Doctoral Researcher in Systems Immunology group on Host-Environment Interplay in Health and Disease – University of Helsinki
19.8.2023Doctoral Researcher in Systems Immunology group on Host-Environment Interplay in Health and Disease for 2 years
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki is announcing a fixed-term, full-time doctoral researcher position. The role commences on September in 2023, with flexibility on the starting date, and extends until August 2025.
We are searching for of a highly motivated and dedicated doctoral researcher to contribute to pivotal projects funded by the Finnish Research Council and the EU. These studies focus on the impact of host-antigen interplay during immune homeostasis (health) and dysregulation (disease), utilizing state-of-the-art experimental in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Our aim is to elucidate the toxicity and immune-potential of environmental toxicants and biomolecules, as well as the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of dysregulated states, such as allergic diseases. The successful candidate will also participate in transcriptomic and metagenomic data analysis. Your work has the potential to significantly advance our scientific understanding of the external factors that contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the development of non-communicable diseases.
Role Requirements
1. A Master’s degree or equivalent (e.g., licentiate), or imminent completion of such, preferably in life science, biochemistry, molecule and cell biology, immunology or a related field.
2. Strong scientific curiosity, meticulous work ethic, and excellent time management.
3. Experience in basic lab techniques, including cell culture, RNA extraction, and pcr.
4. Prior experience with environmental dust samples, differentiation of primary human cells, and/or bioinformatic skills will be considered beneficial.
5. Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.
6. The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Remuneration and Benefits
The starting salary will be set on level 2 of the national salary scale for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities, with a range of 2200-2600 euros/month (pre-tax). Salary progression to levels 2-4 will be contingent on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period applies. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, access to top-tier sports facilities, and abundant opportunities for professional development.
Finland, an EU member, boasts high-quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits, and excellent healthcare. It was recently voted the best country globally for expat families. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. Our HR services assists international employees with their transition to living and working in Finland.
Application Process
Please submit your application as a single pdf file, comprising the following documents in English:
1. A motivation letter outlining your previous knowledge and research interests, career goals, and why you are the perfect fit for this role.
2. A complete Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications and at least two referees.
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copies of diplomas and transcripts of relevant previous degrees. If original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, please provide an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
To apply, please use the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system, accessible by clicking on “Apply for job”. The closing date for applications is 4 September 2023. Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed. You can read more about working at the university on our website.
For additional information on the position, please contact Professor Harri Alenius tel. +358 29 412646 and harri.alenius(at) helsinki.fi or Piia Karisola tel. +358 29 41 26601 and piia.karisola(at) helsinki.fi.
For information on the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Marja Meresto hr-ltdk(at) helsinki.fi.
The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master’s Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare.
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.