Åbo Akademi University, Finland, invites applications for a Head of Research (Principal Investigator) position within the internationally recognized Turku Bioscience Centre (TBC). This is a five-year, fixed-term appointment aimed at researchers ready to establish and lead an independent research group in a world-class Nordic life-science environment.
The role is particularly well-suited for scientists transitioning from advanced postdoctoral or early PI stages into full research group leadership, supported by strong institutional infrastructure and a deeply collaborative research ecosystem.
The position offers a rare opportunity to build long-term research independence within a mature core-facility-driven environment, minimizing administrative and infrastructure overhead for new PIs.
Lab & Institution Overview
The Turku Bioscience Centre is a joint research institute of Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku, and one of Finland’s flagship hubs for life-science research. Located on the BioCity Turku campus, the centre integrates biology, medicine, and computational sciences within a shared research environment.
Its centralized core facilities model enables newly recruited PIs to launch competitive research programs rapidly, without the need for extensive upfront laboratory investment.
Location: Turku, Finland
Contract Duration: 5 years (May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2031)
Facilities Snapshot (PI-Relevant Infrastructure)
Turku Bioscience Centre | BioCity Turku Campus
High-parameter flow cytometry & FACS
Single-cell and multi-omics platforms (scRNA-seq, spatial, proteomics)
Advanced imaging: confocal, super-resolution, live-cell, light-sheet
In vivo research facilities and disease models
Bioinformatics & High-Performance Computing infrastructure for integrative analysis
Translational and drug-discovery screening platforms
Direct integration with the InFLAMES Flagship and clinical research networks
This centralized infrastructure allows incoming PIs to focus on scientific strategy and funding competitiveness from the outset.
Research Scope
The position is open to all areas of modern bioscience, with particular synergy in:
Immunology
Oncology
Cell and Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Computational Biology
Drug Discovery and Translational Research
Applicants whose research complements or strategically expands existing strengths at the Turku Bioscience Centre are especially encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
The appointed Head of Research will be expected to:
Establish and lead an independent research group, including recruitment and scientific direction
Develop a competitive, internationally visible research program
Secure external funding from national and international sources (e.g., Research Council of Finland, ERC)
Collaborate across the BioCity Turku campus and within initiatives such as the InFLAMES Research Flagship
Supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to doctoral education and mentoring
Participate in the strategic development of the Turku Bioscience Centre
Candidate Profile
Åbo Akademi University seeks an internationally competitive researcher with a clear scientific vision and demonstrated leadership potential.
Essential Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant life-science discipline
Research achievements equivalent to Docent (Associate Professor) level
A strong publication record in internationally recognized journals
Demonstrated success in securing competitive third-party funding
Additional Merits
Substantial international research experience or a strong global collaboration network
Interest in interdisciplinary research and collaborative environments
Motivation to contribute to institutional research strategy and community building
What is Offered
PI-level independence with five years of stable institutional backing
Full access to nationally leading core facilities
A highly international, English-speaking academic environment
Excellent quality of life in Turku, including comprehensive healthcare and access to Finland’s archipelago
Support for New Principal Investigators
Structured support is provided for newly appointed PIs, including grant management assistance, doctoral training integration, and access to shared research services across the BioCity Turku campus.
Application Details
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 (15:00 Finnish time)
Start Date: May 1, 2026
Application Method: Åbo Akademi University electronic recruitment system
Reference: JID 969
Applicants are typically expected to submit a CV, publication list, research vision, and funding plan. Full details and application procedures are available via the official Åbo Akademi University recruitment portal.
Research Paper Decoded Quick Take
Role: Principal Investigator / Research Group Leader
Career Stage: Advanced postdoc → early/mid-career PI
Research Environment: Core-facility-driven, interdisciplinary bioscience hub
Funding Landscape: ERC-friendly, strong national support
Best For: Researchers seeking to establish a durable, internationally competitive research program within a stable Nordic academic system.