 - Recently obtained PhD (within five years) in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
- The candidate should have sound knowledge and skills in molecular biology, including knowhow on relevant methods and characterization techniques.
- Experience and skills in microbial engineering and/or biomaterials is seen as a benefit.
- The candidate should have demonstrated expertise in dissemination of scientific results.
- Prior expertise in teaching and supervisorial duties, as well as project management is seen as an advantage. The successful candidate has the ability and willingness to drive high-profile, interdisciplinary research and to contribute to teaching and supervision of MSc and PhD level researchers.
- The candidate must have good oral and written command of English.
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:
- A letter of motivation
- CV, incl. list of publications
- Names and contact details of at least 2 possible references
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).
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues?
You can watch these videos:
Aalto University - Towards a better world,
Aalto People , and
Shaping a Sustainable Future.
For more information about living in Finland:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff
Read more about working at Aalto:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto
About Finland
Finland is a great place for living with or without family - it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world:
https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/
For more information about living in Finland:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/living-in-finland
Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
