Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunological Mechanisms of Inflammation and Tumorigenesis

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 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 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities.

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunological Mechanisms of Inflammation and Tumorigenesis

to join us at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, whose mission is to perform internationally significant research and to deliver high-level undergraduate and post-graduate education in the fields of biochemistry and molecular medicine. The Faculty’s research focus areas are cell-extracellular matrix, protein science and cellular regulatory and metabolic networks and related diseases. The Faculty has collectively about 200 employees and about half of them are from abroad.

About the job

Inflammation and cancer are worldwide significant health problems. Dysregulated immune responses are major contributors. The project aims at understanding the immunological mechanisms of inflammation and tumorigenesis, especially focusing on investigating the role of helper T lymphocytes. We will address the questions by using in vitro assays as well as in vivo disease models. Cutting-edge systems biology approaches, such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, proteomics and single-cell omics will apply.

The details of the research project will be mutually agreed upon, based on the qualifications, interests, and expertise of the candidate. Candidates with expertise on immunology and solid knowledge and working experience with cell biology or molecular biology will be considered.

Who are you?

• As a postdoctoral researcher you must hold a recent PhD degree in life sciences. The doctoral degree must have been completed by the closing date for applications. The degree must have been obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Your experience with animal work is preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific publications, potential in acquiring supplementary funding and teaching experience will be taken as merits.
• Fluent oral and written English skills, IT skills, bioinformatics as well as good communication and teamwork skills are required.
• You will also be part of multidisciplinary research group. As part of the FBMM, the duties may also include supervising scientific research of BSc, MSc, and PhD students. Participation in teaching within the faculty curriculum and in acquiring research funding is expected.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom 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 your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an 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, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 16 months. The starting date is 01.09.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 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).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 14.8.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr Zhi Chen, Associate Professor, e-mail: zhi.chen(at)oulu.fi.