The recruitment process is carried out by an Appointment Committee. The HiLIFE tenure track positions are initially for three to five years with a possibility for promotion and tenuring following successful evaluation. The aim is to recruit three scientists, but additional places may be available in collaboration with HiLIFE operational units.
The positions are shared between one of the HiLIFE units (
The fifth call has opened on Oct 1st, 2026! The deadline for applications is Nov 16th, 2026 at 23.59 (Europe/Helsinki time).
See the tabs below for further information.
We seek talented candidates with a doctoral degree completed approximately 2–12 years ago (excluding career breaks), postdoctoral experience, and recent demonstration of excellence in life-sciences research appropriate to their career stage. We build on scientific excellence; a suitable candidate has, for example, already produced an early-career scientific track record, attracted external research funding, and is now ready to start working independently.
The successful candidate at the assistant professor level shows potential to be a future research leader and is expected to develop an independent, externally funded line of research in current or emerging areas of life sciences. At the associate level, evidence for these achievements is required.
We are also looking for individuals who can contribute to the development of life science research infrastructures, innovations, and/or higher education in evolving areas of life sciences. Early-stage independent researchers with 2-12 years of experience since completing their PhD are especially encouraged to apply.
For formal qualifications, please see
The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
The positions come with an attractive, negotiable startup package and are initially for three to five years, with the possibility of extension or tenure following a successful evaluation. All positions are shared between HiLIFE units and one of the participating faculties. During the tenure track (assistant/associate professor), contracts are with HiLIFE; after tenuring (as professor), they are with the faculty.
HiLIFE takes a proactive, transformative role in ensuring our institute is the best place for everyone to do their work.
The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, health insurance, sports facilities, and professional development opportunities.
Want to work in the world’s happiest country at a dynamic, international institute? Finland has been nominated as the happiest country in the world nine times in a row.
Applications are submitted as a single pdf attachment via the link at the bottom of the job advert page. Please send us an application that you have crafted yourself, reflecting your own voice and thoughts. AI-generated applications do not meet our expectations.
Please include only the following requested materials in the PDF file:
Kindly ensure that the application package does not exceed more than 10 pages. Other attachments will not be considered.
An Appointment Committee evaluates applications, and the process includes external referee statements and interviews with shortlisted applicants. Finalists must successfully complete an interview process that includes a research seminar and teaching demonstration.
The interviews are expected to take place on May 31 – June 2, 2027. We kindly ask candidates to save the dates; we will send site visit invitations in April or early May. The recruitment is expected to be completed in September 2027.
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The Appointment Committee for the current call will be announced here during October - November 2026. Note that the Committee members may be adjusted during the process, depending on conflicts of interest.
The Teaching Skills Evaluation committee composition will also be confirmed here, once the finalists have been selected for interviews (spring 2027).
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.
HiLIFE director Jari Koistinaho, e-mail: jari.koistinaho(at)helsinki.fi
For more information on HiLIFE, please contact Head of Administration Sanna Leinonen, sanna.p.leinonen(at)helsinki.fi
For more information on the process and schedule, please contact Human Resources Partner Anu Roine, e-mail: anu.roine(at)helsinki.fi
If you have any other questions, need assistance, or require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact hilife-recruit(at)elsinki.fi