Our international multidisciplinary 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. We are seeking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher, senior researcher or project researcher with possibility to continue work as a doctoral researcher to pursue PhD.

Disorders in immune system and lymphocyte function lead to inflammatory diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes. Project will focus on studying the molecular mechanisms underlying immune mediated diseases aiming at enabling individualized treatment in the future.

Projects

Molecular Systems Immunology group aims at understanding the regulation of human immune system to predict, prevent and treat immune mediated disorders. We study epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of T cells and molecular mechanisms of immune mediated diseases such as Type 1 diabetes. The project is focused on studying how the novel factors we have identified influence human T cell differentiation, function and their role in autoimmune diseases and cancer. A range of methods including single-cell genomics, mass cytometry, proteomics and CRISPR-Cas9 will be used in experimental work along with computational tools to address the questions.

Description of our organization

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.

Qualifications
The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organization.

Successful candidates have:

• A relevant doctor’s degree (senior/postdoctoral researcher) or a relevant master’s degree (project researcher/doctoral researcher) e.g. in life sciences or in 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 molecular and cell biology knowledge and skills with a strong background in epigenetics and immunology.
• Strong publication record in international journals (postdoctoral researcher) at least in one of the following areas: immunology, molecular and cellular biology, autoimmunity, genetics, epigenetics.

Application

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 Senior Researcher 3700 – 4300 eur/month in average, a Postdoctoral Researcher 3450 – 3800 eur/month in average and a Project Researcher 2400 – 2800 eur/month in average.

The position starts on Jan 1st, 2024 (or as agreed). The positions are initially for two years, with an optional extension. There is a trial period of six months.

The deadline for applications is Sept 17th, 2023 (23:59) or until a suitable candidate has been found. A link to the electronic application system can be found from the following link: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies

Please include a CV, full publication list, list of selected publications and contact information for three references in your application.
For further information please contact: Prof. Riitta Lahesmaa, e-mail: riitta.lahesmaa (at)utu.fi . Enquiries on the application procedure may be directed to HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi