PhD in 3 years: Doctoral Researcher in Computational Cancer Biology, ECM-Hypoxia Research Unit

We are now seeking for a highly motivated and talented

Doctoral Researcher in Computational Cancer Biology

to join the education pilot in precision cancer medicine (iCANDOC) in the research group of Associate Professor Valerio Izzi at the University of Oulu.

In this position, you will participate in the national 1000 doctorates pilot programme which supports the completion of a doctoral degree within three years. As a partner in the programme, the University of Oulu is dedicated to ensuring you have a carefully planned and guided doctoral research experience which will be tailored to support your career plans, enabling you to continue into demanding expert positions in the changing job markets in industry, the public sector and academia.

Job description

Cancer initiation and progression depend on the interplay between heterogeneous tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), consisting of various types of stromal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research focuses on understanding the composition and roles of tumor ECM compartments (niches) in modulating cancer cell phenotypes and fates, cancer progression and therapy resistance, at the systems biology level.

The Izzi group (https://github.com/Izzilab) is a leader in developing computational tools for the analysis of ECM in high-dimensional, multi-modal data. As a doctoral researcher in our group, you will participate in developing machine learning/AI algorithms to deconvolute the connections between ECM niches and functional cancer cell states at the single-cell, spatial, and proteomics level. Expectedly, these algorithms will help identifying druggable ECM targets in cancer, which will be validated in our cellular and in vivo cancer models.

As a member of our group, you will access a network of numerous national and international collaborations, which will expose you to state-of-the-art methodologies for ECM research and offer rich opportunities for internships, mobility, and further career development after completion the PhD in three years. The Izzi group is part of the ECM-Hypoxia research unit with six internationally strong research groups.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Master’s or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics, data analysis, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, medicine, or related fields
• Excellent command of R and/or Python and advanced knowledge of machine learning and deep learning
• Experience with big data analysis (bulk and single-cell RNASeq, proteomics, spatial methods are considered an advantage)
• Basic knowledge of cancer cell biology
• Fluent in written and spoken English language
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Full dedication on the research project and ability to meet project deadlines

We also appreciate

• Previous experience in teaching
• Experience with Shinyapp development
• Experience with cell culture and wet lab-based cancer research projects
• Please see also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

Qualification requirements

The chosen doctoral researchers will also be expected to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Eligibility for study rights will be evaluated during the job application process. We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Must hold a master's degree or equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in bioinformatics, biostatistics, data analysis, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, medicine, or related fields
2. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply provided their Master’s or equivalent degree is finished by 1.1.2025
3. Must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e. at least 60 % of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis)
4. Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.

What we offer

• A dynamic research environment which promotes personal and professional growth as a scientist The support of two experienced, enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research teams.
• A low hierarchy structure focused on teamwork and constant discussion flow.
• An inspiring international research atmosphere and smooth entry to national and international ECM research networks.
• Structured, interdisciplinary doctoral training.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• 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.

Position and salary

Doctoral researchers selected in the pilot programme will by default be offered a three-year (36 month) fixed-term full-time employment contract by University of Oulu. These positions are available for highly motivated and talented researchers wishing to undertake and complete training for a research-focused doctoral degree, starting 1.1.2025 at the earliest. The selected applicants are expected to start their project no later than 1.2.2025. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

The salary of the selected doctoral researchers will be paid monthly. 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. 2500-2800 € per month (before taxes).  

The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1612 hours per year, which gives the doctoral researchers freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 30.9.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is a good fit for this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
3. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity. At the end of the CV, the applicant must include a list of peer-reviewed scientific publications with full reference details. The number of pages of the publication list doesn’t concur to the max. 2 page-limit of the CV.
4. Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should mostly contain information about the planned use of algorithms (which? why? how?) to tackle the research questions mentioned in the Job Description section. The ability to envision how the use of such methodologies could advance the study of ECM niches in cancer is considered an advantage. Applicants to this position are encouraged to contact Prof. Valerio Izzi and Dr. Ritva Heljasvaara before and/or while preparing this document.
5. A valid certificate or other demonstration of language proficiency.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated according to the suitability of the candidate and the proposed research plan for the job description, competence, motivation, commitment and career plan. Applicants with excellent records in these areas will be invited to an online interview where the above criteria as well as professional experience and language proficiency will be reviewed. All candidates will be scored jointly by Prof. Valerio Izzi and Dr. Ritva Heljasvaara and the best candidate will be offered the position. All applicants will be informed at the different steps of the process.

Further information

For further information, please contact Valerio Izzi (valerio.izzi@oulu.fi) or Ritva Heljasvaara (ritva.heljasvaara@oulu.fi)