A research group ( https://www.btk.fi/research/molecular-systems-immunology/ ) led by Professor Riitta Lahesmaa is based at Turku Bioscience Centre (the Centre), BioCity Turku, Turku, Finland.  They are seeking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in a two-year project funded by The Finnish Research Impact Foundation. During the project the postdoctoral researcher will have an opportunity to work about half of the time also in Orion in Turku with Orion’s Immuno-oncology team.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and the number of cases eligible for immunotherapies are steadily rising. T cells infiltrate the tumor site and launch cytotoxic responses against cancer cells. However, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment prevents anti-tumor immune responses. In this project our research group in Turku Bioscience will collaborate with the immuno-oncology team in Orion aiming at discovering novel mechanisms responsible for insufficient anti-tumor T-cell responses. 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.

Turku Bioscience Centre is a joint research institute of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The mission of the Centre is to promote high quality research and training. The Centre has excellent state-of-the-art technology platforms and expertise in single-cell omics, NGS, epigenomics, proteomics, computational biology and high-end cell imaging and cytometry.

Orion Immuno-Oncology (IO) Team led by Dr. Anil Thotakura.  Immuno-Oncology is one of the three Research teams in Orion’s Oncology R&D. IO team is accountable for novel drug novel drug discovery projects, identification of unmet need, identifcication & experimental validation of potential IO drug targets within state-of-the-art laboratories and technologies.

The deadline for applications is 10.12.2023 (23:59) or until a suitable candidate has been found.

Full call text (Job ID 20058 ) and electronic application system can be found from the following link: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies