University of Turku is reinforcing its analytical capabilities within metabolomics by recruiting a post-doctoral researcher to carry out mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using the new state-of the-art timsTOF flex MALDI-2 platform. The open positions will be in the research group of Alex Dickens and the Turku metabolomics core facility. More specifically, the positions will be funded by the European Commission (EIC grant and a Sigrid Jusélius grant). Key focus will be developing new methods for MALDI-2 imaging and combining this with other spatial omic techniques and/or other imaging modalities. The research aims to understand how the brain immune system is altered following a traumatic brain injury and how the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the disease progression. Spatially resolved analyses will give us a better understanding of how this lipid signalling system interacts in the context of brain anatomy. This will be achieved by deploying several imaging modalities, the core of which is MSI but also spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics. There is also a possibility to include in vivo PET imaging.

The metabolomics core facility also provides a range of services including MSI of lipids and polar metabolites and this project will assist in the design and running of these experiments. The post-doc will be responsible for assisting current and new PhD students in image related matters.

Job description

Day-to-day operating and troubleshooting of the timsTOF flex MALDI- 2 instrumentation used for mass spectrometry imaging
Development of workflows to combine imaging modalities such as MSI and spatial transcriptomics and or light microscopy
Documentation and reporting

Who we are looking for

A relevant PhD degree in analytical chemistry, metabolomics or related field
First-rate knowledge of operating and troubleshooting high-end mass spectrometry instrumentation
Experience in method development for metabolomics/lipidomics purposes
High level of motivation, self-initiative and independency
Good knowledge of written and spoken English

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

Desirable qualifications

Strong publication record in international journals
Hands-on experience with imaging mass spectrometry methods
Previous experience with multi modal imaging and/or spatial transcriptomics
Experience with using software such as Topspin, Analyst, Compass, MassHunter, MS-DIAL, mzMine, MassLynx.
Proven experience in implementation of new technologies
Project reporting experience and/or experience in applying project funding

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo 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:

Salary and trial period

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, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication and motivation factors and other relevant criteria will be taken into account.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant. Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, an extensive occupational healthcare, affordable sports services and even a holiday allowance. This position belong to the personnel group of teaching and research personnel.

For a Senior Researcher/ Post-doc Researcher the salary will be - depending on competence and experience - in average 3600 – 4000 eur/month. In case the selected person has not yet finalized their thesis, then the title will be a Project Researcher and the salary will be in average 2600 – 3000 eur/ month.

The start of employment is negotiable, preferably in January 2025. The position is fixed-term for 24 months, with a possibility for an eventual extension. The positions are subject to a six-month trial period. The qualification requirements of the positions are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure: https://www.utu.fi/sites/default/files/public%3A//media/file/UTU_Rules_of_Procedure.pdf

How to apply

Applications must have the following enclosures (in English):
1) motivation letter max 1 page focusing on your strengths related to our research topics

2) CV

3) copy of certificates of degree

4) contact details for at least three referees (name, working place, e-mail address)

5) a list of publications, highlighting the five most relevant ones

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime alex.dickens(at)utu.fi

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to our HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi

About us

The Turku Metabolomics Centre is a core service based at Turku Biosciences and collaborates with the Turku Proteomics Core facility and there is a chance that this position could collaborate on protein related projects as well. We develop both targeted and non-targeted assays covering a wide range of the metabolome.

Turku Bioscience Centre

Turku Bioscience is an advanced core facility and research centre hosted jointly by University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. Our aim is to provide complete packages of service expertise and know-how to provide both academic and corporate research groups the tools and means to shorten the runway from an initial discovery to the take-off of a success story. To this end, we aim to stay at the frontiers of new technologies and research and we are also actively facilitating interactions and joint projects between academia and industry.

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.

See our open vacancies

HR Excellence in Research Logo

Location: Tykistökatu 4

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application