Director of Biocenter Finland

Biocenter Finland invites applications for the position of Director (part-time) for the period – This leadership role provides a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction and advancement of life science research infrastructures across Finland.

About Biocenter Finland

Biocenter Finland (BF, ) is a national organization, which develops and coordinates life science research infrastructures in Finland, including instruments, services, and databases. BF offers open-access cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure services to the entire Finnish research community in academia and industry, and also to international users. Its seventeen technology platforms cover all key areas of life sciences from genomics and single-cell omics to advanced imaging, structural biology, and data-driven science. These platforms serve over 3,000 research groups annually and enable innovative research. The services are complemented by diverse training opportunities for researchers and students in the field.

Biocenter Finland was selected for the Research Council of Finland's National Roadmap for Finnish Research Infrastructures 2025–2028 with excellent reviews. BF was also awarded Lighthouse Status, a distinction granted to the most successful infrastructures that lead in service provision, impact, functionality, and shared use. Research activities relying on Biocenter Finland services include the majority of national Centres of Excellence, Academy Professors, ERC grantees, and Flagships in the Life Sciences.

Biocenter Finland is jointly hosted by University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, Tampere University, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University with coordination at the University of Helsinki.

Description of position and duties

The Director will play a key role in advancing strategic cooperation among host universities and promoting the development of Finnish life science research infrastructures both nationally and internationally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing Biocenter Finland's activities and coordinating the activities of the Technology Platforms in collaboration with the host universities and their research infrastructure units.
• Working with the Biocenter Finland Governing Board to secure long-term funding for Biocenter Finland and Finnish Life Science research infrastructures.
• Monitoring developments in the field and managing and strengthening Biocenter Finland's domestic and international relations and communications, including collaboration with national and international networks such as the Finnish ESFRI Nodes.
• Promoting Biocenter Finland's international visibility and networking, with particular emphasis on engagement within the European Union.
• Authoring Biocenter Finland's applications for Finland's Research Infrastructure Roadmap, as well as other relevant funding applications.
• Leading the activities of the Coordination Office.
• Organizing Scientific Advisory Board meetings.
• Preparing and presenting items for the Governing Board and implementing decisions from the Board and Rectors' Council.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with research infrastructures.
• Affiliation with one of BF's host universities (Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, University of Turku or Åbo Akademi University), or otherwise obtained excellent knowledge of Finnish research infrastructures.
• Appointees to academic leadership and management positions must hold a doctoral degree, professorship or equivalent academic credentials (defined in the Regulations of the University of Helsinki: )
• Capability, strong expertise in the field of life sciences and professional skills required for successfully performing the duties.
• Good leadership skills demonstrated in practice:
• Previous experience in leading a larger group and evidence of related successes.
• Ability or potential for duties and expertise defined for management positions at the University of Helsinki.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience in international expert roles.
• Expertise in international science and research infrastructure policy.

Contract Details

The Director will be employed by the University of Helsinki, the coordinating university of Biocenter Finland, for the period – The position is part-time (minimum working time 50%). The Director may lead a research group with external funding. The salary and working hours are negotiable based on the candidate's qualifications and the university's salary scale.

How to apply

Submit your application and the required attachments as a single PDF file using the University of Helsinki's recruitment portal via the "Apply now" button by December 10, 2025. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through the SAP Fiori portal ).

Required documents (in English):

• Cover letter (max 1 page) describing your expertise and motivation for the position, and your experience of Finnish life science research and research infrastructures.
• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages).
• List of publications.
• Action plan (max 3 pages) describing your vision for developing Biocenter Finland during your term.

Experts nominated by the Biocenter Finland Governing Board will give a statement on the qualifications of the applicants. The Biocenter Finland host universities Rectors Council will decide on the appointment based on the Board's proposal.

Contact information

Further information of the position is provided by the Chair of the Board, Professor Lauri Eklund ), , available for a phone call on at 1-3pm, and at 1-3pm (the time in Finland), and the Coordinator of Biocenter Finland, Jenni Leppiniemi For questions concerning the recruitment portal, please contact:

Onko sinulla -käyttäjätunnukset ja voimassa oleva työsopimus, apurahatutkijan sopimus, vierailevan tutkijan tai vierailevan professorin sopimus Helsingin yliopistossa? Kirjaudu ensin tästä hakeaksesi avoimia tehtäviämme

Avoin työpaikka

Haku päättyy:

Yksikkö: Helsinki Institute of Life Science

Alayksikkö: HiLIFE - Joint Activities

Tunniste: 4538

Työtä maailman parhaaksi

Tieteen voimalla voidaan muuttaa maailmaa. Olemme yksi maailman parhaista tutkimusyliopistoista – yli opiskelijan ja 8 000 työntekijän kansainvälinen tieteen, tutkimuksen, oppimisen ja rohkean ajattelun yhteisö.

Meidät tunnetaan monitieteisyydestä. Uskomme tieteidenvälisen tutkimuksen ja rajoja rikkovan yhteistyön voimaan löytää ratkaisuja ja luoda toivoa paremman ja kestävämmän tulevaisuuden puolesta.

Meitä yhdistävät arvomme totuus, sivistys, vapaus ja yhteisöllisyys, sekä halu tehdä merkityksellisiä töitä.

Tule mukaan: tee työtä tulevaisuudelle – maailman parhaaksi.