Turku region with its 320,000 people, former capital and a major urban area in Finland, is located in the southwestern Finland. A leading hub for technological development and economical growth, Turku has a rich cultural history and is the gateway to a most beautiful archipelago.

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education. The University of Turku is ranked in the top 1 % of universities in the world.

The University of Turku is strengthening its research and education in technology. We are now looking for innovative professionals who want to join us in building a new strategic area of ​​expertise at the University of Turku.

We are looking for an assistant / associate professor (tenure track) in the field of biotechnology based systems. The vacancy will be filled by agreement.

The successful applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term associate / assistant professorship (tenure track) depending on their previous academic merits. For the position of assistant professor, we seek proactive researchers and teachers beyond their post doc phase yet still at their early academic career, and who already have a proven track record of scientific research. For the position of associate professor we seek experienced and internationally renowned experts who already have excellent publications record and success in acquiring external research funding. We expect that candidates are active members of academic and societal networks and have contacts with businesses. For all positions, we require an active approach and genuine enthusiasm for teaching and the development of education.

For the position of assistant / associate professor (tenure track) in biotechnology we are looking for an expert in biotechnology based systems, who has strong knowledge in in vitro diagnostic assay methods and test systems and has experience on related research and teaching. In the selection we emphasize a proven international track record of scientific research and teaching experience in the field.

In addition to a proven track record of scientific research and teaching experience, we require proof of success in acquiring external research funding and collaboration with industry. Knowledge of the Finnish university education in technology and skills in Finnish language are considered as assets.

The post is placed at the Biotechnology section of the Department of Biochemistry, where the research is directed to in vitro diagnostics related biotechnology based systems and molecular biotechnology utilized in them. The research includes both basic and applied research with main focuses on fundamental research on diagnostics and novel biomarkers for early diagnostics, point of care diagnostics and rapid tests, environmental and food diagnostics, molecular engineering of binder proteins, and new assay technologies and luminescent reporters.

The tenure track assistant / associate professorship is related to expansion of the technology education and strengthening the technology profile of the university. The assistant / associate professor is expected to develop and organize the biotechnology education in technology and strengthen the biotechnology research in in vitro diagnostic assays, their validation and in test systems. Previous research collaboration with clinical researchers and health technology companies are considered as an advantage. Also, constructive visions of the development of biotechnology education are considered positively in the assessment.

The duties of the professor include conducting and supervising scientific research, teaching – including supervising Master and PhD students, staying up-to-date with the most current scientific developments in the field, and participating in societal interaction and international cooperation in the field. The professor is expected to co-operate with other research groups, to form and lead his or her own research group and to obtain external research funding at both domestic and international level. In addition, the professor will be actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education and their development, and also deal with the assigned university administration duties. The professor must have experience as a supervisor and be willing to participate in training supporting supervisory work.

The qualification requirements of the position are written in the University of Turku rules of procedure.

For information about the tenure track system of the University of Turku visit: Guidelines for the the tenure track system at the UTU.

For applying and general information about recruitment process of a professor /assistant and associate professor at the University of Turku visit: Important Information on Applying

The salary for this particular post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel (YPJ). The salary shall be determined when drawing up the employment contract. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.

Applications must be submitted on Monday 4th of May 2020 at the latest via the electronic application form of the University of Turku; link to the application system at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). For the position, please contact professor Tero Soukka. Any practical issues may be discussed with Faculty Services Manager Merja Fehlig, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

 Working in Finland

We also welcome you cordially to our multicultural working community. In case you are arriving to Finland for the first time, we are offering you a good orientation support.

Please learn more about the culture and people:

• Working culture  https://www.infofinland.fi/en/living-in-finland/work-and-enterprise/finnish-working-culture

• This is Finland https://finland.fi/

• See how it is to work at the University of Turku https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkZ7cMoJbSE&list=PLSmJtlSQuvVJLoW484Z7CjYhiKqDPK4rm&index=3&t=0s