Research Fellow in Plant Genomics and Breeding
The Institute of Bioengineering at the University of Tartu is looking for a Research Fellow in Plant Genomics and Breeding!
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join a research programme in plant and tree genomics. The project will integrate genome assembly, comparative genomics, multi-omics analyses and trait-associated variation to identify genomic mechanisms relevant to tree adaptation, specialized metabolism and breeding.
The University of Tartu is the biggest and oldest centre of academic life in Estonia – we have over 4,500 employees and 16,000 students. The unique intellectual atmosphere and fine living and working environment that characterise Tartu have attracted prominent scientists and experts for almost 400 years. Join the university family!
Duties and responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the generation and analysis of high-quality plant genome resources, integrate genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic and/or phenotypic datasets.
Help translate genomic discoveries into trait-focused applications for tree improvement.
Depending on expertise, the candidate may also contribute to experimental validation of candidate genes, regulatory interactions or biosynthetic pathways.
Required qualifications
PhD in plant genomics, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biology, breeding, or a related field or an equivalent qualification.
Required experience
Demonstrated experience with plant genome assembly and annotation, ideally including long-read sequencing, chromosome-scale or near-T2T genome assemblies, Hi-C/Omni-C scaffolding, and genome annotation pipelines.Strong experience in analysing large-scale sequencing or multi-omics datasets.Expertise in at least one of the following areas: comparative genomics, population genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics integration, GWAS, or genomic selection.Interest in applying genomics to understand biodiversity, tree biology, adaptation, specialized metabolism, or breeding.Ability to work independently while collaborating across computational, molecular and breeding-oriented research teams.
Demonstrated experience with plant genome assembly and annotation, ideally including long-read sequencing, chromosome-scale or near-T2T genome assemblies, Hi-C/Omni-C scaffolding, and genome annotation pipelines.Strong experience in analysing large-scale sequencing or multi-omics datasets.Expertise in at least one of the following areas: comparative genomics, population genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics integration, GWAS, or genomic selection.Interest in applying genomics to understand biodiversity, tree biology, adaptation, specialized metabolism, or breeding.Ability to work independently while collaborating across computational, molecular and breeding-oriented research teams.
Desirable qualifications
Hands-on experience with HMW DNA extraction, Omni-C/Hi-C library preparation, or other genome-resource generation methods.
Experience integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data to study biosynthetic pathways.
Experience with molecular validation approaches such as Y1H, Y2H, EMSA, transient expression assays, qPCR, or related methods.
Experience with association genetics, genomic selection, core germplasm analysis, or breeding population analysis.
Familiarity with machine learning, AI-assisted bioinformatics, or workflow automation for large-scale biological data mining.
Required language skills
Very good spoken and written command of English.
Personal qualities
Professionalism.
Dedication and conscientiousness.
Good communication and teaming skills.
Why join us?
A wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development, along with flexible working hours.
In addition, 42 days of paid annual leave per year are provided, as well as a range of other employee benefits.
Documents required for applying
A letter of application to the Rector.
A curriculum vitae.
A list of research publications (if necessary, enclosing copies or offprints of more important publications).
A copy of a document (including its annexes) which shows the candidate to hold the required qualification (with authorized translation into Estonian, English or Russian if the credential is not in Estonian, English, Russian, Finnish, Swedish, French, Italian, Ukrainian and Belarussian languages). A candidate can be required to submit the original or a certified copy of the document (including its annexes) showing the candidate to hold the required qualification. If the candidate has acquired the higher education in question abroad, he or she may be required to submit an assessment issued by the Academic Recognition Information Centre (the Estonian ENIC/NARIC) of his or her qualification in respect of the qualification requirements for the position.
Other materials considered relevant by the candidate (a list of such materials must be included in the application or annexed to it).
Additional information:
Job description, incl. requirements for academic staff.
More information about application documents.
We value the diversity of university employees and encourage all people to apply for jobs, regardless of their personal differences or specific features. Creating an inclusive working environment and promoting equal treatment are important to us.
Read more about what we have done to promote diversity.
Contact person: jarkko.tapani.salojarvi@ut.ee
Application deadline 01.07.2026
Previously advertised positions
Laboratory Assistant in Tree Bioengineering
The University of Tartu, Institute of Bioengineering is looking for a Laboratory Assistant in Tree Bioengineering!
The University of Tartu is the biggest and oldest centre of academic life in Estonia – we have over 4,500 employees and 16,000 students. The unique intellectual atmosphere and fine living and working environment that characterise Tartu have attracted prominent scientists and experts for almost 400 years. Join the university family!
The University of Tartu is the biggest and oldest centre of academic life in Estonia – we have over 4,500 employees and 16,000 students. The unique intellectual atmosphere and fine living and working environment that characterise Tartu have attracted prominent scientists and experts for almost 400 years. Join the university family!
Duties and responsibilities
To support the TreeBioTEC ERA Chair project in the field of tree bioengineering by preparing and conducting experiments, collecting and performing initial analysis of data, and ensuring smooth laboratory operations. The role also includes maintaining accurate documentation and implementing data management practices in line with FAIR principles.
Required qualifications and experience
Higher education. Master’s degree recommended.
Previous work experience in a laboratory is an advantage.
Required language skills
Good spoken and written command of English.
Personal qualities
Good analytical skill and initiative.
Good cooperation and communication skill.
Willingness to work in a team.
Why join us?
Diverse opportunities for growth and self-development.
Annual paid vacation of 35 days.
Health promotion support.
Sick leave compensation from the 2nd to the 8th day at 100% of average salary.
Number of vacancies: 1
Documents required for applying
A curriculum vitae
A motivation letter
A copy of a document which shows the candidate to hold the required qualification
Salary request (gross salary)
Additional information:
We value the diversity of university employees and encourage all people to apply for jobs, regardless of their personal differences or specific features. Creating an inclusive working environment and promoting equal treatment are important to us.
Work starts as soon as possible
Application closed
Group Leader in Tree Bioengineering
The newly established Institute of Bioengineering is inviting applications for the position of Group Leader in Tree Bioengineering. Institute of Bioengineering was established in 2024 and its research groups are active with various fields of biology. There is a major recent investment in the frames of the DigiBio project forming a biofoundry platform to accelerate bioengineering research.
The new group will be formed in the frames of HORIZON-WIDERA-TALENTS call project ‘ERA Chair in Tree Bioengineering (2025-2030)’. Project, led by ERA Chair Holder Professor Yrjö Eero Helariutta comes with an enabling funding package for the Group Leader / Head of the ERA Chair Research Team and includes salaries for several research personnel including the senior researchers/postdocs, junior researchers and research assistant.
You, as a Head of ERA Chair Research Team, will lead formation of a research group that focuses on tree biology at a highly visible level. Your work as part of the Institute of Bioengineering would also potentially lead into innovations in tree biotechnology and related sectors. We expect that your research would complement the other activities of the Institute.
Work experience
Professional experience in research. Personal qualities: professionalism, dedication, conscientiousness, leadership, good teaming skills. Interest to develop research strategy with a good fit with the other activities of the Institute is considered as a merit.
Applicants will be asked to submit an application that consists of the following documents: (1) Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages) and (2) List of Publications; this includes 5 Selected Publications and a brief description of their significance and Applicant’s contribution, and (3) Motivation Letter including main research achievements, and a work plan for the next 4 years (max 6 pages).
You will be recruited with a high-level salary in a group leader / associate professor position (with open end contract) that is expected to develop into a permanent full professorship position during the TreeBioTEC project.
A wide range of self-improvement options for personal and professional development and flexible working hours are offered. Paid holiday 56 days a year and other benefits.
Additional information:
Application closed
TreeBioTEC 