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 talented scientists for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the group of Daniela Ungureanu to work on a project focused to understand the molecular basis of chemoresistance and metabolic alteration driven by Wnt-signaling in cancers such as ovarian cancer. The research project is carried out under the FIBROBESITY programme –targeting obesity-related fibrotic pathologies. More information at https://www.oulu.fi/en/fibrohealth-combatting-fibrosis-chronic-diseases.

The faculty and the research group
Applications are invited for a full-time fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position with the current funding available for a period of three years in the Disease Networks Unit, at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (FBMM). The research group led by Daniela Ungureanu works on the Wnt-receptor pseudokinases signaling involved in cancer development and the application of functional precision medicine for targeted therapies in cancer. The research project focuses on the role of Wnt-signaling driven by receptor pseudokinases such as ROR1, ROR2 and PTK7 and its role in cancer development and chemoresistance. The main tasks for the research project include working with mammalian and patient-derived tissue cultures and performing high-throughput omics analysis.

Selected lab publications:

Karvonen et al., Oncogene 2019, PMID: 30631148; Karvonen et al, Cell Death and Disease, 2020, PMID: 32989221; Sheetz et al., Mol Cell, 2020, PMID: 32619402. 

Qualification requirements
The successful candidate for the postdoctoral position must possess a Doctoral degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry or cancer research that is completed no more than 5 years ago (excluding career breaks). The candidate should have strong laboratory skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, and high throughput methods, as proven by authorship in peer-reviewed scientific publications. Bioinformatics skills are considered an additional advantage. The selected candidate should be able to work independently as well as in a group with a drive to excel in research. Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Most importantly, the candidate is expected to have a strong motivation to conduct high-level research in molecular medicine. Demonstrated experience in local, national, and international networking, as well as potential in acquiring supplementary funding and teaching experience will be taken as merits.

What we offer
We offer a research environment with excellent technological facilities and a motivating and supporting international community at the FBMM, University of Oulu. We also offer access to state-of-the-art facilities located at Biocenter Oulu (Sequencing Core Facility, Proteomic Core Facility and Tissue-Imaging Core Facility), Finland as well as across Europe for doing cutting edge research in cancer research and precision medicine. You will be working in a highly talented research group supported by an excellent network of collaborators in Finland and abroad. University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on research work. The position is fixed-term 3-year starting at the earliest date in 2022. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Salary

The salary will be based on level 5 of the demand level chart for university-level 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, depending on the qualifications, approximately €3,500 – 3,800 per month.

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.

How to apply
Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by January 9, 2022 (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 educational background, professional experience and describing why applicant is interested in this position. A summary of the previous projects should also be included.
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 five most important ones.
4) Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation (email and phone number)
5) Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate.

Further information
For further information, informal enquires can be sent to Daniela Ungureanu by E-mail [daniela.ungureanu(at)helsinki.fi] with a subject line “Regarding postdoctoral researcher position”.

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, modern technology and vivid cultural life. Oulu has been chosen to be the European capital of culture in 2026

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