Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en
The recently established BioInterfaces group at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences uses molecular dynamics simulations to tackle a diverse set of questions related to biomolecules. The group is currently looking for a doctoral researcher (PhD student) in the field of membrane proteins and particularly scramblases.
Job description
The group recently obtained funding for a project to study and design lipid scramblases. This project involves high-throughput coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, biasing techniques, constant-pH simulations, protein design, and the development of an online database. The project also involves several collaborators that will support the work experimentally.
Your tasks will involve performing and analyzing simulations, participating in manuscript preparation, and disseminating the findings at meetings and conferences. You might also contribute to the teaching activity of the unit. You will work together with the group leader and a postdoctoral research fellow who is recruited to coordinate the project.
Requirements
You should have a MSc degree in a physics, chemistry, biosciences, or a related subject area, preferably with some background in molecular dynamics simulations (e.g., GROMACS) and at least basic knowledge of programming (e.g., Python). The demonstrated ability to develop simulation or analysis tools, to use AI tools to design proteins, or to apply machine learning methods to simulation data are considered major advantages. You should be fluent in spoken and written English.
Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/ Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.
We offer
The position offers an opportunity to learn about coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, biasing approaches, high-throughput approaches, and constant-pH simulations. The successful candidate will enrol in a doctoral programme. Doctoral researchers are also encouraged to develop their own research ideas with the support of exceptional supercomputing resources and excellent collaborating teams.
The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years (the expected duration of PhD studies) starting in late 2026 or early 2027. The start date is flexible and negotiable. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. A typical starting salary of doctoral researcher is around 3000 EUR/month.
The BioInterfaces group is part of the Computational physics laboratory, which hosts 7 active research groups covering topics in biophysics, quantum matter, complex systems, novel materials, nanostructures, electronic structure and interdisciplinary challenges in medical technologies and physiology. The BioInterfaces group collaborates with numerous computational and experimental groups nationally and internationally. The group has access to the exceptional computational resources hosted by CSC–IT Center of Science in Finland.
We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.
Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.
Read more about Finland and Tampere:
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is September 15th, (23:59 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.
Applications should include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae including the list of scientific publications .
- Contact information of 1–2 people that can be contacted for references. In addition to a PI, you can also include a postdoc that supervised your daily work.
- Motivation letter in free form (max 2 pages).
- Please note that you do not have to fill in the optional fields in the application form if these details are already included in your CV.
For more information, please contact:
Assistant Professor, Group Leader Matti Javanainen, tel. +358 50 411 55 227, matti.javanainen (at) tuni.fi
Application period starts: 2026-08-10 09:45 Application period ends: 2026-09-15 23:59
