Doctoral student position for Metabolic Research, 4-year position in Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu
10.4.2018The University of Oulu (http://www.oulu.fi/english/) is one of the largest universities in Finland, with approximately 14 000 students and 3 000 employees. The University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) (http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/) provides the framework and conditions for high-quality, research-driven doctoral education at the University of Oulu, and field-specific doctoral training is provided by its multidisciplinary doctoral programmes. Biocenter Oulu (BCO) (http://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/) offers a high-level international multidisciplinary environment supplied with cutting-edge infrastructures. Under this framework, the Health and Biosciences Doctoral Programme (HBS-DP) (http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/dp/hbsdp) offers doctoral training in cell and molecular biology, molecular medicine, genetics, structural biology, bioinformatics, biocomputing, medicine, health sciences, and interdisciplinary topics.
Applications are invited for a full-time doctoral student position for a maximum of four years, starting at the earliest on 01.07.2018 in a Biocenter Oulu research project headed by Professor Karl-Heinz Herzig, MD, PhD in the Biomedicine research unit, Faculty of Medicine.
The consortium consisting of the teams of Professors Markku Savolainen, Karl-Heinz Herzig and Marjo-Riitta Järvelin investigate the molecular mechanisms of and pathways to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). Multiple factors through the life-course have been related to the increased risk of developing a MetSyn. The muscle / physical activity has an important role in the initiation and progression of MetSyn. Our own work suggests that muscle activity has a significant effect on cardiometabolic functions (Herzig et al 2014; 2017, 2018). In the planned investigations, we will use human data, interventions, but also in vivo and in vitro models to elucidate the mechanisms of actions. The position will be supervised by Prof. Herzig and the post-doctoral scientists in his team. For more info please see the team’s web site: http://cc.oulu.fi/~fysiowww/KHHmpr.html.
Requirements
The candidate must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in biology or related sciences. The degree should be obtained with very good grades by the end of June 2018. Understanding regulatory systems in human physiology and previous lab work with volunteers would be beneficial. The ability to pursue independent research and excellent writing and fluency in English is expected. The doctoral student position is intended for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) who, according to the ”European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will be either starting their doctoral training, or will have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. The selected candidate will carry out his/her doctoral studies in the Health and Biosciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.
Salary
The salary of the selected doctoral student will be set on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration will be given for personal achievement and performance (max. 46.3%). The total salary for these levels (before tax) currently ranges from about 2005 to 3657 Euros/month for full-time employment.
Application
Applications must be submitted using the electronic application form by 11th of May, 2018, 24:00 (Finnish local time), with the following attachments as three separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):
- Complete CV containing contact information of at least two academic referees
- Motivation letter describing prior knowledge and research interests and career plans
- Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
Other relevant information
The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile expected for the position may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.
Contact
– Prof. Karl-Heinz Herzig, MD, PhD, e-mail: karl-heinz.herzig (at) oulu.fi
– Concerning the general requirements and application procedures: Coordinator Ritva Saastamoinen, e-mail: ritva.saastamoinen (at) oulu.fi
Link to the call announcement and electronic application system: