Doctoral Researchers in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Drug Discovery - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Three Doctoral Researchers

to work on the projects in protein ADP-ribosylation who have interest in Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Drug Discovery.

Position

Protein and structural biology is one of the three research focus areas of the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The Faculty provides a dynamic research surrounding and cutting-edge research infrastructure services to academics and other users in Finland and abroad. It has about 190 employees (including doctoral researchers) of which about half are from outside of Finland.

The host research team also belongs to Biocenter Oulu, which offers a high-level international multidisciplinary environment supplied with cutting-edge infrastructures. Under this framework, the Health and Biosciences Doctoral Program (HBS-DP) offers doctoral training in clinical medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular medicine, dentistry, health sciences, and medical technology. 

We have now an opening for 3 fixed-term, full-time doctoral researcher positions in research projects headed by Professor Lari Lehtiö and by Dr Albert Galera Prat in the Protein and Structural Biology research unit. The doctoral studies are expected to be completed in four years.

Our team focuses on structure, function and selective inhibition of ADP-ribosyltransferases, also known as PARPs. These proteins are involved in signaling through ADP-ribosylation – a post-translational modification affecting protein stability, function, and interactions in multiple cellular pathways. Our goals are to discover and develop inhibitors targeting ADP-ribosyltransferases as well as ADP-ribosylhydrolases to be used as tools to study ADP-ribosylation events and also as potential anti-cancer and anti-viral drugs. We also study how the multidomain PARPs function and are regulated by addressing several key questions in their oligomerization, protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions.

The successful candidates will work on understanding PARP activation and use structural information for rational design to develop specific inhibitors. Protein X-ray crystallography is our main tool used to understand structure-activity relationships of compounds and we use a range of biochemical, structural and biophysical methods including CryoEM and single molecule techniques to study PARPs function. As there are multiple positions, the projects can be somewhat tailored on the skills and interest of the recruited researchers. 

More information
Web pages: https://www.oulu.fi/en/research-groups/structural-and-chemical-biology-adp-ribosylation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lablehtio

Supervisors will be professor Lehtiö (Biocenter Oulu Spearhead project, 2 positions) and Dr Galera Prat (Academy of Finland Fellowship project, 1 position). The projects are focused on studying the activation mechanism of PARPs via interactions with other macromolecules with also aspects on inhibitor development. Additionally, the researchers are expected to contribute to other synergistic projects of the team.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 10-15 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To successfully occupy a position, you must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) preferably in biochemistry or related fields. Degree must have been completed with good grades or strong evidence for graduation before the appointment must be demonstrated.

The position is intended for an Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) who is defined as a researcher in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of his/her research activity, including the period of research training. Applicants will be either starting their doctoral training or will have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. The selected candidate will carry out his/her doctoral studies in the HBS-DP of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS requirements. 

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.01.2024 (2 positions) or 01.03.2024 (1 position) or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 08.11.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following in pdf format:

1. Cover letter describing also prior knowledge and research interests and career plans
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Lari Lehtiö (lari.lehtio-at-oulu.fi) or Dr Albert Galera Prat (albert.galera-at-oulu.fi.).