Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Cancer Microbiome through the NORPOD program
This project aims to identify the spatial genetic and adaptive dynamics of tumour microbiome in colorectal cancer. To do so, we will integrate single-cell genomics, transcriptomics and clinical data using unique novel mouse models, spatial technologies and analytical methods.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Cancer Microbiome through the NORPOD program
NORPOD is a collaborative postdoctoral program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. The partnership is a network of four national research centers across the Nordics and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), with complementary research expertise at the forefront of molecular medicine research. With the NORPOD program, the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to foster the next generation of researchers in molecular medicine by implementing joint postdoctoral research projects to nurture strong competences and research excellence.
FIMM is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Najumudeen lab, in collaboration with Chinmey Dwibedi’s group at MIMS, Umeå, through the NORPOD program.
Summary of the project
The post-doctoral project aims to uncover genetic and adaptive mechanisms of the tumour associated microbiome in colon cancer (CRC) and its metastasis to distant organs. The goal is to identify microbial strain specific differences in CRC-associated strains using matched oral, normal and tumour samples and their clinical impact. The aim is to validate these CRC-associated strains using state-of-the-art organoid cultures and novel in vivo mouse models to assess their influence on tumor growth and metabolic rewiring in driving CRC. Finally, we will move beyond correlations to identify functional microbial changes with comparative microbial genomics, indels and SNPs. Our groups have relevant expertise in the above technologies, for example Rafa lab’s expertise in in vivo cancer biology, mouse and organoid models and Dwibedi lab’s expertise in human microbiome genomics and microbial adaptive evolution.
Tasks
The tasks will include one or more of the following:
• Characterization and gene editing of cancer organoid cultures
• Use of genetically engineered mouse models to understand microbial adaptations
• Analyzing the cancer microbiome from clinical patient samples
• Computational analysis and integration of functional microbial genomics datasets from next-generation sequencing methods.
• Supervision and teaching of students and technicians in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.
• Writing own grant applications
Skills, expertise and/or qualifications
• A PhD degree in any relevant field of life sciences
• Successfully completed PhD with documented publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Documented research experience in one or more of the following fields: cell or cancer biology, functional genomics and/or transcriptomics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Ability to work independently as well as operating as a team player in multi-disciplinary projects is a must, and willingness to supervise students and staff is important. Prior experience in the following is considered a plus: 3D organoid cultures, any experience with in vivo mouse models, knowledge about analysis of omics datasets and relevant programming languages (Python, Perl, R). A good understanding of molecular biology, genomics experiments and bioinformatics is expected. Candidates with proven track record in terms of publications will be given preference.
Research group descriptions
Najumudeen lab has expertise in in vivo colorectal cancer biology using spatial omics methods using preclinical mouse models of colorectal cancers. Dwibedi lab’s expertise in computational human gut associated strain genomics and microbial adaptive evolution will guide the identification and genomic analysis of CRC-associated strains. This collaboration merges advanced microbial genomics with cancer biology, going beyond current state-of-the-art microbiome studies, enabling a comprehensive exploration of microbiome-driven tumor modulation and potential therapeutic targets.
Implementation
The NORPOD Fellow will be employed at the Najumudeen Lab (FIMM, University of Helsinki, Finland). To promote collaboration between the two labs, this position will involve short stays at Dwibedi’s group at MIMS, Umeå. Successful candidates are expected to travel between the labs to conduct work required for the research project, foster synergies and advance our goals. Expenses related to the research visits will be covered.
Contract & salary
The job is for a fixed term of 2.5 years. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. Salary will depend on the applicant's level of skills, knowledge, and abilities and is based on the university salary system. The starting salary will be ca. 3,600 – 3,900 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience and including a salary component based on personal performance. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for University employees.
Selection process:
• Application deadline: August 15th, 2025
• First interview with shortlisted candidates: By September 25th, 2025
• Second interview of top candidates with an independent selection panel: October 13-17th, 2025
• NORPOD Fellowships will be awarded based on the recommendation of the selection panel, with an expected start date of: Late 2025/early 2026
How to apply: The application should include (i) two-page CV, (II) a one-page motivation statement for applying for this position, (iii) contact information of at least one reference (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number) who has agreed to provide a written statement on behalf of the applicant.
To apply, please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for job. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through SAP Fiori https://msap.sap.helsinki.fi.
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The University of Helsinki is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world.
The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research unit focusing on human genomics and personalized medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki - a leading Nordic university with a strong commitment to life science research. As part of Academic Medical Center Helsinki in Meilahti campus FIMM collaborates locally with the Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and National Institute for Health and Welfare. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community.