Postdoctoral Researcher in ONE HEALTH

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in ONE Health Research

to join the Kvantum Institute 

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral researcher to advance athmosheric nanobiological studies to join us in the Kvantum Institute Spearhead project entitled "Species Derived Exo Vesicles as Novel Bioaerosol Type & Biodiversity Indicators (AirBioDiV)"

The project is joint project with Prof. Seppo Vainio (Exosomes/EVs), Prof. Henrikki Liimatainen (Nanocellulose), Prof. Caglar Elbuken (Microfluidics), and Doc. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari (plant biology).    

About the job

The project aims to advance the ONE health concept from the point of view of the nanobiological cell secreted extracellular vesicle signalling that represents a universal communication mechanism in species. The Postdoctoral researcher will work with the PIs on developing technologies to capture, analyse the molecular content and functions of the atmospheric nanobiological ecosystem derived signals that are loaded with resilience depicting molecular load and species depiction molecules. The berry and tree derived cells will be used as models to develop novel nanocellulose and microfluidic analytic and functional  solutions for nanobody capture.       

The Vainio group  is a leader in the field of exosome cell secreted extracellular vesicles (Exosome) experimental functional organ/organoid biology and the team developed a panel of sophisticated tools to target complex tissue organization assembly mechanisms. Prof. Elbuken is an expert of microfluic and drop fluidic technologies, Prof. Henrikki Liimatainen on nanosellulosa engineering and Doc. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari on plant biology.  

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 35 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

As a Postdoctoral researcher in our teams, you will participate to a team in developing EV/Exosome based bioengineering technologies that aim to provide evidence for their roles as species depiction and atmospheric resilience molecular transmitting factors.  As a member of our groups, you will access a network of wealth of national and international collaborations, which will expose you to state-of-the-art methodologies for EV/Exosome, microfluidic, plant biology and nanosellulose engineering research. We will offer cutting edge opportunities for internships, mobility, and further career development after completion the post doc period.

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• A doctoral degree in molecular and cell biology, click chemistry, nanocellulose biology, biochemistry, data analysis, or related fields.
• Excellent capacity to work in wet lab conditions with nanotechnology, gene editing, microfluidics, eDNA, species metabarcording, systematics,  plant biology,  cell culture and aerophysics is appreciated.
• Knowledge of Exosome/EV purification and characterization techniques
• Fluent in written and spoken English language
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Full dedication on the research project and ability to meet project deadlines

We also appreciate

• Supervisory experience
• Hands-on experience on Exosome/EV related research

Salary

The Postdoctoral researcher selected in the pilot programme will by default be offered a three-year (36 month) fixed-term full-time employment contract by University of Oulu. These positions are available for highly motivated and talented researchers, starting 1.1.2025 at the earliest. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

The salary of the selected Postdoctoral researchers will be paid monthly. The salary will be based on the level 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).

The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1612 hours per year, which gives the Postdoctoral researchers freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply?

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 30.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1) Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant doctoral degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.

2) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is a good fit for this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.

3) Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages). A recommended CV template can be found on the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. At the end of the CV, the applicant must include a list of peer reviewed scientific publications with full reference details. The number of pages of the publication list doesn’t concur to the max. 2 page-limit of the CV.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Seppo Vainio (seppo.vainio@oulu.fi) or Doc. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari (soile.jokipii-lukkari@oulu.fi).   

Type of employment Temporary position

Contract type Full time

Number of positions 1

1. Seppo Juhani Vainio, +358407470939
2. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari,