The University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland. With about 15 000 students and approximately 3 000 employees it is a vibrant international scientific community. By combining multidisciplinary research and education, high-level infrastructure and wide cooperation with international research and educational institutes, companies and the public sector it has created a significant research and innovation hub of “Science with an Arctic Attitude”. More information https://www.oulu.fi/university/.

The Postdoctoral Researcher position is located at Biocenter Oulu https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/  and the Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine in the University of Oulu (https://www.oulu.fi/medicine/ ). The Faculty of Medicine, an integral part of the Kontinkangas Life Sciences Campus, is situated next to the University Hospital of Oulu. The campus is a unique combination of partners in research, education, health services and business.

Subject field and the description of the position

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the Breast cancer genetics and functional modelling teamlead by Adjunct Professor Katri Pylkäs and Professor Robert Winqvist at Biocenter Oulu and the Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine. The team aims to elucidate previously unknown genetic risk factors for breast cancer, and to resolve the molecular mechanisms leading to breast cancer predisposition and subsequent malignant conversion. Large patient cohorts collected form the genetically isolated Northern Finnish population are used for genetic analysis with the latest sequencing technologies. For functional modelling, various genomics and transcriptomics approaches are used combined with gene editing, biochemical assays and cell culture based disease modelling.

Requirements

The successful applicant must hold a PhD in a relevant field, preferably related to bioinformatics, genetics, genetic epidemiology or molecular biology. Candidates with solid knowledge in genetics and demonstrated working experience either with high-throughput sequencing data analysis or cell culture based functional modeling will be considered. Experience in writing scientific publications and potential in acquiring supplementary funding will be taken as merits.

The details of the research project will be mutually agreed upon, based on the qualifications, interests, and expertise of the candidate.

When assessing the applicant’s qualifications, issues to be considered will include scientific publications, supervision experience, activity in the scientific community and familiarity with the research field.  As part of the researchteam, the duties may also include supervising scientific research of BSc, MSc, and PhD students. Participation in acquiring research funding is expected.

The duration of the position for 4 years, beginning on 1^st of January 2020.

A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of a contract.

Salary

The salary is in accordance with the University salary system (for teaching and research personnel) level 5 (postdoctoral researcher). In addition, there is a share increase at most, 50% of the base salary, which is based on personal achievements and performance. Typical salary for a starting postdoctoral fellow is 3300 €.

Application Procedure

The following documents must be attached to the application:

1) Motivation letter (1 – 2 pages)

2) CV with the names and contact details of 2 – 3 referees

3) Full publication list

4) Copies of relevant official degree

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by 16.9.2019. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Interview

The top candidates for the post may be interviewed and asked to present their scientific work and experience.

For further information regarding the filling of this post:

Adjunct Professor Katri Pylkäs, Project Leader, Academy research fellow, e-mail: katri.pylkas(at)oulu.fi

Professor Robert Winqvist, Project Leader, e-mail: robert.winqvist(at)oulu.fi

Tiina Hurskainen, HR Manager, e-mail: tiina.hurskainen(at)oulu.fi