Doctoral Researcher in Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Cancer Therapy Resistance

A Doctoral Researcher position is open in the Tumour Microenvironment and Metastasis laboratory led by Dr. James Conway (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/tumour-microenvironment-and-metastasis) starting from 1 December 2024 (or agreed). The position is initially for 2 years, with the possibility for extension through application for further funding by the applicant and PI.

Our research

Our laboratory is located in the Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. Here, we are studying the mechanisms underlying metastatic cancer progression with the central goal of developing biomarkers for metastatic disease and novel treatments aimed at reverting invasive disease or containing metastatic lesions. Building on recent work (Conway JRW, PNAS, 2023; Conway JRW, et al, Science Advances, 2023), we are developing ECM spot arrays using native compositions from decellularised tissues, along with advancing three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models for co-culture of multiple cell types, representative of the complex tumour microenvironment.

The successful applicant will work with these native ECM arrays to create a “mouse-on-chip” model with representative ECM spots for every mouse tissue/organ printed on hydrogels of defined stiffness (in collaboration with an industry partner, Misvik Biology Oy). These arrays will be used to validate the homing of metastatic cancer cells to distinct organ sites, as well as assessing resistance of cancer cells to a range of therapeutic interventions, in the context of particular ECM compositions. Further investigation into the components of ECM mixtures will be conducted using ECM-targeted mass spectrometry approaches, and paired with functional validation of ECM hit(s) through overexpression and knock-down/-in systems.

The successful applicant will join a dynamic team that bridges 3D in vitro systems to mouse models, validation against clinical samples. The group is located at the Meilahti medical campus, the largest biomedical campus in Finland with excellent research facilities and networking opportunities. Our research is funded by the Research Council of Finland (Academy).

Your mission

We are looking for a motivated doctoral student who is excited to undertake a challenging PhD project, with clear ambitions to forge a strong research career into the future. A strong background in one or more of the following areas will be looked upon favourably:

• Mammalian cell culture, 3D in vitro models, genome editing and/or mouse animal models
• Proteomics, functional genomics, single cell omics methods, transcriptomic and/or epigenetics
• Advanced microscopy, such as FLIM, FRET, FRAP, FLIP, super-resolution and/or confocal  
• Bioinformatics and/or image analysis approaches

The successful candidate will be part of a funded project and initially be supported to establish the ECM arrays with assistance from the PI and team. As the project develops, the candidate will be encouraged to develop their own ideas and explore new research directions that will support their transition to an independent career. Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with strong communication skills in English. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to co-mentor master’s students, as they gain sufficient confidence in the laboratory.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.

What we offer

Join our dynamic research team and become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. We provide exceptional training and mentorship to help you advance in your ambitious scientific career. Our lab fosters a collaborative and enthusiastic environment, leveraging our extensive international scientific networks. This position offers unique opportunities to broaden your research connections. You will engage impactful research aimed at uncovering the underlying mechanisms of cancer metastatic progression.

The salary will be based on the University salary scheme for research and teaching staff. The starting salary will be ca. 2 600 – 3 000 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The salary will guarantee a high quality of life in Helsinki.

Employment is expected to start on December 1st 2024, or agreed, as a fixed 2-year position, with a possibility of prolongation. A 6-month trial period will be applied.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

Please send your application with following enclosures:

1. A complete CV, including previous and current positions, academic distinctions, teaching and community outreach work, along with any publications where you are listed as a co-author.
2. A motivation letter for conducting a PhD in the lab, with a focus on how you will tackle the question of how the ECM mediates resistance to cancer therapies, and how high-throughput screening using spot arrays could help us to address this phenomenon (one page, 11 pt font, 2 cm margins, refereneces not included in the page limit).

The closing date for applications is 11th of October 2024.

Candidates will be contacted for interviews after the application deadline, with interviews conducted between the 4th and 8th of November 2024.

For further information on the position, please contact Dr. James Conway: james.conway (at) helsinki.fi.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

About us

The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master's Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine.

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.

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