We are seeking for a talented and active researcher to join the Photosynthetic Microbes group led by Professor Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne. The position will be based in the Faculty of Technology within the Department of Life Technologies in Turku, Finland. The employment will begin on 1.12.2024, or as mutually agreed. The successful candidate will receive a fixed-term contract for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on future project funding.
About the Photosynthetic Microbes Research Group: We are studying the regulation of photosynthesis and applying photosynthetic principles to develop sustainable biotechnologies. The research areas encompass various aspects, including the regulation of photosynthesis, the use of photosynthetic microbes as biocatalysts for production of solar chemicals and fuels, biophotovoltaics (BPV) and development of solid-state photosynthetic cell factories. Additionally, the work involves large-scale algae cultivation for phytoremediation and promoting circular bioeconomy. The PhotoMicrobes group is involved in several EU, Nordic, and national projects and regularly publishes research outcomes in highly respected journals. We have established a large research network with connections to well-known international laboratories and industrial partners. Our team members not only active participants in international conferences but also regularly organise symposia and conferences (e.g. Nordic Photosynthesis Congress and the Nordic Algae Symposium).
To learn more about the Photosynthetic Microbes research group, you can visit our website at www.utu.fi/photo-microbes or follow us on LinkedIN and on X at @PhotoMicrobes.
Job description
The role of the Senior Researcher consists of 60% scientific tasks and 40% organizational and administrative tasks.
Scientific tasks: The duties include conducting high-level scientific research focusing on various themes related to photosynthesis and algal biotechnology. Additionally, the responsibilities include writing scientific review articles and publications, as well as contributing to grant applications and supervising the group’s junior post-doctoral researchers, Ph.D. and MSc students.
Organizational and administrative tasks: The role includes monitoring project development (e.g., EU, Research Council of Finland, Business Finland), preparation of EU and other reports, organizing and participation in consortium meetings, contributing to the planning of courses and training for group members, organizing events, onboarding new staff, and communicating research work on social media. Managing administrative tasks related to group and day-to-day operations.
The focus and final content of the role will be determined by the qualifications and abilities of the selected candidate. If sufficiently qualified Senior Researcher is not found, the job description and title may be adjusted to a Laboratory Manager or to a Research Coordinator role. In this case, the proportion of scientific tasks will be reduced and administrative tasks will take a larger share.
About our science
Here are some details about our recent work relevant to these projects:
Tóth GS, Siitonen V, Backman O, Siivola T, Xu W, Kosourov S, Siitonen V, Xu C, Allahverdiyeva Y. Employing photocurable biopolymers to engineer photosynthetic 3D-printed living materials for production of chemicals. 2024 Green Chemistry, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3GC04264B
Salazar J, Santana-Sánchez A, Näkkilä J, Sirin S, Allahverdiyeva Y. 2023. Complete N and P removal from hydroponic greenhouse wastewater by Tetradesmus obliquus: A strategy for algal bioremediation and cultivation in Nordic countries. Algal Res 70:102988. DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.102988
Mustila H, Muth-Pawlak D, Aro EM, Allahverdiyeva Y. 2021. Global proteomic response of unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to fluctuating light upon CO2 step-down. Physiol Plant. 173:305-320 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13482
Santana-Sanchez A, Solymosi D, Mustila H, Bersanini L, Aro EM, Allahverdiyeva Y. Flavodiiron proteins 1-to-4 function in versatile combinations in O2 photoreduction in cyanobacteria. 2019 eLife. 8:e45766. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.45766
Information for the applicant
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