Ajankohtaista

Two Postdoctoral Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine to Study the Initiation and Modulation of Immune Responses – University of Turku

4.11.2025 | Avoimet työpaikat

Apply latest by 24.11.

https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/kaksi-tutkijatohtoria-laaketieteelliseen-tiedekuntaan-tutkimaan-immuunivasteen-kaynnistymista-ja-muokkaamista/ZAYn4K?lang=en&UTUID=21094

The immunology research group “Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response”, led by Professor Marko Salmi, invites applications for two fixed-term postdoctoral researcher positions at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku. The positions are funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.

Our group focuses on understanding how protective and pathogenic innate and adaptive immune responses are initiated during inflammation, cancer, and vaccination (Salmilab). Key areas of interest include the trafficking of antigens from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels, the role of lymph node stromal cells in immune responses, myeloid leukocyte differentiation and function, and immunological biomarkers of inflammation and cancer. We employ advanced microscopy-based imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell omics, and functional immunological assays in experimental models, complemented by analyses of patient samples and close collaboration with clinicians. Our group operates within the MediCity Research Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, and belongs to the InFLAMES Flagship of the Research Council of Finland, a national initiative advancing translational immunological research.

Job description

We are looking for two motivated postdoctoral researchers to study the initiation of immune responses in lymphoid tissues and their targeted pharmacological modulation.

In one project, we investigate how free antigens in lymph enter the lymph node parenchyma and influence stromal cells during different phases of immune response. In the other project, our goal is to develop new strategies to deliver antibody-based immunoregulatory drugs specifically to lymph nodes in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Both projects aim to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying lymph node function.

  • The successful candidates will conduct laboratory experiments (including in vivo models), analyze samples using imaging and omics technologies, develop new experimental methods, and prepare scientific publications. There are also opportunities to develop independent projects, supervise PhD students, and participate in teaching, supporting career advancement beyond the postdoctoral stage.

    Most work will be conducted on-site at the University of Turku campus. Employment will be with the University of Turku.

Apply between 27 October 2025 and 24 November 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

Requirements / Qualifications / You should have

Essential qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in immunology, (bio)medicine, biology, or another relevant life science field
• Proven experience in laboratory-based experimental work
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong knowledge and skills in immunology, stromal/matrix biology, or cancer biology
• Solid scientific publication record

Additional merits:
• Experience in single-cell omics, bioinformatics, imaging, flow cytometry, or in vivo inflammation models

We value equality and diversity in our community and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. The regulations described in the University’s Rules of Procedures apply to all postdoctoral researcher jobs.

Benefits

We offer responsible and inspiring research tasks and the opportunity to develop your expertise and career in a multidisciplinary, dynamic and international environment. You will work as part of a professional and enthusiastic team and within the InFLAMES Flagship, involving around 60 research groups across disciplines.

You will also have access to training and networking opportunities through university-level immunological programs such as the IMMUFELLOW MSCA COFUND Postdoctoral Programme and the National Doctoral Training Pilot (ImmuDocs). You will benefit from the state-of-the-art research infrastructure of the Turku Bioscience Centre, located in the same building as MediCity.

Health, diagnostics, drug development, and immunology are profiling areas of the University of Turku. High-quality basic research combined with close collaboration with the university hospital creates a strong foundation for international excellence.

We also prioritize well-being and work–life balance. Learn more on our Welcome to Work with Us page.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined according to the Finnish university salary system (teaching and research staff category). The starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is approximately €3,600–4,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

The position starts on 1 January 2026 or as agreed. The position is fixed-term for 2–3 years with a six-month trial period. Continuation beyond the initial term may be negotiated.

How to apply

Applicants must attach the following documents:
• Degree certificates (in English or Finnish or officially translated)
• Motivation letter (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
• List of publications
• List of up to five most important publications with brief description of applicant’s role in each
• Contact details of two referees

Please note that the application form includes one mandatory video question.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: 

For scientific inquiries: Prof. Marko Salmi (marko.salmi@utu.fi)
For recruitment process inquiries: HR Specialist Anne Jackson (anne.jackson@utu.fi)

INFLAMES

The InFLAMES Flagship (Innovation Ecosystem based on the Immune System) is a joint organization of the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University aiming at being an internationally recognized, top-level, immunological research and development cluster that will be globally attractive both for researchers and business partners. We are part of the Academy of Finland’s Flagship Programme.

The Faculty of Medicine is a high level, international and innovative research and education unit in biomedicine, clinical medicine, dentistry and health and nursing sciences, as well as a major social contributor to health promotion, disease genesis, in the research of diagnostics and treatment and in the development of the health service and education system. The faculty provides research-based multidisciplinary undergraduate education in educational programs that educate diverse and critically minded specialists. The research is multidisciplinary and results in new information aimed at promoting the health of the population and better patient care.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

1-3 Doctoral Researches, Biological and Environmental Science – University of Jyväskylä

31.10.2024 | Avoimet työpaikat

https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/doctoral-researcher-positions-biological-and-environmental-science/me1Lgv

Apply latest by 24.11.

Applications are invited for 1-3 fully funded PhD positions in Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. Positions will start on August 1st 2025 or as agreed, for a maximum of fixed term of four years.

The Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Science offers doctoral education in Aquatic Science, Ecology and Evolution Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology and Environmental Science. The selected Doctoral Researcher will be assigned to the appropriate research group in the Department.

1. Determining the mechanism causing intraspecific variation in fungal traits that impact carbon use efficiency in soils, supervisor Carlos Aguilar-Trigueros

Can a single fungal species vary its growth or metabolism? Does that variation impact carbon dynamics? We are looking for one student to address these unanswered, fundamental questions! Fungi play a crucial role in soil carbon dynamics by assimilating carbon during growth—which enhances soil carbon storage—and by releasing CO₂ through metabolism, and this project will answer these questions by measuring how Neurospora crassa adjusts its growth and metabolism in response to genetic differences and phenotypic plasticity. This project is an incredible research opportunity for a PhD student to significantly advance our understanding of fungal ecology and soil carbon dynamics. This PhD program is part of a larger Academy Research Fellowship project focused on predicting fungal contributions to carbon cycling based on their traits. It provides a unique opportunity to test the hypothesis—namely, that because fungi have an adaptable, non-centralized, web-like body, their growth is exceptionally variable. The PhD student chosen for this four-year project will be offered a unique balance of independent and structured work as she or he pursues four integrated objectives: (1) quantifying trait variation in N. crassa, (2) assessing phenotypic plasticity across conditions, (3) disentangling genetic vs. environmental contributions to trait variation, and (4) identifying genetic markers via GWAS. The PhD student chose for this project will gain essential transferrable skills in: (1) trait-based ecological theory; (2) handling living collections of fungi in the lab; (3) trait measurement in controlled environments; (4) advanced image analysis using MatLab; (5) analyzing complex data using R; and (6) Genome-Wide-Association Analysis (GWAS). This exciting opportunity will take place in a highly dynamic ecology lab at JYU and integrates foundational theory with technical, analytical, and cutting-edge methodological skills to address a global ecological concern.

2. The biodiversity drivers of soil microarthropods, supervisor Sten Anslan

We are seeking a dedicated PhD candidate to join our research project on soil biodiversity. This PhD project aims to uncover the drivers of soil microarthropod diversity and their role in regulating soil microbial communities. The candidate will employ techniques such as DNA metabarcoding, as well as microscopy and DNA barcoding to enhance the DNA reference library for soil microarthropods, facilitating high-throughput biomonitoring.

  • For more information, please contact the project leader Sten Anslan

3.  Land use change and browning of lakes – long-term impacts on lake biogeochemistry and communities, supervisor Minna Hiltunen

Browning of freshwater systems (i.e. increase in water color) due to increased leaching of organic matter and iron from the catchment has affected many lakes during the past few decades. One important driver of browning is land use change, for example logging, ditching, and peat mining in the catchment area of the lake. Browning can influence the structure and function of lakes in many ways, such as changing the elemental cycles, or decreasing the diversity and biomass of invertebrates and fish. This PhD project will study how forestry practices have influenced browning of lakes, and what kind of changes this has caused in lake biogeochemistry, production, and biological communities. The study will utilize lake sediment time series from lakes with different histories of forestry practices in their catchment, and investigate the trends of browning in these lakes during the past approximately 100 years. The study sites for the PhD project will be chosen based on GIS analyses and the land use history explored for example from old aerial photographs, remotely sensed forest loss, or historical land use maps. The collaboration network of the project, which includes the Research Council of Finland -funded project Hippicap at JYU, and researchers from Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE) and several universities in Canada, will provide state-of-the-art methodology for studying lake browning and valuable contacts for the PhD candidate. An eligible candidate should hold a Master’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, ecology, environmental sciences, geosciences, or forest sciences.

  • For more information, please contact the project leader Minna Hiltunen

4. Colorectal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Tumor Progression, supervisor Tiina Jokela

The project explores the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer, focusing on their impact on ECM remodeling, tissue stiffness, metastasis and overall cancer progression. Through multiplex immunohistochemistry, we will analyze CAF phenotypes and their interaction with tumor. Additionally, advanced techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) will be used to assess ECM changes and tissue stiffness. Combining these methods, the study aims to uncover how CAFs contribute to tumor progression and metastasis, providing potential therapeutic insights for colorectal cancer.

  • For more information, please contact the project leader Tiina Jokela

5. Natural mucosal viromes in the health of vertebrates, supervisor Reetta Penttinen

In natural environments, bacteria are constantly accompanied by local viromes. These interactions are a key element in maintaining the structure and evolution of microbial communities. In vertebrates, the mucous layers in particular form a central interface for bacteria and phages to counteract. While the importance of mucosal microbiomes, such as those of the human gut, is well established, the role of mucosal virome on vertebrate health has remained poorly understood. In this PhD project, we attempt to address this question by studying the impact of mucins as well as antibiotic treatment on mucosal virome and on bacterial community. The main research questions of this PhD project are: 1) How does the presence of mucin or antibiotics modify the gut virome? 2) How is mucosal virome linked to vertebrate health and does it protect from bacterial pathogens? 3) Does the presence of mucin modify the interactions of phages and their bacterial hosts via CRISPR immunity? The project will utilize gut microcosms and zebra fish infection model to investigate the role of microbial interactions in vertebrate homeostasis.

6. Sustainability challenges in increasing wind power in forested landscapes, supervisor Johanna Yletyinen

The plan to significantly increase wind power construction in Finland’s forested areas has raised concerns about the diverse effects of wind farms on forest wildlife, land use, and local communities, including their role in the decision-making process. However, the negative local effects of wind farms are often defended by citing the critical role of wind energy in the national and global sustainability transformation strategies. This project will investigate the effects of wind farm installations in forests on the resilience of local social-ecological systems and develop an integrated social-ecological framework to guide sustainable wind farm development in forested landscapes. By emphasizing the multi-scalar nature of sustainability transformations, the project will develop solutions for balancing national wind energy goals with local environmental protection and community well-being.

Qualifications

An eligible candidate needs to have 

  • A Master’s degree, or are about to obtain a Master’s degree, in a relevant discipline. 
  • Strong interest to the research project you are applying to.
  • Curiosity and interest in fundamental scientific questions.
  • Ability and motivation to work as part of a team, combined with independence and problem-solving skills.

The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. A good command of English is required. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied with a separate application from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.

We offer

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, University’s International Staff Guide.

The initial annual salary will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.

How to apply

Please attach the following documents to the online application form in English and in PDF format:

  1. A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity and including contact information of two academics willing to provide a reference
  2. A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position. It should be clearly identified the project which is applied for.
  3. Degree certificate (highest degree, or the date of completion the MSc)
  4. Other relevant documents (eg. English language test record) 

At the end of the application form, select the project you are applying to. Research plan is not needed at this point. Applications sent via emails will not be considered.

For more information of the call, please contact professor Varpu Marjomäki, varpu.s.marjomaki@jyu.fi.

In recruitment, we follow the Code of Conduct and Recommendations for the Recruitment of Researchers as defined in the European Charter for Researchers European Charter for Researchers. The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and DORA-declaration. The application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.

Apply between 28 October 2024 and 24 November 2024 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Department of Biological and Environmental Science

The research in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science focuses on three core areas: evolutionary biology, natural resources and environment, and biological nanoscience. The Department building, Ambiotica, is an integral part of the University of Jyväskylä’s Ylistönrinne Mathematics and Science Research Complex, which includes buildings of chemistry, physics and nanoscience. Ambiotica houses high quality laboratories for bioscience and experimental facilities for a wide range of biological and chemical analyses as well as highly motivated laboratory personnel.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU’s naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.

MSCA Doctoral Researcher for profiling of metastases of different cancer types – University of Helsinki

31.10.2024 | Avoimet työpaikat

https://duunitori.fi/tyopaikat/tyo/msca-doctoral-researcher-for-spatial-multiplexed-immunofluorescence-profiling-of-cancer-types-shsel-18688906

FIMM is currently seeking a

MSCA Doctoral Researcher for spatial multiplexed immunofluorescence profiling of metastases of different cancer types

in a team led by Dr. Teijo Pellinen

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher for a fully funded, 4-year research position in multiplexed immunofluorescence profiling of metastases from various cancer types. This project, part of the Mac4Me consortium, involves advanced tissue imaging and computational analysis to study immune-tumor cell interactions in clinical samples, including brain, bone, and liver metastases. You will work closely with Genevia Technologies Oy (Finland) and The Norwegian Radium Hospital (Norway) to integrate imaging data with multi-omics datasets using cutting-edge AI tools.

This position is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network programme, which focuses on identifying new immunotherapy targets through innovative research on tumor-immune system interactions. The Mac4Me network provides a unique training environment, combining expertise from 18 academic and industry partners across Europe. Successful candidates will benefit from interdisciplinary training, research visits, and opportunities for skill development in fields ranging from systems biology to AI-driven cancer research.

For more information, visit: https://www.van-weerden-lab.com/about

Work tasks
As a Doctoral Researcher in Dr. Teijo Pellinen’s team, you will apply innovative multiplexed immunofluorescence technology to spatially profile cells and their interactions in intact tumor tissue sections. You will analyze imaging data to uncover clinically relevant patterns by linking the imaging results to patient health records using advanced computational methods. More information on Dr. Pellinen’s work can be found here (Teijo Pellinen – University of Helsinki).

Key objectives of this PhD project include:
1. Designing and constructing tissue microarrays (TMAs) with appropriate control tissues, including tumor tissues (prostate cancer, breast cancer, neuroblastoma), metastasis target tissues (bone, liver, brain), and tissues with high immune cell content (e.g., lymph node, appendix).
2. Collecting and organizing clinical and pathological data associated with these tissue samples into a shared clinical database.
3. Developing and optimizing antibody panels for multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mfIHC).
4. Performing mfIHC on TMAs and analyzing the resulting high-resolution images for single-cell phenotyping.

Expected results
This project will provide crucial insights into immune cell behaviour within metastases from prostate cancer, breast cancer, and neuroblastoma. Through single-cell spatial imaging, you will identify the key immune cell subsets and their activation or inhibition states in clinical metastasis samples. The project will also reveal the interactions and proximities between immune cells and tumor cells, offering a deeper understanding of immune responses in metastatic environments.

The imaging data will be systematically indexed and integrated with clinical datasets. You will collaborate with partners from Genevia Technologies Oy and The Norwegian Radium Hospital to merge your results with additional multi-omics data. These analyses will contribute to identifying new immune targets and potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

The Doctoral Researcher will be based at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, and work within a vibrant multidisciplinary team embedded in the wider context of Dr. Olli Kallioniemi’s Precision Systems Medicine group at the University of Helsinki (Precision systems medicine | University of Helsinki).

Opportunities for professional development include attending relevant University of Helsinki courses, presenting your findings at national and international conferences, and conducting research visits to other partners in the Mac4Me Doctoral Network.

Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
• Transnational mobility: At the time of recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your start date.
• Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs): You must have less than 4 years of research experience since completing your first MSc degree and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• English proficiency: You must have a strong command of the English language, demonstrated through a recognized English proficiency certificate.

Please ensure that you meet all these criteria before applying.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

MSc degree in a relevant field such as molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, computer science, biostatistics, bioinformatics, biomathematics, systems biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline.
Strong analytical and communication skills, including proficiency in scientific writing and confident interpersonal communication.
Experience in bioinformatics or large-scale omics data analysis, including familiarity with commonly used tools and methods.
Programming skills (e.g., Python, R) are considered an advantage.
Knowledge of cancer research, preclinical model systems, and image analysis techniques is beneficial but not mandatory.

We are seeking a motivated and independent researcher who is eager to learn new skills and contribute to a multidisciplinary project at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and data science.

Personal qualities
We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following personal attributes:
• Eagerness to learn and develop new skills across multidisciplinary fields.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong communication skills, especially when working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.
We offer
• A dynamic and inspiring work environment with access to cutting-edge technology and a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community.
• Flexible working hours and regular, personalized supervision to support your professional development.
• Access to unique datasets and cutting-edge methodologies in cancer research, molecular pathology, and image analysis.
• Competitive salary with yearly wage agreements in accordance with Finnish university guidelines.
• Comprehensive benefits including pension fund membership and insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for career development, including attending relevant courses, presenting at national and international conferences, and research visits to partner institutions across Europe.
• Work-life balance in a supportive and diverse working culture, aligned with the Nordic approach to well-being.

To apply, please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for job. 

Please apply no later than 22nd of November 2024

The employment may begin as soon as possible or as agreed.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.
JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! 
#HelsinkiUniCareers

The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research institute focusing on human genomics and personalised medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki FIMM integrates molecular medicine research, technology centre and biobanking infrastructures under one roof, promoting translational research in grand challenge projects, specifically, the impact of genome information from the Finnish population in personalised health and medicine, individualised cancer medicine, and digital molecular medicine. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community. 

Call for applications / PhD in cancer biology

29.4.2021 | Avoimet työpaikat

https://www.utu.fi/en/news/call-for-applications-phd-in-cancer-biology

The Cancer Biology laboratories of Klaus Elenius and Kari Kurppa are looking for a doctoral candidate to join a collaborative project.

Research Project

The two laboratories, led by the principal investigators Professor Klaus Elenius, MD/PhD and Dr. Kari J. Kurppa, PhD, aim to develop novel means to specifically target cancer cell signaling and drug resistance. Our special interest lies in the mechanisms that enable the establishment of minimal residual disease, or govern the maintenance of residual tumors following targeted cancer therapy. The overarching goal of our research is to develop rational combination strategies that will extend the long-term efficacy of clinically used cancer therapies.

Clinical drug resistance is often preceded by minimal residual disease state, where residual tumors stay dormant for an extended period of time. It is becoming increasingly evident that the establishment of minimal residual disease is mainly regulated by non-genetic mechanisms, as cancer cells adapt to treatment by acquiring new phenotypic states that no longer depend on the targeted oncogene. Recent research in our laboratories has demonstrated that a ligand/receptor axis composed of ERBB receptors and their ligands is a key regulator of cancer cell drug tolerance. The doctoral candidate’s research will build upon these findings and address the mechanisms of ERBB activation upon targeted therapy. The project also includes a drug development arm aiming at developing a novel inhibitor to specifically block the ERBB-mediated drug tolerance pathway. The approach takes advantage of the long experience of the Elenius lab in the cancer biology and targeting of the ERBB receptors, as well as of the unique understanding of the Kurppa lab of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor dormancy and drug tolerance.

Applicant

Successful applicants should have a MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field. Excellent academic performance and knowledge of written and spoken English are required. Prior experience on systems and basic laboratory methodologies in the field of biomedicine, e.g. in vitro cancer model and omics analyses, is desired. The applicant should demonstrate the skills needed in the research area (e.g. from MSc thesis work) and motivation for doctoral studies.

The applicant should familiarize with pension insurance and taxation regulations for recipients of scientific grants and scholarships. The doctoral candidate is expected to enroll in a PhD program in the next call.

Grant

The research of the doctoral candidates will be initially funded for a period of three years by Cancer Foundation Finland by monthly personal grants.

How to apply

>> Link to application form

Please, include in your application a motivation letter and a CV with at least two references.

The deadline for applications is May 3, 2021 (11:59 PM UTC+3). Preferable starting date is May 17, 2021, but due to the COVID-19 situation, the starting date is negotiable.

For any inquiries, please contact Klaus Elenius, klaus.elenius[a]utu.fi or Kari Kurppa, kjkurp[a]utu.fi.