Postdoctoral Research Fellow in RNA biology and disease mechanisms, group Garcia

Tiivistelmä työpaikkailmoituksesta: The Garcia group at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki is hiring a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in RNA biology and disease mechanisms for a two-year fixed-term position. The project investigates how toxic RNAs with expanded nucleotide repeats disrupt cellular energy metabolism and drive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders using Caenorhabditis elegans and mammalian cell systems. Candidates must have a PhD (obtained or expected) in Molecular/Cell Biology, Genetics or related fields, experience with RNA-based methods, excellent English communication, and the ability to work independently and in teams, with microscopy, transcriptomics, bioinformatics or C. elegans experience being advantageous. The two-year appointment includes a 6-month trial, requires residing in Finland, has a gross monthly salary of approximately 3736–3837 €, and applications must be submitted by 25 September 2026. Tämä tiivistelmä on luotu tekoälyn avulla. The Garcia group is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong interest in RNA biology and disease mechanisms for two years with the gross month salary range 3736-3837 € and offers support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships. The successful candidate will investigate how toxic RNAs disrupt cellular energy metabolism and drive progressive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders. The researcher will be based at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki. The Institute provides state-of-the-art research infrastructures and a vibrant international scientific community. About the project Repeat sequences are widespread in genomes and inherently unstable; changes in nucleotide repeat length that result in expansions cause the production of RNAs bearing expanded repeats. RNAs with expanded repeats are intrinsically toxic and drive widespread molecular and cellular dysfunction. These RNAs contribute to a growing number of neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and myotonic dystrophy (DM). Despite their importance in disease, the mechanisms through which repeat-expansion RNAs drive progressive organismal dysfunction remain poorly understood. Our laboratory aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which toxic, repeat-bearing RNAs drive cellular and organismal dysfunction. We combine genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches to identify and dissect the pathways that mediate these effects. The successful candidate will conduct original research using the model system Caenorhabditis elegans together with mammalian cell systems to study how RNAs with expanded nucleotide repeats cause broad cellular energy metabolism disruptions. The project focuses on identifying early metabolomic disruptions, followed by the genetic and biochemical dissection of the mechanisms underlying these alterations. The project takes advantage of recent transcriptomic and imaging data, which identified a progressive metabolic dysregulation linked to loss of organismal fitness. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to develop an independent research profile, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to high-impact publications. Requirements: Candidates must have: PhD degree (obtained or expected) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related Life Sciences fields. Experience in RNA-based methodology such as RNA isolation, quality control, gene expression analysis, RNA sequencing, or related approaches. The ability to work both independently and as a team member. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Desirable qualifications: Experience with microscopy, transcriptomic analyses, or bioinformatics approaches. Experience working with C. elegans is a plus but not required. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. We offer The salary follows the Finnish university salary system, requirement level 5, with a personal performance component on top, giving a monthly gross salary of approximately 3736-3837 € . The appointment is for 2 years with a 6-month trial period, starting 1st of November or as agreed. We offer mentoring and active support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships and other external funding opportunities, together with career development opportunities and access to expertise in a broad range of experimental and analytical methodologies. The Garcia laboratory offers expertise in: Forward and reverse genetics. High-throughput genetic and pharmacological screening. Generation of C. elegans models of neurodegenerative disease. Animal transgenesis and microinjection methods. Transcriptomic and genomic analyses. Advanced microscopy and image analysis. Genetic analysis, complex strain construction through genetic crosses, and epigenetic approaches. Beyon