Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Cell-Biology / Pancreatic Islet Biology

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of a

 

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

 

The position is immediately available in the Chandra group located in the laboratory of Emeritus Professor Timo Otonkoski within the STEMM Research Program of the Faculty of Medicine.

 

OUR RESEARCH
The project is funded by the European Union and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, to investigate the mechanisms of beta cell death in type 1 diabetes using pluripotent stem cells.

 

Recent Publications from the Laboratory:

  • The type 1 diabetes gene TYK2 regulates β-cell development and its responses to interferon-α
    V. Chandra, H. Ibrahim, C. Halliez, R.B. Prasad, F. Vecchio, O.P. Dwivedi, ... Nature Communications 13(1), 6363 (2022)
  • Functional, metabolic and transcriptional maturation of human pancreatic islets derived from stem cells
    D. Balboa, T. Barsby, V. Lithovius, J. Saarimäki-Vire, M. Omar-Hmeadi, ... Nature Biotechnology 40(7), 1042-1055 (2022)

 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates with a PhD, expertise in experimental cell-biology, islet biology, and CRISPR-Cas-mediated genetic editing in stem cells are preferred. Experience in stem cell-derived islet generation, single-cell transcriptomics and bioinformatics is advantageous but not mandatory.

 

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

 

WHAT WE OFFER
The position is funded until end of 2026, with the possibility of extension based on project progress. Trial period of six months will be applied. The monthly gross starting salary will be appr. 3700 e/per month depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

 

In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Please read more at 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 (max 1 page) and the following appendices:

  1. Motivation letter (max. one page)
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  3. Contact information of two referees who can provide a reference letter upon request

 

The closing date for applications is 17.3.2025 but the position will be filled on a rolling basis as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Therefore, send you application soon.

 

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Vikash Chandra: vikash.chandra (at) helsinki.fi.

 

Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed.

 

 

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.

 

Research Programs Unit (RPU) of the Faculty of Medicine consolidates demonstrated research excellence, with focused research programs addressing the greatest challenges in human health: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit.

 

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Open position

Due Date:  17.3.2025
Unit:  Faculty of Medicine
Sub-unit:  Research Programs Unit
ID:  3851

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