Our Molecular Systems Immunology research group led by Professor Riitta Lahesmaa is based at Turku Bioscience Centre (the Centre), BioCity Turku, Turku, Finland. We are seeking for a motivated Doctoral Researcher to work in a project funded by The ImmuDocs – National Doctoral Education Pilot Based on the Immune System.

More info and link to application portal: https://sites.utu.fi/tohtorikoulutuspilotti/en/immudoc/call-for-applications-autumn/

Pilot project description:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of pancreas leading to life-long insulin dependency. Better understanding of heterogeneity of the disease process and its early detection in susceptible children are critical to enable timely prevention, treatment and recruitment of at-risk subjects for clinical intervention studies.

This project aims to 1) characterize in detail changes in immune cells associated with distinct stages during progression to T1D and 2) understand the basis for the considerable heterogeneity in the rate of progression to clinical T1D.

The changes will be identified using longitudinal blood samples from unique cohorts covering time from birth to developing clinical disease, and their matched controls, using experimental and computational methods and work-flows already optimized for these studies in our group (Buchacher et al. 2023 doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113469), Starskaia et al. (2024) doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-47918-w., Suomi et al. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104625.). The study employs cutting-edge methods including single-cell RNA-seq, mass cytometry and spectral flow cytometry.

The results are expected to provide new insights into distinct disease pathways underlying the heterogeneity and endotypes of T1D, means for early detection of the disease process and for timely intervention, and provide basis for developing new strategies for novel targeted therapies for T1D.

The PhD training provides in-depth understanding of the central principles in the control of human immune response. A vantage point for cutting-edge research and excellent opportunities for learning from leaders in the field both in academia and industry are offered as the Lahesmaa group actively contributes to research in large international private-public consortia with significant involvement from leading Pharma companies in the area of T1D.

Who we are looking for

The applicant must have completed a higher education degree or degree must be completed latest by December 3, 2024 (if applying for the study right for a doctoral degree in the Faculty of Medicine) or by November 15, 2024 (if applying for the study right for a doctoral degree in the Faculty of Science or Technology).  The applicant’s degree should be relevant to the dissertation project.

In addition, if the applicant does not already have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the applicant must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku during the application period in 28.10.-8.11.2024 via the Studyinfo.fi service through the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Technology doctoral programmes. The right to study is a prerequisite for starting the employment position. The eligibility requirements for the right to study for a doctoral degree are specified in the University of Turku’s regulations. How to Apply for Doctoral Training | University of Turku

Our workplace values equality and diversity; therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Turku Bioscience Centre

Turku Bioscience is an advanced core facility and research centre hosted jointly by University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. Our aim is to provide complete packages of service expertise and know-how to provide both academic and corporate research groups the tools and means to shorten the runway from an initial discovery to the take-off of a success story. To this end, we aim to stay at the frontiers of new technologies and research and we are also actively facilitating interactions and joint projects between academia and industry.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system by 24 September 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (EEST) here: https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/12-vaitoskirjatutkijaa-immudocs—immunologian-alan-kansallinen-tohtorikoulutuspilotti/ZYkp9Y?lang=en&UTUID=20471

The positions start on 1 January 2025 or by mutual agreement. The funding is for 3 years, which is the intended duration of the PhD programme.

• at University of Turku
• at Åbo Akademi University
• Internship inquiries: please send motivation letter + CV to a group leader directly.
  

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