Postdoctoral Fellowship in Spatial Biology and Multiomics
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Spatial Multiomics
Are you passionate about the tumor microenvironment and spatial biology in cancer? Join us and experience Finland, the happiest country in the world! In Helsinki, you will find an international dynamic culture combined with an excellent quality of life close to nature and with the cleanest air in the world.
Our research
A postdoctoral position around tumor microenvironment and spatial omics analysis is now open in Anniina Färkkilä’s lab (www.farkkilab.org), located at Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland. The lab is part of the Research Program for Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, and FIMM, Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences.
The overall goal is to discover how the tumor cells evade the immune system in ovarian cancer, with prospects of leading to major scientific breakthroughs and successful translation of the findings into clinical trials. We have collected a unique dataset from more than 500 patients in the prospective Oncosys-OVA study. This dataset includes multi-omics, multi-site spatial profiling data, along with whole exome- and RNA-sequencing, highly multiplexed imaging, and curated clinical data. Our multidisciplinary team has also developed experimental and functional models to validate findings emerging from the data, generating a unique environment to drive translational scientific discoveries with high clinical relevance. We have demonstrated optimizing and clinically implementing a genetic biomarker for ovarian cancer patients, that is currently used for centralized national testing in Finland (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36581696/).
Our lab received a prestigious ERC grant in 2022 and has received steady funding from e.g. the Research Council of Finland, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, and the Cancer Foundation Finland. We also actively collaborate with esteemed research institutes globally, including Harvard Medical School and Netherlands Cancer Institute.
Your mission
This position is perfect for someone aspiring to become a future group leader. We seek a candidate with expertise in imaging, spatial biology, transcriptomics, or proteomics. You will spearhead the development of innovative spatial biology and proteomics methods, contributing to high-quality translational research. The project details will be customized to align with your skills and interests, aiming to find the intersection between your expertise and our research focus.
Requirements: PhD degree in
- Histopathology
- Image analysis
- Tumor biology and immunology
- Bioinformatics
- Single cell, spatial or proteomics
What we offer
We are an interdisciplinary team dedicated to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes. Our flexible, collaborative approach prioritizes efficient teamwork and fosters a vibrant community, with various activities showcased on our lab's Twitter account (https://x.com/systemtumor).
Joining us means engaging in a dynamic research culture with exceptional training and mentorship to support your ambitious career goals. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team, mentor students, contribute to impactful publications, and gain leadership experience. This postdoctoral role provides a solid foundation for future career advancement.
Our lab's collaborative atmosphere and global scientific networks drive research that directly aligns with clinical and immuno-oncological fields, focusing on translating discoveries into clinical biomarkers for patient benefit. We do not use animal models in our work.
The position is available from January 2025 onwards depending on the selected candidate’s availability. The project offers an initial fixed-term contract of three years, with a trial period of six months. A monthly salary and benefits according to the Helsinki University standards will be applied ranging from 3700 to 4000€ per month guaranteeing a good quality of life in Helsinki.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.
Internal applicants (current employees of the University of Helsinki) should submit their applications using the "Employee Login" button.
Please include the following enclosures:
- Cover letter including three referees (max. 1 page)
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Publication list
For further information contact Anniina Färkkilä: anniina.farkkila(at)helsinki.fi
Application deadline is December 11th, 2024.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender, age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
About the Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine promotes high-quality scientific research and provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology, and logopedics, as well as an international Master's Programme in Translational Medicine. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organization in the healthcare sector and contributes to ethical discourse in the field.
Together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), the Faculty of Medicine constitutes an academic medical centre recognized for excellence in international comparisons.
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