Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Cancer Cell Biology and Genetics, Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Applications are invited for full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher

position for a maximum of four years, starting at the earliest on 01.01.2024 in a Biocenter Oulu research project "The ECM control of the prostate cancer genome" led by Professors Aki Manninen and Gong-Hong Wei at the Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.

Description of the Project

The aim of our project is to characterize the molecular mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment regulates the genome organization and epigenetic status of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. A specific focus will be put on the role of α6β4-integrins in mediating mechanical regulation of chromatin organization in the nucleus. The function of super enhancer regions harboring multiple PCa risk-associated genetic variations will be investigated in order to better understand how the region contributes to genomic regulation of PCa-promoting transcriptional programs.

The postdoctoral researcher will work together with our multinational team and will learn to utilize 3D cell culture models, prostate cancer patient-derived organoids, xenograft-mouse models, advanced microscopy techniques, viral CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic engineering as well as other molecular cell biology methods and functional genetics/genomics/bioinformatics approaches.

What we offer?

• Exciting research project and excellent multidisciplinary research environment
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team and broad scientific network where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Development and career options of the big organization. FBMM is highly international (~50% of the roughly 200 employees at the faculty are international). Biocenter Oulu and the FBMM has put a great effort towards building a cutting-edge research infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art instrumentation for imaging, gene-modified mice, X-ray crystallography, and quantitative biochemistry. The Faculty has extensive collaborative national and international networks including Biocenter Finland and the ESFRI projects Instruct, EuroBioimaging, and Infrafrontier.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• 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.

What we expect from you?

• We are looking for ambitious, highly motivated candidates who have enthusiasm and ability to work hard both independently and as a team member to tackle challenging problems to achieve common goals.
• Doctoral degree in a relevant field (must have been completed by 31.12.2023)
• Documented experience in experimental research is required; previous experience in cell biology, cancer genetics, functional genomics or mouse model is appreciated but not essential
• Ability to fluently communicate in English. Both spoken and written English skills are required.
• All our researchers also teach. For postdoctoral fellows this typically means teaching/supervision in practical laboratory courses for undergraduates, supervision of doctoral students/undergraduates in the laboratory. Could also include lecturing.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for maximum of 4 years as of 01.01.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.12.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter shortly describing your motivation to apply for this position
   
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland  
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. 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 Prof. Aki Manninen, email: aki.manninen(at)oulu.fi or Prof. Gong-Hong Wei, email: gonghong.wei(at)oulu.fi

 Text edited 24.11.2023: Call deadline extended to 10.12.2023