Postdoctoral Researcher in the Field of Human Thymus Studies
Eliisa Kekäläinen’s research group “Inborn and acquired immunodeficiencies” at the Translational Immunology Research Program at University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine invites applications for two positions of
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Our research group focuses on the human thymus which produces key immune cells, the T cells. We are looking for two post-doctoral researchers to work on a new ERC Starter Grant – and Research Council of Finland – funded projects focusing on highly multiplexed imaging and single-cell characterization of the human thymus in myasthenia gravis and during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
OUR RESEARCH
We study the human thymus with modern single-cell methods with the aim to understand how the thymus protects itself from external insults, how the thymus involutes during normal and premature ageing, and what kind of factors, such as viral infections, affect this process. We also aim to understand how and why neuromuscular autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis develops. We use primary thymic tissue samples from both immunologically healthy individuals and patients with cutting edge techniques including thymic organ cultures and different multi-dimensional single-cell methods to dissect the normal and pathological processes in the thymus.
Our group’s web page:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/inborn-and-acquired-immunodeficiencies
Our laboratory functions within the Translational Immunology Research Program:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit/translational-immunology-program-trimm
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for ambitious researchers with a PhD, a solid publication record, and strong background in one or more of the following experimental and/or computational areas:
- flow cytometry or multiplexed tissue imaging (IHC, IF, etc.)
- single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics
- working with tissue samples or in vitro organoids
We encourage candidates to develop their own projects 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 an inter-disciplinary team, where strong communication skills in English are needed. A foundational understanding and interest in immunology or other immunology-related life science fields is important. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer you an opportunity to carry out an ambitious project with good resources and advance your research career. If you are not yet an immunologist, you will have the opportunity to learn in a team that shares a passion for the human thymus and is well-connected internationally with leading human thymus - researchers. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to co-mentor doctoral and master’s students.
The employee’s well-being is top priority in our laboratory. We strive to foster a supportive, collaborative, and enthusiastic working environment that accomodates diverse backgrounds and working styles.
The appointment will be initially for two years starting from January 2025 (possibility to start earlier or later if needed) with a possibility for extension. Trial period of six months will be applied. The monthly gross starting salary will be appr. 3500-4000 € 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.
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 as a single pdf file:
1. A complete CV, including PhD thesis title and date of defense, previous and current positions, academic distinctions, teaching and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current research work (half page) and research vision for postdoctoral goals (half page)
The closing date for applications is 30.11.2024. One of the positions will be filled on a rolling basis as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed.
You can read more about working at the university on our website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.
For further information on the position, please contact Eliisa Kekäläinen: eliisa.kekalainen (at) helsinki.fi.
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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