Doctoral Researcher in automatic nanopore biosensors - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Doctoral researcher in automatic nanopore biosensors

to join a multi-disciplinary team led by tenure-track Assistant Professor Jian-An Huang in the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu to develop novel automatic nanopore biosensing devices with single-molecule sensitivity for the application of protein sequencing. Jian-An holds a PhD degree in physics and materials science and the position of Academy Research Fellow (2022-2027) to develop single-molecule protein sequencing technology.

Jian-An's group combines plasmonic nanostructures (nanotube, nanopore, nanopillar) with molecular manipulation methods for single-cell, single-particle and single-molecule biosensing toward digital healthcare and personalized medicine. We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities. For more information, please visit:

• https://www.oulu.fi/cmnt/
• https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/

About the job

Your main duties will be resistive pulse measurements, analysis and automatic control of translocation of single biomolecules (DNA or protein) through solid-state nanopore devices for the single-molecule protein sequencing project. Fabrication and encapsulation of the nanopores will be handled by other group members. The aim is to combine electric control with Raman spectroscopy on plasmonic nanopores towards single-molecule Raman spectroscopic sequencing and analysis.

As a highly motivated candidate, you should have experience in the field of patch-clamp amplifier, solid-state nanopore sensors, or active-feedback control by digital techniques such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or microcontroller.

What we offer?

• The support of a multi-disciplinary and enthusiastic team of 10 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 here.
• 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.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

• You must have a M.Sc. degree in Microelectronics, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science or related fields.
• You should have good written and verbal English skills similar to the level of IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 per each section).
• Ability to pursue independent research, work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and supervise junior students are essential.
• Experience in patch-clamp amplifier, electric resistance pulse sensing, or digital electronic device (e.g. FPGA or microcontroller) are essential.
• Experience in machine learning or multivariate data analysis will be considered a plus.
• Research experience in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment will be taken as a merit. Most importantly, we expect the candidate to have a high motivation to conduct high-level research.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for maximum of four years starting earliest on 1.11.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary of selected doctoral researcher 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 2400 - 2500 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis. 

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 30.09.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

• CV with contact details of 2 referees. A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing how your expertise is relevant to the research of automatic nanopore biosensors as well as your career plan.
• Certificates/transcripts: Scanned electronic copies of certificates and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English.

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

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Jian-An Huang: Jianan.huang@oulu.fi