Ajankohtaista

Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines

Apply here!

Molecular Nanoengineering group at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University (Finland),

is looking for motivated and talented doctoral researchers (PhD students) with an aptitude for interdisciplinary experimental research and interest in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines.

The positions are fully funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Electrically driven DNA-origami-based machines” (EDRIVE).

Your role and goals

You will work on design, fabrication, and characterization of electrically driven nanoscale molecular machines. As a member of the group, you will be trained in advanced methods in DNA nanotechnology (especially DNA origami), and state-of-the-art electron beam and optical microscopy and nanoscopy techniques. Depending on the background and scientific interests, your research will be directed either towards i) fabrication of active plasmonic surfaces and biosensors; or ii) construction of artificial molecular motors. We expect you to propose and develop scientific ideas and technical solutions (both individually and as part of a team), write scientific articles and contribute to teaching.  

Your experience and background

We expect the candidates to hold a MSc degree and/or have solid background at least in one of the following areas: applied physics, bionanotechnology, physical chemistry, material science, chemical engineering.  Previous experience in nanomicroscopy (AFM, TEM, SEM), DNA nanotechnology, colloidal synthesis, super resolution microscopy and nanophotonics is an advantage. Furthermore, the candidate should have good communication skills, good analytical and experimental skills and ability to work independently toward the goals of his/her project.

The position requires excellent written and spoken English.

Your team

The Molecular Nanoengineering group operates at the interface of nanoscience, DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly and nanophotonics with particular focus on DNA-based self-assembled systems with functionalities tailored for biosensing, active plasmonics and nanomachinery. The group is led by Associate Professor Anton Kuzyk.

For examples of our previous research see

https://scholar.google.fi/citations?user=yL5QQkwAAAAJ&hl=en

What we offer

The expected duration of doctoral studies is four years. The initial contract is made for one year and the extension is subject to the progress of studies and research. Starting salary is approximately 2600€/month and will increase over time according to the salary system of Aalto University. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus which provides highly motivating multidisciplinary international research environment with excellent facilities and instrumentation.

Get to know our campus via Aalto University Virtual Tour.

Ready to apply

Apply through the link ”Apply now” at the bottom right corner of this page, and include the following items as a single pdf document in English:

• Curriculum vitae (no size limit)
• Transcript of academic records (no size limit)
• Description of research skills, experience and publications (no size limit)
• Short statement of interest and motivation (max 1 page)
• Recommendation letter(s) or names and contact details of your previous supervisors

The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

More Information

Contact Prof. Anton Kuzyk (anton.kuzyk@aalto.fi) for additional information on the research topics and HR Partner Mari Kaarni on the application process (mari.kaarni@aalto.fi ). Please check the guidelines for doctoral admission at Aalto University (https://into.aalto.fi/display/endoctoralsci/How+to+apply).

Doctoral Candidate for Food Chemistry and Food Development unit, Department of Life Technologies, fixed-term position for four years

Hakulinkki

PhD position is open in a project focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms related to health-beneficial effect of plant-based foods such as whole grain products, and the role of gut microbiota in this interaction.  The project involves analytics with liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry metabolomics applications conducted on various different samples matrices originating from human dietary intervention trials as well as animal feeding trials with plant-based foods. An essential component of the PhD project is the establishment of cell culture methods to assess the molecular level impact of various food/microbiota derived compounds on cellular metabolic pathways and general biochemical response.    The expectation of competence 1) MSc degree in Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field. 2) Previous research experience and knowledge     The successful candidate should have earlier experience on mass spectrometry analyses, as well as bioassays measuring e.g. inflammatory responses. Earlier experience on establishing and working on cell culture assays is regarded as benefit. Good spoken and written English is required for the position.    Period of employment and salary levels

The employment period will be for four years including a trial period of 6 months. The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position belongs to our research personnel and the salary will be 2300 – 2700 eur/month in average.  Our selection criteria is based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the work. In practice, this means that not only education and working experience but also personal qualities, motivation factors, language skills and other relevant criteria will be taken into account.

How to apply

Please submit your application no later than 20.02.2022 via the electronic application form of the University of Turku. Contact information and the link (Apply here)  to the application system can be found from the University of Turku recruitment page https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies 

Applications should contain 

• a motivation letter (max. 1 page) focusing on your strengths related to our research topic
• list of publications 
• degree certificates 
• a CV including contact details of at least two referees, meaning prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with you and your work (name, working place, e-mail address) 

Further information

Professor Kati Hanhineva kati.hanhineva(at)utu.fi

HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi