The Medical Immuno-Oncology Research Group (MIORG, https://www.miorg.fi/), as part of the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Turku, is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a project related to cancer immunotherapy development. Under the leadership of Academy Research Fellow, Adjunct Professor Dr Carlos Rogerio de Figueiredo, we invite a skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to advance projects in cancer immunotherapy development. English is the predominant language for both spoken and written communication within the team.

Using the reverse translational approach, the group harnesses the most advanced technologies to profile metastatic cancer samples and perform bioanalysis of both animal and human tissues, with a primary focus on biomarker discovery for rational guidance of therapeutic development.

The selected postdoctoral researcher will lead research with a special focus on employing innovative flow cytometry techniques, encompassing single-cell multi-color full spectral flow cytometry for immune mechanistic studies leveraged from in vitro and in vivo functional studies. Expectations include designing, implementing, and ensuring accurate data analysis from experiments using cytometric methodologies. The researcher will also perform collaborative research with existing postgraduate students and will be encouraged to develop parallel projects with correlated scientific areas, including cancer immunogenic studies.

The position is for a two-year term starting in January 2024, with a possibility for extension (4 years total). The preferred start date for the selected candidate is January 2024, although there is flexibility for negotiation.

We expect you to have

• PhD in disciplines such as Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or similar areas.
• A valid animal work license from Finland or UK/EU and proficiency in tissue culture techniques and single-cell staining, particularly for Flow Cytometry.
• Deep expertise in Flow Cytometry, single-cell tissue processing, and familiarity with tools like FlowJO, along with basic bioinformatics and statistical tools.
• Experience with human/animal sample processing and in therapeutic or drug research.
• Skills in independent reagent preparation design, functional controls for mechanistic studies, and a strong grasp of protocol and inventory management.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written, coupled with robust organizational capabilities.

Desirable skills are

• Knowledge of tissue immunofluorescence and microscopy techniques.
• Immunohistochemistry techniques.
• Experience/training with CyTOF sample preparation and data analysis.
• Experience/training with NanoString (nCounter, Geo MX or CosMX).
• Previous training in programming using R/Python.

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for research and teaching staff, and is on levels 5–6 on the job demands chart. Depending on your previous experience and competence, the salary is approximately 3686-4041 euros per month in the beginning of employment. Trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

You have access to diverse services of the University to support your work. We invest in your work well-being and promote work-life balance, for example, by offering flexible working hours and well-being services. Read more about the University as employer: Come work with us

Please submit your application by 22 October 2023 at 11.59 pm (Finnish time) via the electronic application form of the University. A link to the application form (”Apply for the job”) is available above the announcement of this position at www.utu.fi/vacancies. In your application, please include

• Motivation Letter
• CV (max 3 pages)
• List of Publications (with a brief/3-line description of your contributions to the 10 most important publications).
• Contact information for at least two references for this position.

For further information about the position, please contact the Group Leader Dr Rogerio de Figueiredo (crdefi@utu.fi).

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to HR Specialist Kristiina Nuutila (kristiina.nuutila@utu.fi), Tel. +358 503135224.

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

The city of Turku is located at the unique Archipelago Sea in Southwestern Finland and supports a range of free time activities. Please visit City of Turku for additional information.

Learn more about the Finnish culture and people:

• Career in Southwestern Finland
• Working culture
• This is Finland
• More about Finland