Postdoctoral researcher to study T-cell response in cancer in Molecular Systems Immunology Group at Turku Bioscience Centre, Finland

Our research group led by Professor Riitta Lahesmaa is based at Turku Bioscience Centre (the Centre), BioCity Turku, Turku, Finland.  We are seeking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in a two-year project funded by The Finnish Research Impact Foundation. During the project the postdoctoral researcher will have an opportunity to work about half of the time also in Orion in Turku with Orion’s Immuno-oncology team.Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and the number of cases eligible for immunotherapies are steadily rising. T cells infiltrate the tumor site and launch cytotoxic responses against cancer cells. However, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment prevents anti-tumor immune responses. In this project our research group in Turku Bioscience will collaborate with the immuno-oncology team in Orion aiming at discovering novel mechanisms responsible for insufficient anti-tumor T-cell responses. Our ambition is to find new means to modulate T-cell responses and identify patients suitable for such innovative therapeutic approaches in the future. A range of methods including single-cell genomics and computational tools will be used to address the questions.

Apply between 4 July 2024 and 19 August 2024 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki). Full call text (Job ID 20435) and electronic application system can be found from the following link: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies

Who we are looking for

  • A relevant doctor’s degree in immunology, life sciences or in biomedicine
  • High level of motivation, self-initiative and independency
  • Excellent team work and communication skills
  • Excellent language skills in English (both oral and written)
  • First-rate immunology knowledge and skills with a strong background in epigenetics and molecular and cell biology
  • Strong publication record in international journals at least in one of the
    following areas: immunology, onco-immunology, autoimmunity, epigenetics.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish
universities. These positions belong to our research personnel and the
salary will be as follows:  a Postdoctoral Researcher  3450 – 3800
eur/month in average. The position starts on Jan 1st, 2025. The position
is initially for two years, with an optional extension. There is a
trial period of six months.

Please include a CV, full publication list, list of selected publications and contact information for three
references in your application.

For further information please contact: Prof. Riitta Lahesmaa, e-mail: riitta.lahesmaa (at)utu.fi .

Enquiries on the application procedure may be directed to HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi

During 87.2024 – 31.7.2024 the application enquiries will be answered by our central HR services at hr-tuki(at)utu.fi.

Benefits

  • A dynamic, international work environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
  • Flexible work hours and Nordic-style work-life balance
  • Support for continuous professional development
  • Collaborative and inclusive work culture

Description of our organizations

Turku Bioscience Centre is a joint research institute of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The mission of the Centre is to promote high quality research and training. The Centre has excellent
state-of-the-art technology platforms and expertise in single-cell omics, NGS, epigenomics, proteomics, computational biology and high-end cell imaging and cytometry.

Orion Immuno-Oncology (IO) Team led is by Dr. Anil Thotakura.  IO team is accountable for innovative drug discovery projects, identification of clinical unmet need, identification & experimental validation of potential IO drug targets within state-of-the-art laboratories and technologies.

Turku Bioscience Centre

Turku Bioscience is an advanced core facility and research centre hosted jointly by University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. Our aim is to provide complete packages of service expertise and know-how to provide both academic and corporate research groups the tools and means to shorten
the runway from an initial discovery to the take-off of a success story. To this end, we aim to stay at the frontiers of new technologies and research and we are also actively facilitating interactions and joint
projects between academia and industry.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students
and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies