The North changes the world – 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. More information: http://www.oulu.fi/english/.

We are now seeking highly competent and motivated candidates for

Three Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor Positions in the Profiling Theme FIBROBESITY – Preventing Fibrosis Related to Obesity

to strengthen our research focusing on obesity-related fibrotic pathologies.

The positions are initially for a fixed-term position for five years with potential for extension after an evaluation.

Research theme and job description

FIBROBESITY – Preventing Fibrosis Related to Obesity - is one of the three new research themes supported by the Academy of Finland PROFI6 funding (2021-2026) strengthening the strategy of the University of Oulu. Our research draws on strong multidisciplinary expertise integrating biomedical and human sciences.

The world-class research at the University of Oulu on hypoxia and extracellular matrix together with cutting-edge research on obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and other fibrosis-related diseases, combined with our unique population and patient cohort studies and state-of-the art research infrastructure, form the basis of FIBROBESITY.

FIBROBESITY strengthens and expands our research to generate impactful new knowledge of the molecular, epidemiological, clinical and behavioural basis of obesity-linked fibrosis in complex chronic diseases and unhealthy ageing. Our goal is to develop novel effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic options to combat fibrotic diseases and associated adverse societal outcomes.

FIBROBESITY responds to the medical challenges within the strategic research focus areas “Lifelong health” and “Understanding humans in change” (https://www.oulu.fi/en/science-arctic-attitude).

The new positions will be based either in the Faculty of Medicine (http://www.oulu.fi/medicine/) or the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (http://www.oulu.fi/fbmm/) at the Medical Campus of University of Oulu. The campus also encompasses Biocenter Oulu (http://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/), the Medical Research Center Oulu (http://www.oulu.fi/mrc/), and the Oulu University Hospital, and offers a unique scientific multidisciplinary ecosystem with state-of-the-art research facilities and research infrastructure services. Overall view of the research profile of our university: https://www.oulu.fi/en/science-arctic-attitude, https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/top-research

What we expect

A successful applicant can have a background in any area of the translational medicine spectrum – from basic science to clinical medicine and is expected to have exceptional accomplishments and competence in one or more of the following areas:

1. Epidemiology or genetics
2. Clinical studies
3. Molecular and cellular mechanisms
4. Model organisms and disease modelling for future therapies

We also appreciate innovative visions for interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives and a history of research mobility. The positions require excellent spoken and written English.

Our tenure track system offers a clearly defined career path for exceptionally talented researchers with a high potential to advance in their careers. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for at least scientific activities and as the overall score), in order to be recruited in FIBROBESITY.

Qualifications for an Assistant Professor position: We expect you to have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, the ability to work independently and teaching skills relevant for the position. In order to qualify as an Assistant Professor, your doctoral degree has been received a maximum of ten years ago.

Qualifications for an Associate Professor position: We expect you to have an applicable doctoral degree as well as evidence of scientific research work and the teaching skills required in the position. You must have the ability to lead a research group and acquire supplementary research funding. We also expect you to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation.

Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website including the Tenure Track guidelines.

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile research topic in an international environment and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of experienced colleagues. Furthermore, we offer the development opportunities of a big organization.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 for an assistant professor and on the levels 6-7 for an associate professor of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The EUR salary will be approximately €3500-5500 per month. The positions also include a start-up package for establishing a research project, which will be negotiated with the successful applicants.

Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare.

Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on Tuesday, 25 May 2021.

The application should be written in English. Please include the following documents:

1. Letter of motivation with contact information, stating the career level on which you would like to be evaluated at (Assistant Professor or Associate Professor)
2. Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
3. A complete list of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/. Please mark the ten most important ones, preferably with DOI identifications.
4. Brief account of research merits (max 1 page)
5. Brief account of teaching merits or a teaching portfolio (max 2 pages)
6. Complete list of acquisition of research funds
7. Brief research and action plan, including the applicant’s vision how to renovate the field of science in FIBROBESITY (max 3 pages)
8. Contact details of 2-4 persons available for recommendation

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation.

The positions are filled as of 1 January 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months is applied.

Further information and enquiries

Concerning the research related information:

Professor Olavi Ukkola, FIBROBESITY Director, olavi.ukkola(at)oulu.fi

Associate Professor Reetta Hinttala, FIBROBESITY Vice-Director, reetta.hinttala(at)oulu.fi

Concerning the application process and practical arrangements:

Docent Ritva Saastamoinen, FIBROBESITY Coordinator, ritva.saastamoinen(at)oulu.fi, +358 50 592 3333, +294 48 5226

About Finland and the City of Oulu: For the fourth year in a row, Finland has been evaluated as the world's happiest country according to the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report survey data. The capital of Northern Finland, the City of Oulu, is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life, and modern technology. The city is also known for its highly educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. The residents of Oulu enjoy the high standard of living Finland is known for, while the cost of living is still affordable in national comparison. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu