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Senior Researcher/Post-doc Researcher for mass spectrometry imaging research position in Turku, Finland DL Jan 7

University of Turku is reinforcing its analytical capabilities within metabolomics by recruiting a post-doctoral researcher to carry out mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using the new state-of the-art timsTOF flex MALDI-2 platform. The open positions will be in the research group of Alex Dickens and the Turku metabolomics core facility. More specifically, the positions will be funded by the European Commission (EIC grant and a Sigrid Jusélius grant). Key focus will be developing new methods for MALDI-2 imaging and combining this with other spatial omic techniques and/or other imaging modalities. The research aims to understand how the brain immune system is altered following a traumatic brain injury and how the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the disease progression. Spatially resolved analyses will give us a better understanding of how this lipid signalling system interacts  in the context of brain anatomy. This will be achieved by deploying several imaging modalities, the core of which is MSI but also spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics. There is also a possibility to include in vivo PET imaging.

The metabolomics core facility also provides a range of services including MSI of  lipids and polar metabolites and this project will assist in the design and running of these experiments. The post-doc will be responsible for assisting current and new PhD students in image related matters.

Job description

  • Day-to-day operating and troubleshooting of the timsTOF flex MALDI- 2 instrumentation used for mass spectrometry imaging
  • Development of workflows to combine imaging modalities such as MSI and spatial transcriptomics and or light microscopy
  • Documentation and reporting

Apply between 13 November 2024 and 6 January 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

  • A relevant PhD degree in analytical chemistry, metabolomics or related field
  • First-rate knowledge of operating and troubleshooting high-end mass spectrometry instrumentation
  • Experience in method development for metabolomics/lipidomics purposes
  • High level of motivation, self-initiative and independency
  • Good knowledge of written and spoken English

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Desirable qualifications

  • Strong publication record in international journals
  • Hands-on experience with imaging mass spectrometry methods
  • Previous experience with multi modal imaging and/or spatial transcriptomics
  • Experience with using software such as Topspin, Analyst, Compass, MassHunter, MS-DIAL, mzMine, MassLynx.
  • Proven experience in implementation of new technologies
  • Project reporting experience and/or experience in applying project funding

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

Our selection criteria is based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the work. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication and motivation factors and other relevant criteria will be taken into account.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.  Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, an extensive occupational healthcare, affordable sports services and even a holiday allowance. This position belong to the personnel group of teaching and research personnel.

For a Senior Researcher/ Post-doc Researcher the salary will be – depending on competence and experience – in average 3600 – 4000 eur/month. In case the selected person has not yet finalized their thesis, then the title will be a Project Researcher and the salary will be in average 2600 – 3000 eur/ month.

The start of employment is negotiable, preferably in January 2025. The position is fixed-term for 24 months, with a possibility for an eventual extension. The positions are subject to a six-month trial period. The qualification requirements of the positions are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure: https://www.utu.fi/sites/default/files/public%3A//media/file/UTU_Rules_of_Procedure.pdf

How to apply

Applications must have the following enclosures (in English):
1) motivation letter max 1 page focusing on your strengths related to our research topics

2) CV

3) copy of certificates of degree

4) contact details for at least three referees (name, working place, e-mail address)

5) a list of publications, highlighting the five most relevant ones

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime alex.dickens(at)utu.fi

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to our HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi

About us

The Turku Metabolomics Centre is a core service based at Turku Biosciences and collaborates with the Turku Proteomics Core facility and there is a chance that this position could collaborate on protein related projects as well.  We develop both targeted and non-targeted assays covering a wide range of the metabolome.

Postdoctoral researcher to study T-cell response in cancer and autoimmunity in Molecular Systems Immunology Group and Medical Bioinformatics Centre DL Jan 7

Our research groups led by Professor Riitta Lahesmaa (https://bioscience.fi/research/molecular-systems-immunology/profile/) and Professor Laura Elo (https://elolab.utu.fi/) are based at Turku Bioscience Centre (the Centre), BioCity Turku, Turku, Finland. 

Job description

We are seeking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on discovery of novel molecules that regulate T-cell responses in cancer and autoimmunity.  
The intricate balance of immune responses is pivotal for maintaining health, and disruption in this balance can lead to various immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are central to the regulation of immune responses and for maintaining immune homeostasis. Our ambition is to find new means to modulate T-cell responses and identify patients suitable for such innovative therapeutic approaches in the future. A range of methods including single-cell genomics and computational tools will be used to address the questions. 

Apply between 20 December 2024 and 7 January 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

  • A relevant doctoral degree; e.g. bioinformatics, biostatistics, immunology, life sciences, biomedicine
  • High level of motivation, self-initiative and independency
  • Excellent team work and communication skills
  • Excellent language skills in English (both oral and written)
  • First-rate immunology  knowledge and proficient understanding of bioinformatics tools
  • Good programming skills (e.g. R, Python)
  • Strong publication record in international journals at least in one of the following areas: immunology, single-cell omics, computational biology

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish universities. These positions belong to our research personnel and the salary will be as follows:  a Postdoctoral Researcher  3500 – 3800 eur/month in average.

The position starts on Feb 1st, 2025 or as agreed. The position is initially for two years, with an optional extension. There is a trial period of six months.How to apply

Please submit your application only through our online recruitment system. Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • CV
  • publication list
  • list of selected publications
  • degree certificate(s) / a transcript of records in Finnish or in English
  • contact information of three referees ( name, title,organisation, e-mail, phone number)

Further information

For further information please contact: Prof. Riitta Lahesmaa, e-mail: riitta.lahesmaa (at)utu.fi or Prof. Laura Elo, e-mail: laura.elo (at) utu.fi. Enquiries on the application procedure may be directed to HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi

Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher/Research Assistant in Immune Cell Navigation Group DL Jan 15

The project is led by PhD Jonna Alanko, an Academy researcher with a strong background in cutting-edge dendritic cell research. The project will be carried out at Turku Bioscience, University of Turku, with several state-of-the-art core facilities, including the Euro BioImaging Finnish Advanced Light Microscopy Node. The work will be done in collaboration with international experts and involves also working in separate collaborative projects. The employed researcher will have the opportunity to join a new and growing research team, ensuring extensive teaching, mentoring and availability of the supervisor throughout the project.

Good team dynamics and a supportive, innovative working atmosphere are particularly important to us.

Group website: https://bioscience.fi/immune-cell-navigation/ (official website under development)

Group leader PhD Jonna Alanko: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7698-3061

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to join a project that explores the chemotactic migration and navigation of immune cells in various tissue environments. The project aims to reveal the mechanisms regulating especially dendritic cell migrating and the impact of disease associated changes in extracellular matrix on dendritic cell function. Defects in dendritic cell trafficking can lead to various autoimmune diseases and progression of cancer. Thus, the mechanisms regulating dendritic cell trafficking may provide an important target for designing future therapeutic interventions.

Apply between 20 December 2024 and 15 January 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

  • Master’s degree in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics or other appropriate field. Students graduating in the coming months may also be considered.
  • Preference will be given to doctoral student or project researchers. If the successful candidate is only in the process of completing a Master’s degree, the title of the post can be Research Assistant for a short period of time, until the degree is completed.
  • An excellent English, both written and oral, is essential.
  • Previous experience in cell culturing and microscopy as well as in basic knowledge of ImageJ are essential.

Any of the following skills will be considered an advantage:

  • Experience in collecting or differentiating immune cells
  • Proficiency in different types of microscopes and immunofluorescence staining
  • Immunohistology
  • Extensive knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. WB, PCR, ELISA, IF staining)
  • Coding skills (R, Matlab or equivalent)
  • Bioinformatics and statistics skills
  • Experience in scientific writing

The eligibility requirements for the position are set in the University of Turku’s statutes. If the candidate does not hold a doctoral degree at the time of selection, the position will initially be filled with the title of Project /Research Assistant.

Our selection criteria are based on finding the most qualified and suitable candidate. In practice, this means that in addition to education, publications and work experience, individual characteristics, motivation, communication and language skills and other relevant criteria are taken into account. The post will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits

  • Fully funded PhD position and an interesting project with plenty of live cell microscopy
  • Scientific excellence and ambitious collaborative projects
  • A dynamic and stimulating research environment in a growing team
  • Interesting career opportunities and the chance to contribute to the development of your own work
  • International research collaboration and networking opportunities
  • Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
  • A working culture of equality and accessibility
  • A wide range of training and skills development opportunities
  • Opportunity for a research visit abroad

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The position starts on 1st of January 2025 or as agreed. The position of Doctoral researcher is for a fixed term of three (3) years including a six-months trial period and a possibility for extension.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish universities. These positions belong to our research personnel and the salary will be as follows: the salary for a doctoral researcher or project researcher is around € 2 400-2 550/month and for a research assistant around € 2 180-2 300/month.

Open applications accepted too

In addition, we may soon have a need for a part-time (50-70% working hours) research technician/research assistant/project worker to work on the project described above for approximately one year. The exact job content, job title and other details will be specified in the further stages of the recruitment process. We are therefore accepting open applications at this stage.  If you are also interested in such part-time positions, please clearly mention this in your application letter.

How to apply

Please attach the following documents in the application (in English):

1) A letter of motivation, including details your past work experience and motivation for applying this position (max 1 page).

2) CV (max 2 pages).

3) Copies of diplomas. If the certificate is not in Finnish or English, an official English translation is required.

4) Contact details of three referees (name, place of work and e-mail address).

For further information on the position, please contact the supervisor by e-mail: jonna.alanko@utu.fi

For questions related to the application process, please turn to HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi ( available starting 31.12.2024)

Other opportunities

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