We are looking for a candidate to undertake a PhD on extracellular electron exchange between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic microorganisms, focusing on underlying molecular mechanisms and regulation, and with consideration of possible biotechnological applications.
The position is based in the Wey Group within the Molecular Plant Biology unit, Department of Life Technologies at the University of Turku, Finland. The group researches different aspects of “bioelectricity in photosynthetic organisms”. The group will include 8 people by the end of 2026, including 2 postdocs, 3 PhDs, 2 MScs.
The main supervisor for this PhD is Dr Laura Wey, an Academy of Finland Research Fellow. The co-supervisor for this PhD is Dr Pablo Ortega Martinez, who is a Postdoctoral Fellow and leads his own research project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation on regulation of photosynthesis by carbon metabolism intermediates.
This PhD position is funded by Wey’s Emerging Investigator grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Competence requirements
Expected qualifications
- An MSc or equivalent in plant science, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, or other relevant field. We may also consider a candidate who is close to completing their degree in a relevant field.
- Previous experience in biological, biochemical, or biophysical research experience, including thesis work, internships, undergraduate projects
- Excellent spoken and written English
Any of the following skills are considered an advantage:
- Cyanobacterial or algal cell culturing
- Experience with photosynthesis measurement techniques (spectroscopy, gas exchange)
- Experience with microscopy techniques
- Molecular biology and gene editing skills
- Coding skills (R, or similar)
The selected person also needs to apply for their study right in a doctoral programme during the next possible application period (Autumn 2026). Read more about University of Turku’s Graduate school UTUGS) and its programmes. Until the selected person gets their study right in a doctoral programme, their title will initially be Project Researcher. If the person chosen for the position has not received their MSc certificate before starting this position, the job title will be Research Assistant and the person will be first hired for a short period of time.
The qualifications for the positions are specified in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation
Our selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the job. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication, motivation, and other relevant criteria will be considered.
We offer to you
- Dynamic and stimulating research environment in a new group in one of the leading photosynthesis research laboratories in the world
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for photosynthesis research (PHOTOSYN: https://sites.utu.fi/photosyn) and microscopy (Bioscience Turku Centre)
- Training in experimental techniques
- International research collaboration and networking
- Opportunity to influence the development of your own research project
- Flexible work arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance
- A working culture that emphasises accessibility and equality
Period of employment and salary
This is a 3-year funded PhD position. We would like the candidate to be able to start as soon as possible after 1 September 2026 and the start date can be negotiated depending on the selected candidate and their graduation timeline and relocation arrangements to Turku, Finland, if needed. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.
The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position belongs to our research personnel and the salary for a Doctoral Researcher or a Project Researcher is in the range of 2500 – 2600 €/month and for a Research Assistant (before MSc or equivalent certificate is received) in the range of 2300 – 2400 €/month on average.
Turku
University of Turku is a world class research university with over 20000 students and 3300 employees. Read more about the University of Turku as an employer on: Come work with us!
The city of Turku is located at the unique Archipelago Sea in Southwestern Finland and supports a range of free time activities. Please visit City of Turku for additional information.
Learn more about the Finnish culture and people:
How to apply
Please apply through the UTU website, where you need to upload the following documents in English:
1) Letter of motivation (max 1 page).
2) CV (max 2 pages).
3) Copy of MSc degree certificate or equivalent, or expected date of certification. If the certificate is not in Finnish or English, an official English translation (at your own cost) is required.
4) Contact details of three referees, e.g. prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with you and your work (name, relationship, work place, position, and email).
The deadline for applications is 3 August 2026. Interviews will be held remotely in the first two weeks of August. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview prior to the closing date.
For further information about the position, please contact PI Laura Wey laura.wey(at)utu.fi. If you need help with the application process, please contact our HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi
