The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher position on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a three-year term from 1 October 2023 onwards (or as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application by 4 August 2023.
Role and salary
As our new Doctoral Researcher in the Cardiovascular Genomics Lab (Kaikkonen Lab) you will be working at the A.I.Virtanen Institute in the Faculty of Health Sciences. This opportunity invites dedicated and ambitious individuals with a passion for combating Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease to join our prestigious team.
The focus of the PhD project is to decode the molecular mechanisms responsible for the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerosis (more info), a key driver of disease progression. As a doctoral researcher, you will be entrusted with the following key responsibilities, under the support and guidance of our experienced senior personnel:
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Optimising an innovative in vitro model which reflects the contractile and synthetic states of VSMCs.- Utilising genome-wide CRISPR screens to systematically disrupt genes, with the aim to identify factors that promote proatherogenic phenotypic changes in VSMCs.
- Validating the candidate genes identified through functional phenotypic assays.
- Collaborating with team members to analyse and interpret experimental data.
- Keeping up to date with relevant literature and scientific advancements in the field.
- Presenting research findings at scientific conferences and writing manuscripts for publication.
The position will be filled for a 3-year term from 1 October 2023 onwards (or as agreed). The position is filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project task and doctoral dissertation work. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.
The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 2–4 on the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary will be approximately EUR 2,400-3,265 /month.
Our requirements and expectations
We invite applications from talented individuals who are highly motivated and passionate about making a transformative impact in cardiovascular research. Desired requirements and expectations include:
Requirements
- A Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry,
- good knowledge of atherosclerosis, vascular biology, or related disciplines,
- practical experience in cell culture techniques, molecular biology methods, and/or genetic manipulation tools (e.g., CRISPR),
- prior experience in conducting independent research projects is preferred but not mandatory
- basic level proficiency in data analysis and interpretation (e.g. R),
- excellent English communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of an international team.
Expectations
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.
- A passion for scientific research, problem-solving abilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the field of cardiovascular genomics.
Your benefits
- opportunity for flexible multi-location work
- extensive occupational health care
- broad selection of staff training
- staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
- affordable sports services and tax-free bike benefit
Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.
You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting/meaningful/diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.
Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.
How to apply?
Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 31 July 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3)
Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application
- CV (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
- copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
- motivation letter: A detailed letter explaining your interest in the project, how you believe you can contribute to our objectives, and why you consider yourself a strong fit for the role.
- contact information for 2-3 referees.
Questions?
For further information on the position, please contact Professor Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, tel. +358 29 445 4156, minna.kaikkonen@uef.fi
For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR-secretary Tarja Salmi, tarja.salmi@uef.fi, +358 29 4458220
The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 580 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 800 staff members.
The University of Eastern Finland, UEF, is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We have a staff of 3,200 members, and our academic community comprises around 16,000 degree students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and in Kuopio. Our research is ranked among the best in the world in several fields. We generate research-based knowledge and make it openly accessible for the benefit of all. To learn more about our university please visit our website at www.uef.fi/en. On our website, you’ll also find information about the university as a work community and as an employer (https://www.uef.fi/en/article/one-university-a-thousand-stories), as well as our employees’ career stories (https://www.uef.fi/en/career-stories).
Työsopimuksen voimassaolo: määräaikainen työsopimus | Työsuhteen luonne: kokoaikainen | Paikkojen lukumäärä: 1 | Työllisyysaste: 100 | Paikkakunta: Kuopio | Maakunta: Pohjois-Savo | Maa: Finland | Ilmoitusnumero: 2347/01.01.03/2023 | Yhteys: Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä +358403552413, Tarja Salmi +358469236724, | Julkaistu: 2023-06-13 | Haku päättyy: 2023-08-04
