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.

We now have two openings for 4-year Doctoral student positions in microfluidics and biosensors group, led by Prof. Caglar Elbuken in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Oulu.

Description:

The microfluidics and biosensors group, led by Prof. Caglar Elbuken (https://www.oulu.fi/fbmm/caglar_elbuken) develops nanoengineered self-assembling artificial vesicles. Our research is at the intersection of science and engineering focusing on extracellular vesicle isolation technologies, artificial cells and viscoelastic fluids. Artificial vesicles and protocell research have gained traction by a bottom-up approach in understanding nature’s complexity.

Our goal is to engineer individual lipid and polymer stabilized vesicles to enable the self-assembly of 3D structures. We aim to understand and tailor the dynamics of individual liposomes or polymersomes using microfluidic approaches. The successful candidates will join the microfluidics and biosensors group at the University of Oulu. The group performs interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, biochemistry, chemistry and material science.

The students will be provided training on the design, manufacturing and implementation of microfluidic systems. The doctoral student is enrolled in the Health and Bioscience Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate school, which provides support in theoretical and practical training. The position is fixed-term for 4 years in an Academy of Finland-funded project and it targets to completion of a Doctoral thesis and multiple publications in high-ranked international journals.

Required Qualifications and assessment

The successful applicants must hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, bioengineering, biophysics, or a related field. The applicants close to finishing their Master’s degrees will be considered eligible to apply. The start of the position will be possible after the completion of a Master’s degree. Fluent oral and written English skills, good communication and teamwork skills are required. Experience in academic writing and presentation skills is required. Experience with material synthesis is an asset. Research experience in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment will be taken as merits.

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

What we offer

We offer a place in a multidisciplinary, experienced research group working on cutting edge research problems. 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 (https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/). You will be provided opportunity to collaborate with industry, an interdisciplinary research environment, free occupational health care provided by the university and the benefits of the Nordic welfare state. 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 October 1^st, 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

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, supplementary remuneration will be given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2200 – 3000 € per month for an early stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis.

How to apply

Applications in English must be submitted using the electronic application form by September 4^th, 2021 (23:59Finnish local time, EET), with the following attachments as separate pdf files:

1) CV with contact information of at least three referees

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

3) Diplomas: Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees. For the candidates who do not yet hold the M.Sc. 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) a letter of support from the candidate’s Supervisor with expected thesis completion date (the minimum acceptable level for supervision is docent / assistant professor).

4) (optional) A maximum of 3 selected publications (refereed journal articles and/or master’s thesis)

Applications should be submitted through the online system.

Other relevant information
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 for this position.

Further information:
Prof Caglar Elbuken, group leader, email: caglar.elbuken (at) oulu.fi

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries, 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 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