Doctoral Researcher: Gut microbiome metabolism and molecular mechanisms mediating gut microbiome-host interactions
A 3-year Doctoral Researcher position is available at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in the group of Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen. The Doctoral Researcher will work in an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of the gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in birds within and across generations, and species. Application deadline is 20th December 2025 and starting date in April 2026 or as mutually agreed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
All animals on our planet carry microorganisms in their gut. The gut microbiome has recently been shown to be strongly linked to health in humans and model animals, and potentially playing a role in adapting to environmental changes. For example, studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms, and our own data on wild birds suggest that the microbiome changes with temperature, and there is proof-of-concept data that this compositional shift in the microbiome occurs as an adaptive response to cold exposure, leading to changes in thermal physiology. However, most data up to date only considers the identities of gut microbes, not their functions and therefore the underlying molecular mechanisms of the microbiome-host communication are less understood. In this project the student will study the functional changes in gut microbiome in response to environmental and host physiological changes, aiming to shed light on the molecular mechanisms mediating host-microbiome interactions. One focus is on metabolomics profiles, and the student is also developing novel measurements on bacterial vesicles and their content in birds. Lots of samples have already been collected from previous experiments, but the student is expected also to contribute to sample and data collection using Japanese quail animal models.
DUTIES
The doctoral researcher position will involve laboratory analyses (most likely metabolomics, bacterial vesicles), conducting data and sample collection on Japanese quails, data analyses, and manuscript preparation and presentations. The exact questions can be tailored following interests of the candidate.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Suitable candidates should have a Msc in cellular or molecular biology, microbiology, ecophysiology or related field by the time of starting the position
- The candidate should have strong laboratory skills, some experience in statistics and bioinformatics and interest in host-microbiome research
- We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, productive person, who will contribute intellectually to project development.
The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.
WE OFFER
- Funding for 3 years in the doctoral program of the University of Jyväskylä.
- Supervision in all aspects of the work, possibility to join workshops to improve specific skills
- International, enthusiastic working environment (working language is English) in a friendly research group with a large collaborator network.
- Excellent research infrastructure at Jyväskylä (incl Konnevesi research station), labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment, software, access to journals and scientific databases.
- Resources for travel to conferences or workshops abroad.
The Doctoral Researcher will be supervised by Associate Prof. Suvi Ruuskanen, Dr. Lisandrina Mari and Prof Phill Watts (University of Jyväskylä), and for example with collaborating with Justus Reunanen (University of Oulu).
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living with healthcare, free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, and good family benefits. The city of Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. It is a major educational center, whose large student population is responsible for a vibrant cultural scene. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University’s Handbook for international staff and visitors.
The initial annual salary will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.
HOW TO APPLY
LINK to application:https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/doctoral-researcher-gut-microbiome-metabolism-and-molecular-mechanisms-mediating-gut-microbiome-host-interactions/mByngW
The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
- A two-page long Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrityand including contact information of two academics who can provide reference letters
- Max 2-page motivation letter including a statement of research interests and reasons for applying
- A numbered list of publications, if any
- Relevant certificates / diplomas (or date of completion the MSc)
For further details, please contact Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen, suvi.k.ruuskanen@jyu.fi.
The Environmental Physiology lab (Environmental Physiology Lab | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi), led by Suvi Ruuskanen, research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, behavioural and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include, for example, physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. We also have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity.
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