Postdoctoral fellowship in single-cell spatial multi-omics of intestinal stem cell metabolism and cancer

Are you passionate about the intestinal stem cells, metabolism and integrative multi-omics 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 based on the Research Council of Finland is provided in Rafa Najumudeen’s lab (http://najumudeenlab.com), located at Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland. The lab is part of Institute of Molecular Medicine (FIMM) and Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences.
 
We have previously discovered how cellular metabolism changes during colon cancer initiation and progression (Najumudeen, Nature Genetics, 2021) and combining multi-omics approaches can identify new targets for colon cancer (Vande Voorde, Nature Metabolism, 2023). The oncogenic status of cancer cells alters the metabolic program of cancer cells and cancer metastasis (Najumudeen, Nature Comms, 2024). One of our aims is to integrate single-cell and spatial information from spatial metabolomics and transcriptomic data to understand the metabolism of intestinal stem cells and cancer and associate the findings to clinical data using machine learning.
 
The postdoctoral fellow will perform studies on the metabolism of healthy intestinal cells and tumour initiating cells using state-of-the-art mouse models, in vivo gene editing tools, organoid cultures combined with single cell transcriptomics and single cell spatial multi-omics methods (metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics).  The candidates are expected to develop their own project with new research questions and using tools that will later support launch towards an ambitious independent career.

Our lab received a prestigious Research Council of Finland grant in 2022 and has received steady funding from e.g. Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, and Cancer Foundation. We are also being funded by FIMM, through Rafa’s appointment as FIMM-EMBL group leader. We are also part of the Centre of Excellence in Stem Cell Metabolism at the University of Helsinki, Finland. We actively collaborate with esteemed research institutes globally, including CRUK Scotland Institute, UK and DKFZ, Heidelberg.  
 
Your mission    
We are seeking an ambitious fellow with a PhD and strong background in one or more of the following fields:
•    Primary stem cell systems
•    Metabolism
•    Spatial Omics methods
•    Transcriptomics /epigenetics.
•    Experience with preclinical cancer models, mouse work are considered a benefit.

Candidates are also encouraged to start new projects and research directions. Applicants must be able to perform as part of a team as well as independently, have good social skills and communication skills in English. Basic knowledge and interest in cancer biology or metabolism are expected. Candidates are expected to co-mentor doctoral and master’s students. 

What we offer    

-   You will be immersed in the rich interdisciplinary culture of the research program. We offer excellent training and coaching towards an ambitious career.    
-   Our mentality is to maintain a highly collaborative and enthusiastic atmosphere in the Lab and exploit our rich international scientific networks. You will have a chance to expand your research connections.    
-   The research will be highly relevant within the metabolism and precision oncology area. This postdoc experience will be a solid basis for your next-level career.    -   A monthly salary and benefits according to the Helsinki University standards will be applied (around 3400-4000€/month). The salary will guarantee a high quality of life in Helsinki.
 
The position is available as soon as the selected candidate is available. The project initially allows a 2-3 year fixed-term position. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. Salary will depend upon the applicant's level of skills, knowledge, and abilities and is based on the university salary system.    

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply now button.
 
Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP Fiori portal at https://msap.sap.helsinki.fi.
 
To apply send in a single PDF
•    A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
•    A complete list of publications
•    A summary of current work (no more than one page)

Welcome with your application in English (click the ‘apply’ link), as soon as possible or no later than May 4th.