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.

Description

We now invite applications for a full-time doctoral student position in a nanophotonic biosensors group led by Assistant Professor Jian-An Huang in Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop cutting-edge surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) biosensors with ultrahigh sensitivity up to single-molecule level based on plasmonic nanostructures. The doctoral student position will focus on surface functionalization of the nanostructured biosensors to build biointerfaces between the nanostructures and biomolecules/exosomes/cells by such as antibodies, ligands, zwitterionic molecules or self-assembly monolayer of thiol for molecular capture and manipulation.

The sensors will be used in exciting projects including single-molecule sequencing, low-abundance biomarker detection in clinical biofluids, single-exosome characterization and continuous single-cell analysis. The doctoral student will be enrolled in the Health and Bioscience Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate school, which provides support in theoretical and practical training. We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities. For more information, please visit:

https://hjaohuang.wixsite.com/jianan/research

https://www.oulu.fi/mipt/

https://www.oulu.fi/cmnt/

https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/

Qualification requirements and assessment

The successful applicant must hold a Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. The applicants close to finishing their Master’s degrees will be considered eligible to apply. The selected candidate will carry out his/her doctoral studies in the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights.

Fluent oral and written English skills, good communication and teamwork skills are required. Experience in academic writing and presentation skills are required. Experience with nanoparticle synthesis, nanostructure fabrication and optical biosensors will be considered as assets. Research experience in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment will be taken as merits. Most importantly, we expect the candidate to have a high motivation to conduct high-level research.

When assessing the applicant’s qualifications, issues to be considered will include familiarity with the research field, independent working capability and prior interdisciplinary research experience.

What we offer

We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems. In addition to the team, outstanding infrastructural resources and specialized core facility service laboratories provided by Biocenter Oulu, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine will support your work so that you can excel in your research. University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research / work. Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.

Position and salary

The position is filled for a maximum of four-year period. The employment begins on 1st October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be set on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration will be given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2200 – 2800 € per month for an early stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

How to apply

Applications written in English should be submitted using the electronic application form by 29 August, 2021 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, EET) with the following attachments as separate PDF files:

1)     Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) with a short description of research merits, experience, and motivation.

2)     Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information of at least two referees.

3)     Transcript for the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4)     Certificate: scanned electronic copies of the Master degree. For the candidates who do not yet hold the Master degree, please provide: 1) an official statement from the home University attesting that the coming graduation date of the candidate is 31.12.2021 at the latest; 2) an official statement from the home University attesting that all the courses, exams and other qualifications needed for graduation have already been obtained; 3) an official statement from the home University attesting that thesis has been submitted for evaluation, and 4) a letter of support from the candidate’s Supervisor (the minimum acceptable level for supervision is assistant professor).

5)     (optional) A maximum of 3 representative publications, such as refereed journal articles and/or master’s thesis.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications sent by email will not be considered. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview, where they are expected to summarize their research experience and their motivation in applying this position.

Further information

For further information, please contact Dr. Jian-An Huang, group leader, Email: jianan.huang (at) oulu.fi

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern 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. Living in Oulu is easy – everything is only max. 20 minutes away! Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu