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 Arctic Attitude”. More information http://www.oulu.fi/university/.

The position is located in the Research Unit of Biomedicine, the Faculty of Medicine https://www.oulu.fi/medicine/.The Faculty of Medicine is 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

Our research group focuses on nuclear receptors sensing chemical environment. In the current project we aim to understand the role of the environmental xenosensor PXR as a disease mechanism and therapeutic target in metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease and hypercholesterolemia. This project uses methods of experimental biomedical research.

The research group is international and has strong experience on research training. We have modern, up-to-date research environment and are supported by external research funding from the Academy of Finland and the European Union. The group is also a spearhead project of the Biocenter Oulu.

For more information see:

https://www.oulu.fi/university/researcher/jukka-hakkola, https://www.oulu.fi/university/focusarea/lifelong-health/spearhead-projects/hakkola-hukkanen, https://www.oulu.fi/mrc/research-groups/hakkola-hukkanen

The current position is funded by the Academy of Finland. The details of the research project will be mutually agreed upon, based on the qualifications, interests, and expertise of the candidate.

The duration of the position is 2 years. The starting date is January 2021, or as soon as possible.

Required Qualifications and assessment

To successfully occupy the position of a doctoral student, the candidate must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. MD/licentiate) preferably in biochemistry, molecular or cell biology, pharmacy, medical science or other related life science fields.

Fluent oral and written English skills as well as good communication and teamwork skills are required. Experience with animal work, bioinformatics, cell and molecular biology or pharmacology and toxicology are regarded as an advantage. Previous scientific publications, activity in the scientific community and familiarity with the research field are considered as merits.  

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

Salary

The salary of the selected doctoral student will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2 – 4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration is given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2200 – 2700 € per month for an early stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis.

 Application Procedure

The following documents must be attached to the application in Finnish or English

1) Motivation letter (1 – 2 pages) (Please write in English)

2) CV with publication list (if any) and the names and contact details of at least two referees

3) Copies of relevant official degree

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by Nov 9th, 2020. 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 more information

Please contactprofessor Jukka Hakkola, jukka.hakkola@oulu.fi