Postdoctoral Researcher, Quantitative Single Cell Biology – University of Eastern Finland
19.6.2022https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&jc=16&id=000013579&lang=en
The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the Kuopio campus at the Institute of Biomedicine. The position will be filled until 31 December 2025, starting from 1 September 2022 (or starting date as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 12 August 2022
Role and salary
The Heinäniemi and Tollis research laboratories at the Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Eastern Finland are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher to decipher the quantitative determinants of cellular fate choices at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. This basic science project also has a strong translational aspect in the context of aberrant gene regulation and “bad” cellular choices that lead to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
We are using a range of state-of-the-art single cell genomics technologies at the genome/epigenome/RNA/protein levels to capture the repertoire of cell states in tissues, and strip down cellular pathways regulating cell fate decisions to core, tractable subnetworks structures. Synergistically, we use avant-garde quantitative imaging techniques to measure critical cellular parameters in live cells, in order to understand how structures are dynamically modulated to gather, and process environmental information. In particular, your role in this project will be to measure the abundance, localization, dynamics and interactions of key cell cycle drivers in order to formalize quantitative determinants of cell fate choices. Together with the team you will develop computational models and data analysis tools to integrate those diverse datasets, and to discover molecular regulatory circuits and their functioning at the systems level, both in cell models and pre-clinical human studies. This project has many ramifications that will provide opportunities to develop your independence.
We will mentor you to gain the interdisciplinary skills to work at the interface between two fundamental, equally important aspects of cell biology: biological networks structures, and information processing. You will be part of a small team of motivated researchers with the opportunity to interact, on a daily basis, with two research groups that have broad expertise, excellent resources and strong mentoring skills for an interdisciplinary career path. You will be responsible for the daily management of the project and the staff involved in it; in addition, depending on your skills and interests, your research tasks may include wetlab work with human cell lines, cell/molecular biology experiments (including, e.g., CRISPR gene editing), quantitative bio-imaging, data analysis and the development of mathematical models.
You will join a growing local network of quantitative scientists and bioinformaticians and be able to use the high-capacity computational and microscopy infrastructures of the local Bioinformatics and Cellular Imaging centres. The position also offers a possibility to participate in teaching related to computational biomedicine, mathematical modelling of biological systems, and quantitative bioimaging.
The position will be filled initially until 31 December 2025, starting from 1 September 2022 (or starting date as agreed). Possible continuation of the position can be agreed separately. The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.
The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of the Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job requirement component and a personal performance component. In this position, the job requirement level used to determine the job-related salary element is 5, and the personal performance salary element is 6–50 % of the job-related salary element. The estimated monthly salary in the beginning of the employment will be 3348 – 3866 €/month.
Our requirements and expectations
We welcome highly motivated candidates with a cell or molecular biology/physics/applied mathematics background interested in becoming an expert in quantitative biomedical research. The position also requires good communications skills to work in a research team with members from different scientific backgrounds, and a high degree of independence and initiative.
- Ph.D. degree and
- excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) are required
- enthusiastic about science
- self-motivated, with a strong desire to learn and extend your skillset
- autonomous in your field of expertise, and able to take a step back from daily tasks and envision cell biological processes in the “Big Picture”
- committed to contribute intellectually and interpersonally toward a positive and stimulating lab environment
- previous experience in mammalian cell biology/molecular biology (e.g., knock-in gene editing methods), quantitative cell imaging and/or mathematical modelling of cellular pathways is desirable.
Your benefits
You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including
- extensive occupational health care
- staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
- affordable sports services.
Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.
You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting/meaningful/diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.
Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.
How to apply?
Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 12 August 2022 (by 23.00 CET).
Please note that the application is required to include the following appendices:
- CV (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
- a list of publications (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
- copies of your academic degree certificates/diplomas, and copies of certificates/diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
- a motivation letter
- full name, mobile phone number and e-mail addresses of at least 2 referees
Questions?
For further information on the position or the scientific project, please contact Prof Merja Heinäniemi, +358 29 4454256, merja.heinaniemi@uef.fi, or Senior Researcher Sylvain Tollis, +358 29 4454874, sylvain.tollis@uef.fi.
For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR-secretary Minna Leskinen, e-mail minna.k.leskinen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 4458373
University of Eastern Finland and the Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Eastern Finland is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland, offering education in nearly 100 major subjects. We have a staff of 2,750 members, and our academic community comprises around 16,000 degree students and more than 27,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and in Kuopio. Our research is ranked among the best in the world in several fields. We generate research-based knowledge and make it openly accessible for the benefit of all. UEF stands for action with impact that is relevant today and tomorrow. To learn more about our university please visit our website at www.uef.fi/en.
The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 580 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 800 staff members. http://www.uef.fi/en/ttdk/etusivu