Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Molecular Biology), Fhaive

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in Molecular Biology. The position is full-time and will be filled for a fixed-term period of two years.

FHAIVE is a multi-disciplinary research group directed by Prof. Dario Greco, consisting of over 30 scientists. FHAIVE is a GLP accredited laboratory and is the Finnish national reference laboratory for the EURL-ECVAM validation network (NETVAL) for alternative methods to animal testing. The mission of FHAIVE is to develop and validate integrated approaches (IATA) and models for chemical safety assessment and drug development by integrating advanced in vitro techniques along with AI-based data analytics and predictive modelling.  

FHAIVE focuses on advancing the fields of systems toxicology and predictive pharmacology using big data modelling, knowledge graphs, and machine learning algorithms. We have a unique combination of expertise that spans systems biology, toxicology, cheminformatics, and bioinformatics. Our vision is to merge state-of-the-art predictive toxicology and pharmacology with advanced in vitro cell culture models to address some of the major challenges arising in chemical safety assessment and drug development. FHAIVE currently receives funding from the Academy of Finland, the EU (HE, H2020, Green Deal, ERC, and IMI2 programs), the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Finnish Red Cross, the Finnish Government, the Erkko Foundation, and the European Research Council (ERC Consolidator).

Job description

We are seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a solid background in Molecular Biology to join our team to work on the ERC Consolidator Project ARCHIMEDES. 

The main tasks include:

• Developing high-throughput molecular assays to monitor epigenetic changes upon chemical and drug exposure
• Designing and optimising high-throughput PCR and sequencing-based assays from in vitro experiments
• Developing high-throughput experimental pipelines by using advanced pipetting robot facilities.

Highly valued skills are:

• A strong background in Molecular Biology and epigenomics
• Knowledge of qPCR and DNA sequencing data analysis and modelling 
• Knowledge of dose-dependent analysis
• Knowledge of cell biology techniques
• Knowledge of in vitro (human models) toxicology and pharmacology.

Requirements

The ideal candidate holds a PhD degree in an applicable field of Molecular Biology or related subject area and has demonstrated (through published articles) the required competence. Please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested.

Skills required by successful applicants for this position:

• Dynamic and positive thinking
• Curiosity
• Critical thinking and ability to interpret experimental results
• Good collaboration and teamwork skills 
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Good time and task management
• Independent work capability
• Supervision ability.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, and boldly forward-looking community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be filled from May 1st, 2024, or as mutually agreed. The position is a fixed-term period of two years. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job demands and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on the job demands levels 5-6. A typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is approximately 3500 EUR/month. 

We offer our team members to be part of an enthusiastic and dynamic work environment, possibility to expand collaborative network both nationally and internationally as well as cutting edge publications in top journals. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows all team members to expand their research network and exposes them to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research. 

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University and working in Tampere, Finland.

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is March 18th, 2024 (at 23:59 EET / UTC+2). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format only.

Please attach the following documents to your application: 

• Curriculum vitae (according to TENK guidelines) 
• List of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelines
• A research statement
• A cover letter including the contacts of at least two referees

For more information 

Should you have any questions regarding to the job requirements, please contact: 

Professor, Dario Greco, dario.greco@tuni.fi           

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:

HR Specialist, Arika Kutllovci, arika.kutllovci@tuni.fi