Postdoctoral Researcher in cell and developmental biology, Group Marja Mikkola

University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The Helsinki Institute of Life Science HiLIFE is an independent research institute that supports high-quality life science research across university campuses and faculties. The Institute of Biotechnology (BI), a part of HiLIFE, is an internationally renowned research institute with an inclusive and curiosity-driven working culture. The research activities are carried out in research groups joined into three multidisciplinary research programs. The Institute hosts several shared research infrastructures, including cutting-edge facilities for light microscopy, sequencing, and proteomics. For more information, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/hilife/bi.  

The position  

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the Epithelial Morphogenesis group led by Dr. Marja Mikkola at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/epithelial-morphogenesis). We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our team.  We use a wide range of molecular, cellular, transcriptomic, and advanced imaging techniques, in combination with ex vivo and in vivo manipulation of developing mouse organs. The project will focus on how signaling pathways operate at the intersection of growth control and branching morphogenesis in the developing mammary gland and will use mouse mutants and techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and live confocal whole-mount imaging. We offer an international, inspiring, and supportive research environment and excellent research facilities with access to the state-of-the art technologies.  

Qualifications  

We invite applications from candidates with a solid theoretical and wet-lab background and a PhD degree in cell/molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, biomedicine, or another appropriate field. Previous experience in confocal imaging and image analysis, scRNA-seq data analysis, or genetically engineered mouse models is considered advantageous. A problem-solving mindset, excellent written and oral skills in English, and the ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team are a necessity. A willingness to supervise students and staff is expected. The position may include one to two short (2-4 weeks) visits to a collaborator’s lab in Europe. 

Contract & salary  

The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, available from September 1, 2025, or a later time point upon agreement, with the possibility of extension until August 31, 2029. A six-month trial period will be applied.   

The salary will be based on level 5 of the University salary system for teaching and research personnel and includes a component based on personal performance. Standard Finnish pension benefits, occupational health care, and opportunities for professional development are provided for university employees: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. 

How to apply  

Applications are to be sent as a single PDF file by August 17, 2025, using the University’s recruitment system via the button “Apply now”. The application should include a short cover letter (max 1 page) describing your scientific background and expertise and motivation for the position, a CV (max 3 pages) including a list of publications, and the names and contact information (e-mail, telephone number, relation to the applicant) of at least two references who have agreed to provide a written statement on behalf of the applicant.  

Note that applications will be reviewed already during the application period, and the position may be filled before the application deadline if a suitable candidate is identified. 

Contact details

For further inquiries regarding the project and the position, please contact: marja.mikkola@helsinki.fi (from July 21 onwards).  

Marja Mikkola, Research director  
E-mail: marja.mikkola@helsinki.fi  
HiLIFE/Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland   

Selected publications 

Lan Q, Trela E, Lindström R, Satta JP, Kaczyńska B, Christensen MM, Holzenberger M, Jernvall J, Mikkola ML. Mesenchyme instructs growth while epithelium directs branching in the mouse mammary gland. Elife 13:e93326, 2024. 

Myllymäki SM, Kaczyńska B, Lan Q, Mikkola ML. Spatially coordinated cell cycle activity and motility govern bifurcation of mammary branches. J Cell Biol 222:e202209005, 2023. 

Sulic AM, Das Roy R, Papagno V, Lan Q, Saikkonen R, Jernvall J, Thesleff I, Mikkola ML. Transcriptomic landscape of early hair follicle and epidermal development. Cell Rep 42:112643, 2023.