Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
                                    
Aalto University’s School of Chemical Engineering, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, invites applications for a

Tenure Track position in Cellular Engineering

We are looking for candidates for a tenure track position in Cellular Engineering at Aalto University, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems. The position will be filled at the level of Assistant professor.

An increased industrial interest in biotechnological production processes leads to a demand for novel methods for efficiently engineering microbial cells. Using engineered microbial cells, a great variety of chemicals and materials can be synthesized from sustainable raw materials. The engineering of microbial cells can for example introduce synthetic metabolic pathways, modify the host cells to make production more efficient, or allow for the use of alternative substrates. The engineering of microbial cells often involves editing of their genomes and requires understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems forms an inspiring and supportive research environment for research in microbial engineering. We have ongoing research on bioprocess engineering that allows implementation of microbial production processes in bioreactor setups. Research on microbial physiology and biochemistry brings complementary understanding on cellular mechanisms and research methods. Also, research in enzyme technology, biomolecular materials, and biohybrid materials progress topics related to novel applications of biotechnological production for materials and chemicals. The department has a wide research agenda on the use of natural resources such as plant biomass for industrial processes. Altogether the department hosts 25 research groups working on these topics.

As an assistant professor, you will develop your independent research group and research questions in cellular engineering. Your research group will be positioned among the complementary groups working with biotechnology, bioproducts and natural resources. Other duties will include supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and participating in teaching of BSc and MSc courses. Teaching will be on microbial engineering and closely related fields.

Requirements

We are looking for applicants who have:

• a doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, microbiology, or another related field
• a research background supporting the topic of engineering microbial cells
• relevant teaching experience
• a strong publication record
• experience in international collaborations and projects
• documented experience in obtaining research funding
• a strong will to develop research and teaching in their field

Applicants with an industrial background in addition to a scientific career are very welcome. The applicants will be reviewed on the basis of their research work, teaching, academic leadership, and activity in the scientific community.

What we offer

We offer a research-oriented environment, with excellent laboratories and research infrastructure (http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/). The research groups form a collaborative environment that supports the development of bio-based solutions and provides beneficial interactions and common research topics. We offer the possibility to work within a well-resourced learning community where the students are rigorously selected and highly motivated.

Aalto University provides its employees with occupational health care services and retirement benefits. Finland is a healthy and safe living environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services including affordable day care, free schools and universities, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. For more information about living and working in Finland, see https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto/for-international-staff.

The salary is determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Activities of the department are located in the Otaniemi campus of Aalto University in Espoo (Helsinki metropolitan area).

Tenure track in Aalto University

The position is a tenure track position. Individuals appointed to the tenure track have the opportunity to conduct research and/or artistic work and teach in order to build academic merits towards qualifying for an appointment to a tenured position.  

Since 2010, the tenure track has attracted a wide range of international applicants, giving Aalto University the possibility of recruiting top experts and young talent to join the Aalto University community.   

Throughout their careers, those in the tenure track system are expected to conduct and supervise artistic/scientific research and/or artistic/design work, to provide related academic education, contribute to developing their field or discipline, as well as contribute to academic service the university and beyond in the society. For more information on the tenure track system of Aalto University, please see  https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track.   

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application no later than 24.3.2024 through our recruiting system by using the “Apply” link.

If you are an employee at Aalto, please note that you should apply for the position via our internal system Workday. Please use your existing Workday user account.

To apply, please share the following application materials with us in English and in PDF form:  

• Application letter
• Curriculum Vitae - please prepare according to the template recommended by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• The names and contact information of four references who can provide recommendation letters upon request
• A list of publications (with 10 most relevant publications regarding this position highlighted)
• Research portfolio - a concise reflection on the merits and highest achievements in research (max 2 pages) and plans for future research (max 5 pages)
• Teaching portfolio according to Aalto University’s guidelines - please see Teaching portfolio guidelines for candidate

The departmental committee will invite the most suitable candidates to visit the department of Bioproducts and Biosystems.

General instructions for applicants including evaluation criteria, language requirements and guidelines for compiling your CV and teaching portfolio are given at https://www.aalto.fi/en/tenure-track/interested-in-joining-our-tenure-track.

Applicants are also encouraged to provide their Researcher ID (www.researcherid.com) or corresponding information in the application.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University - Towards a better world, Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future. Read more about working at Aalto (https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto) and take a look at our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

Further Information

For additional information about the position, please contact Professor Markus Linder, or in questions related to the recruitment process, please contact HR Partner Noora Katisko by email (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family - it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/. For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/why-finland.

Finland is an R&D oriented high-tech society committed to increasing the annual R&D input to 4 % of GDP. Finland has been the forerunner in the development and production of industrial enzymes and within forest biotechnology. In addition to these major commercial established activities, novel industrial bioprocesses are currently being developed e.g. within cellular food, circular economy and fuel compounds in research organizations and private companies. This results in continuing need for bioprocess professionals and enables industry related projects.

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