Two doctoral researchers in plasmonic single-cell proteomics and machine learning bioinformatics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Two Doctoral Researchers

in plasmonic single-cell proteomics and machine learning bioinformatics to join a multi-disciplinary team led by tenure-track Assistant Professor Jian-An Huang in the research unit of Health Science and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine and research unit of Disease Networks (DN), Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu.

The Research Unit of HST is a multidisciplinary research unit that provides unique high-quality, socially influential health science and technology research and education. The Research Unit of DN is a multidisciplinary unit that aims to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying normal and diseased organ functions and thereby reveal new potential drug targets for precision medicine research.

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

You will work at Jian-An’s Biocenter Oulu project (LiveProSeq) to develop a single-molecule protein analysis technology to identify and quantify peptides and proteins from single live cell under joint supervision by Assistant Professor Vahid Farrahi and Prof. Aki Manninen. The project includes fabrication of plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopic biosensors and machine learning bioinformatic analysis of single-molecule Raman data.

Doctoral researcher 1 in biosensor fabrication has the responsibilities:

• Fabrication and microfluidic encapsulation of plasmonic nanopore or nanotube array.
• Surface modification of the biosensor to optimize cell culture.
• Cell electroporation and molecule extraction from live cells.
• Molecule fragmentation and analysis of the extracted molecules.
• Collaborate with Doctoral researcher 2 and other team members for the Raman spectroscopic measurements on the biosensor.

Doctoral researcher 2 in data analysis has the responsibilities:

• Raman spectroscopic measurements on the biosensor together with the doctoral researcher 1 and other team members.
• Development of machine learning algorithms to analyse the Raman spectra for sequence reconstruction.
• Development of a bioinformatic algorithm to predict, search and identify biomolecules.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic HST and DN research units 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?

We expect from you:

Doctoral researcher 1 in biosensor fabrication:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering or related field.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Essential are experience in micro-/nanofabrication approaches (e.g. Nanosphere lithography, photolithography, nanoimprint, or Focused Ion Beam) and cleanroom equipment (e.g. physical vapor deposition of metals and dielectrics, Reactive Ion Etch).
• Experience in optical sensor developments will be considered a plus.

Doctoral researcher 2 in data analysis:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data science, Bioinformatics, Computational biology or related field.
• Solid knowledge of programming and data science.
• Essential are experiences in machine learning data analysis or algorithm development.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Experience in Raman spectroscopy and measurement will be considered a plus.

We also appreciate

• Experience in peer-review publishing in international journals as a significant plus.
• Demonstration in leadership and team working e.g. collaborating actively with other team members in the same projects or on similar topics.
• Experience in other academic tasks, such as course works, teaching activities and funding applications.
• Experience in working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Please see also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.01.2024 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:

1. CV with publication list, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) that describes your motivation, how your expertise is relevant to the research projects and your career plan without repeating your CV.
3. Transcript and Certificates/Diplomas, Scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc and BSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
4. Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation.
5. Other relevant attachments.

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.

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, Research unit of Health Science and Technology, Jianan.huang@oulu.fi