Postdoctoral Researcher in plasmonic nanopore biosensor fabrication and development

Applications are invited for a full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher in plasmonic nanopore biosensor fabrication and development 

position for a maximum of three years, starting at the earliest on 01.04.2025 in a multidisciplinary project “Next Generation Molecular Sensing” that aims to develop single molecule biosensors by integrating artificial cells, biological vesicles, molecular cell biology, plasmonic nanopores with AI data analysis.

The 5 topics of the project will be led by Professors Caglar Elbuken, Seppo Vainio, Aki Manninen, Jian-An Huang, and Simo Saarakkala as a consortium who are leading experts in their respective fields and have complementary expertise ranging from nanotechnology, biosensors, optics, microfluidics, molecular cell biology and organoid technology.

Assistant professor Jian-An Huang with strong expertise in single-molecule plasmonic biosensors will be the main supervisor for biosensor fabrication and development in this call and expect to get feedback from all the PIs. The teams come from two faculties (the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and the Faculty of Medicine) but they are all located in close proximity to each other.

Description of the position

The main task of the postdoctoral researcher will be fabrication and characterization of plasmonic nanopore , nanotube biosensors on silicon nitride membranes and glass nanopipettes as well as measurement of ion currents and Raman spectroscopy of the biological samples (molecules, liposomes and cells) on the biosensors. The fabrications will be firstly based on Jianan's published protocols and then improved to fit the needs of the project, such as single-cell analysis. The bio-nanopore interfaces, such as molecule bond on nanopores or cell culture on nanopores, and data analysis will be handled by other researchers, discussed and solved together in the consortium. You will work together with our multinational team and have access to the state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities.

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. Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Faculty of Medicine are highly international (~50% of the roughly 200 employees at the faculty are international). University of Oulu 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 teams have 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 here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• 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 competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

What we expect from you?

• We are looking for an ambitious, highly motivated candidate who has enthusiasm and ability to work hard both independently and as a team member to tackle challenging problems to achieve common goals.
• Doctoral degree in in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science or related field.
• Ability to pursue independent research, work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and supervise younger scientists are essential.
• Strong experience in micro-/nanofabrication approaches (Focused Ion Beam) and cleanroom equipment (e.g. photolithography, physical vapor deposition) as demonstrated in publications are essential.
• Experience in patch-clamp amplifier measurement, or nanopore resistive pulse sensing will be considered a plus.
• Ability to fluently communicate in English. Both spoken and written English skills are required.
• While your main task is research, we expect you to contribute to group management, teaching and supervision of graduate students in Jianan group.

Salary

• The position is fixed-term for three years as of 01.04.2024 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. 3500-4000 € per month (before taxes) depending on qualifications and experience.  
• A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 18.03.2025 (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 Research Council of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas: a photocopy of your doctoral degree certificate
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 Dr. Jian-An Huang, email: Jianan.huang@oulu.fi.