The Garcia group is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in RNA biology and disease mechanisms. The successful candidate will investigate how toxic RNAs disrupt cellular energy metabolism and drive progressive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders.
REQUIREMENTS AND POSITION DETAILS:
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 elegans is a plus but not required.
We offer:
- A fully funded position for two years.
- Mentoring and support for applications to independent postdoctoral fellowships and career development opportunities.
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’s 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.
LAB METHODOLOGY EXPERTISE:
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
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. Located on the Viikki campus, the Institute is approximately 25 minutes from the center of Helsinki.
The preferred starting date is the beginning of November 2026.
Relevant bibliography: Garcia et al 2014, Teixeira et al 2025, Teixeira et al 2026.
Applicants should submit:
- A Cover letter (maximum one page) describing their research accomplishments, scientific interests, and motivation for joining the Garcia laboratory and contributing to this research project.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
- Contact information for at least two referees.
Applications received by September 18th, 2026 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Applications should be sent to: https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/81338/lomake.html. For questions regarding the position or the application process, please contact [email protected].
