The North changes the world – more sustainable, more intelligent, more humane. We at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

Kvantum Institute is one of the four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities and doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas Sustainable materials and systems and Changing climate and northern environment. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as co-operation between groups and national and international partners.

We have two open positions at the University of Oulu: 1) a Postdoctoral Researcher and 2) a Doctoral Student in the project entitled “Production and Development of Novel Natural Nano and Micro Biomaterials and Diagnostic Technologies for Catalytic, and Bio- and Circular Economics” (BioEVEngine) project.

Description of the positions: The Postdoctoral Researcher and the Doctoral Student positions focus on research targeting the extracellular nano- and micro vesicles (EVs, exosomes) taking use of microfluidics, nanocellulose and nature derived biomaterials in developing knowledge and applications to promote excellence in science with good business potential as well. The positions will be filled with applicants that have skills to combine expertise between PIs in this interdisciplinary project. Experiences in such areas as microscale engineering, nano/biology, material sciences and molecular biology are appreciated. 

Description of the research group: The team is composed of four (4) Professor PIs, Caglar Elbuken (https://www.oulu.fi/university/researcher/caglar-elbuken), Hely Häggman (http://cc.oulu.fi/~hhaggman/members. html), Henrikki Liimatainen (https://www.oulu.fi/university/researcher/henrikki-liimatainen) and Seppo Vainio (https://www.oulu.fi/ fbmm/seppo_vainio) integrating expertise in biomedicine, genetics, botany, cellulose materials and microfluidics aiming to advance EV, exosome diagnostics/therapeutics. 

Qualification requirements:

Postdoctoral Researcher position: Doctoral degree in the field of material nano/sciences, mechanical engineering, life sciences or similar disciplines. The PhD degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago. Welook for highly motivated and dedicated person to an interdisplinary research team that develops technologies and diagnostics targeting the extracellular nano- and micro vesicles (EVs, exosomes) in nature and medicine. A successful candidate is expected have fluent English, social skills to work in the interdisciplinary joint project between four (4) PIs to advance the EVs, cellulose and microfluidic tools. Skills in biology, biochemistry, microfabrication, material science, and nano/process engineering is appreciated.

Doctoral Student position: Master`s degree in the field material nano/sciences, mechanical engineering, life sciences or similar disciplines. Welook for highly motivated and dedicated person to an interdisplinary research team that develops technologies and diagnostics targeting the extracellular nano- and micro vesicles (EVs) in nature and medicine. A successful candidate is expected have fluent English, social skills to work in the interdisciplinary joint project between four (4) PIs to advance the EVs, cellulose and microfluidic tools. Skills in biology, biochemistry, microfabrication, material science, and nano/process engineering is appreciated.

The selected doctoral student candidate will carry out her/his doctoral studies within the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in: http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

What we offer:

• You will become a part of a highly talented research group, that is working on strategically and globally significant research area
• You will be in the boundary of excellent research teams that master skills in biology, microscale engineering, material science, nanomedicine, biochemistry and molecular biology and collectively four research teams in both of the University of Oulu campuses
• Access to the state of the art research facilities
• Personnel benefits such as occupational health- and child daycare and sport services
• The 4-year positions start on January 1, 2021 or soon thereafter
• Salary is in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system: A Postdoctoral Researcher will be based on demand level 5 – 6 and a Doctoral Student level 2 – 4  and a potential for performance and evaluation based surplus (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is approx. 3400€ per month (before taxes) and for a Doctoral Student approx. 2350€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of six months will be applied.

How to apply:

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by November 1st, 2020 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

2) Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3) List of publications based on the guidelines of the Academy of Finland https://www.aka.fi/en/funding/apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines/list-of-publications/

4) A research plan, max. 2 pages (Postdoctoral researcher position only)

5) Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate (Postdoctoral researcher position) or of the original Master's degree certificate (Doctoral student position) and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

6) Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through portal will be considered.
Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Further information Professor Seppo Vainio, e-mail: seppo.vainio@oulu.fi, tel. +358 40 747 0939

City of Oulu

The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Scandinavia and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu