Post-doctoral researcher and PhD-student positions in metabolism, aging and stem cell biology

Overview

The laboratories of Dr. Jette Lengefeld and Dr. Nahid Khan are inviting applicants for two post-doctoral and two PhD student positions in stem cell, metabolism and aging biology.

The Lengefeld Lab is located on the Viikki Campus, and the Khan Lab is located at Faculty of Medicine, both part of the University of Helsinki. The HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology (BI), located in the Viikki Science Park is a research institute at University of Helsinki. The institute harbors ~35 research groups and 250 researchers, and it operates at the highest international level.

For more information, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). University of Helsinki's Biomedicum Helsinki is an elite community of over 90 research groups on the Meilahti campus, blending basic science, translational studies, and clinical innovation with state-of-the-art facilities for genomics, proteomics, and AI-driven discoveries. For more information, please visit

The Novo Nordisk funded project focuses on the observation that people live longer than ever, but health declines significantly during the later years. Current treatments target age-related conditions and diseases individually, despite their shared root in cellular aging. This leads to inefficient treatments and high healthcare costs. We will study how rejuvenating the blood system affects systemic metabolic functions in the body during aging.

Using mouse models, flow cytometry, RNA/DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, immunofluorescence microscopy, HSC transplantation and assays of multiple organs, we aim to metabolically restore cellular functions to extend healthspan.

Position description:
We are looking for a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher and PhD student to join Lengefeld at Viiki campus to perform a project focused on metabolic aging using hematopoietic stem cells.

Postdoc position:

• PhD in hematology, hematopoietic stem cell biology, aging biology or a related field (degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment).

• Strong interest to carry out cutting-edge research and an attitude to drive own research and work in an intra and inter team fashion is highly expected

• Strong expertise in stem cell biology and experience working with mice is highly beneficial

• Excellent communication skills in English are required

PhD position:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell Biology, or related field

• Hands-on experience with mouse models (handling, treatment, phenotyping)

• Experience with stem cell research and microscopy

• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools

• Highly motivated, and able to work collaboratively

• Knowledge of aging pathways

• Excellent communication skills in English are required

Position description:
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join Khan lab at Stem Cell and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM) focused on metabolic aging. The successful postdoc candidate will lead projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction during aging using cutting-edge approaches in immunology, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and tissue histology. The project will combine molecular biology, metabolomics, and mouse/cell culture models to understand the mechanisms underlying age-associated metabolic dysfunction.

Qualifications for postdoc position:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, or related field.

• Expertise in FACS-based immunophenotyping and general immunology techniques.

• Experience in metabolomics analysis (LC-MS/MS or GC-MS).

• Proficiency in transcriptomics analysis (RNA-seq) and associated bioinformatics workflows.

• Histological analysis of tissues, including sample preparation, staining (H&E, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence), and microscopy.

• Skilled in R programming for statistical analysis and data visualization is plus

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred

Skills:



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