Postdoctoral Researcher in cell-free biomanufacturing of anaerobic enzymes

Job Description

The Bioprocess Engineering group is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop cell-free protein synthesis platform for anaerobic enzymes. Applicants with strong expertise in cell-free enzyme prototyping platforms, and hands-on experience with oxygen-sensitive enzymes, are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will lead an independent research project, with a focus on

• Integrating bioinformatic workflows to identify relevant anaerobic enzyme systems.
• Performing quantitative evaluation of enzyme function.
• Developing cell-free synthesis platform for the expression of oxygen-labile multi-subunit enzymes.

In addition, the candidate will contribute to teaching and supervision activities within the group.

Background and expertise

Required qualifications

• Recently obtained PhD (within five years) in bioengineering, synthetic biology, biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Strong publication record, or clear evidence of high-quality research output.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in competitive research projects.

Essential expertise

Applicants must demonstrate hands-on experience in at least one of the following areas, and relevant knowledge in the other.

• Experience in high-throughput enzyme prototyping platforms, with clear relevance to cell-free systems, and relevant to oxygen-sensitive or anaerobic enzymes.
• Experience in engineering and activity characterization of oxygen-sensitive enzymes.

Applicants without clear demonstrated evidence in either of these areas will not be considered.

We are looking for a collaborative and proactive researcher with strong communication skills, an interdisciplinary mindset, and demonstrated or emerging ability to secure research funding.

What we offer

The candidate will be granted fixed-term contract for 2 years. The expected starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 4000-4200 EUR/month depending on experience. The planned starting date is 1st September 2026. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees. The contract includes occupational health care, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities, commuter ticket benefit, and versatile exercise services offered with staff discount by UniSport.

Your network and team

The position is based at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems of Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering (Otaniemi Campus, Espoo, Finland), in the Bioprocess Engineering research group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-bioproducts-and-biosystems/bioprocess-engineering-0). The research group closely associates with the Bioinnovation Center (https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university-bioinnovation-center), funded by Jane and Aatos Erkko S????ti??, and the LIBER Center of Excellence (https://www.libercentre.fi/*), funded by the Research Council of Finland's Center of Excellence Programme (2022-2029).

Scientific environment

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (BIO2), one of three departments in the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, has an internationally leading reputation in basic and applied research for the development of advanced materials from natural resources. It is one of Europe's leading research and higher education institutions in the field of sustainable chemistry and engineering based on the utilization of renewable resources.

BIO2 aims to contribute to the development of novel solutions to move towards sustainable primary production and processing systems that can produce materials with fewer inputs, less environmental impact, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Within bioscience, the department has research in bioprocess technology, molecular biotechnology, enzyme technology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, biomolecular, and biohybrid materials. Other strengths of the department include sustainable materials and products based on lignocellulose, ranging from nanomaterials to novel cellulose-based textiles.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document through the 'Apply' link at the latest on 22.05.2026. Aalto University's employees and visitors should apply for the position via the internal HR system Workday (keyword Find Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).

The application should include the following

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page).
• Short research statement (max. 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and proposed contribution.
• Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications).
• Two letters of recommendation.

The call is open until 22nd May 2026. Our selection process is continuous, and applications will be reviewed as they are received. The advert may close early once a suitable candidate has been identified.

For more information

For additional information, please contact Assistant Professor Rahul Mangayil ([email protected]).