We are seeking a project researcher/ postdoctoral researcher, who is interested in applying analytical skills in metabolomics research. Successful applicant will join the Turku Metabolomics Centre and the Systems Medicine Group led by Matej Oresic at Turku Bioscience. More information

We are seeking for a project researcher to join our international multidisciplinary research team to work on the analysis of biological samples in metabolomics studies. The work will involve developing new targeted mass spectrometry based methods to support the research in TMC and the Systems Medicine group. One of the current focus of the System Medicine group is to explore the role of n-acyl amides in gut brain communications.

Position requirements:
A relevant degree (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, metabolomics or related field.Experience with preparation of biological samples, preferably in metabolomics applications.Practical experience with separation techniques (liquid and/or gas chromatography) and mass spectrometry in the analysis of small molecules.Outstanding personal initiative and communication skills.

The salary is in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 3-4 for a project researcher, reaching in average a total salary of 2367,48 – 2788,72 eur/month. For a postdoctoral researcher the salary level is 5-6, reaching in average a total salary of 3111,68 – 3765,58 eur/month. The starting date is negotiable, preferably in early September. The position is initially for 1 year with the possibility of extending the contract. There is a trial period of six months.

The deadline for applications is May June 7, 2020. A link to the electronic application system can be found by following this link. Please include in English a CV, full publication list, list of selected publications and contact information for three references in your application.

For further information on the positions please contact: Dr. Alex Dickens alex.dickens(at)utu.fi or Prof. Matej Oresic, e-mail: matej.oresic(at)utu.fi. Enquiries on the application procedure may be directed to HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi

Our selected relevant publications:

Frank E, et al. Platform for systems medicine research and diagnostic applications in psychotic disorders-The METSY project. Eur Psychiatry. 2018 Jan 17. pii: S0924-9338(17)33017-1

Bowden JA, et al. Harmonizing lipidomics: NIST interlaboratory comparison exercise for lipidomics using SRM 1950-Metabolites in Frozen Human Plasma. J Lipid Res. 2017 Dec 58(12):2275-2288.

Pedersen HK, et al. Human gut microbes impact host serum metabolome and insulin sensitivity. Nature. 2016 Jul 21;535(7612):376-81.

Hyötyläinen T, Jerby L, Petäjä EM, Mattila I, Jäntti S, Auvinen P, Gastaldelli A, Yki-Järvinen H, Ruppin E, Orešič M. Genome-scale study reveals reduced metabolic adaptability in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nature Commun. 2016 Feb 3;7:8994

Kostic AD et al. The dynamics of the human infant gut microbiome in development and in progression toward type 1 diabetes. Cell Host Microbe. 2015 Feb 11;17(2):260-73.

Position for PhD (or soon-to-be) is available in the laboratory of Professor Jukka Westermarck at Turku Bioscience, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. We are looking for highly motivated researcher with PhD degree to join our dynamic research group broadly focused on very exciting therapeutic potential of phosphatases for cancer therapy.

Glioblastoma is a devastating cancer type for which there are only very limited therapy options. Particular challenges related glioblastoma therapies are its heterogeneity, and high intrinsic therapy resistance of glioma stem cells. The research group of Professor Westermarck has recently identified novel therapeutic opportunities for killing the therapy-resistant cancer cells in vivo, based on pharmaceutical reactivation of tumor suppressor Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and its combinations with targeted therapies (Kaur et al., Cancer Res., 2016; Kauko et al., Science Translational Medicine, 2018; Merisaari et al., Brain Communications, 2020). Based on these discoveries, the new project will develop and assess preclinical glioblastoma combination therapies by using glioma stem cell bearing intracranial in vivo glioblastoma models. Therefore, successful applicants should be well-acquainted with modern cancer research techniques involving mouse work and tissue analysis. In addition, we value highly good English language skills, and team-working spirit. In the selection process we value greatly applicants with track record indicative of competence in independent scientific thinking and project management.

Turku Bioscience Centre is a top-quality research center harbouring several research groups with distinguished publication profile. The centre harbours excellent core facilities. The working language in the research group, and in the institute, is English. Furthermore, BioCity Turku umbrella organization offers very high-quality research training including e.g. frequent seminars by world recognized speakers. Turku is a charming medieval city in South-West coast of Finland with good connections to Helsinki and Stockholm.

Candidate requirement wish-list in nutshell:
• A relevant Doctoral Degree (or soon-to-be)
• At least one first author publication in high-quality journal
• Highly motivated person with strong interest in translational cancer research
• Hands-on experience in mouse work is a clear asset

For inquiries regarding this post or application process, please contact Jukka Westermarck by e-mail: jukwes [at] utu.fi.

The deadline for applications is 31th of May 2020 and due to Covid-19 situation the position starting date is negotiable. Position is funded by Sigrid Juselius Foundation and is until 30th of April, 2023. The selected applicant will be receiving a monthly personal grant for post-doctoral research.

The application should include your CV, list of publications and a motivation letter clearly describing how your profile matches to candidate requirements listed above, and other previous achievements in the field. Also include names and contact information of three references. All this in a single merged PDF document should be sent to biocityhrservices [at] utu.fi. In the subject line of your e-mail, indicate the following text: Post-doc position/Glioblastoma.

Finnish Functional Genomics Centre (FFGC) is a core facility, which belongs to a national Biocenter Finland infrastructure network. We support high level research by providing open access to the state-of-the art technologies and services for genome research. Currently the most important services include next-generation sequencing based analysis of genomes, transcriptomes, epigenomes and microbiomes. Our services users include academic and government’s research units, health care units and companies. FFGC operates at the Turku Bioscience Centre, which is a joint department of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. We operate in close collaboration with several international and national stake-holders from academic, healthcare and private sectors.

We are now recruiting a new expert to support data management and distribution to the service users of the core facility. The key tasks include processing, quality assurance and delivery of the raw data produced with high-throughput next-generation sequencing for genome research or diagnostics to the service users. Significant proportion of the data is sensitive. The tasks also include testing and implementation of new tools for data processing and management, troubleshooting as well as continuous maintenance, development and improvement of the existing IT infrastructure and software environment in compliance with the quality system and in collaboration with the core facility personnel and stakeholders. An important task is also expertise support provided for the service users and other stakeholders. Therefore, good communication in English and excellent collaborative skills are a must.

The task requires strong IT skills including knowledge in programming languages, such as Python and bash scripting, and Linux operating system. The successful candidate has required skills to work in high performance computing and cloud environments and use job schedulers, such as SLURM/SGE, and version control systems, such as Git.

The task also requires knowledge in the quality system for which training will be organised. Previous experience in quality standard is considered as a bonus. The applicant will have a suitable degree in the relevant field of science. The applications are received until 31st of July 2020 or until the position has been filled. The position is offered for one year, with a six-month trial period, and possibility to extension.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position belong to our other personnel and the salary will be 3000 – 3200 eur/month in average.

Kindly submit your application as soon as possible. We will accept applications until July 31, 2020 via the electronic application form of the University of Turku.

For more information contact: Riikka Lund, riikka.lund(at)utu.fi, phone +358 41517 1616

This is Finland

Introduction to Finnish working culture

About Biocity community
Are you wondering what it would be like to work with us? Check out what Hellyeh Hamidi from Ivaska Lab has to say in the second part of this introduction video about Biocity community! Don’t forget to turn on English subtitles for the first half of the video for Sanja Vanhatalo’s comments. (CC –> Settings –> Subtitles –> Auto-translate — English)

International work community at University of Turku