PhD in 3 years: Doctoral Researcher in ImmuDoc – doctoral school pilot training

We are now looking for a highly motivated and talented

Doctoral Researcher

to join us at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, whose mission is to perform internationally significant research and to deliver high-level undergraduate and post-graduate education in the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular medicine. The Faculty's research focus areas are cell-extracellular matrix, protein science and cellular regulatory and metabolic networks and related diseases. The Faculty has collectively about 200 employees and about half of them are from abroad .

In this position, you will participate in the national 1000 doctorates pilot program. As a partner in the program, 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

The National Doctoral Education Pilot Based on Immune system (ImmuDoc) drives breakthroughs in immunology research and its applications in diagnostics and drug development, and educates experts in immunological research to combat the substantial economic and societal burdens the immune system malfunction represents. The University of Oulu opens 1 position starting 1 August 2024. The research topic of this position is: Targeting T cell metabolism for novel treatment of inflammation.

The details of the research project will be mutually agreed upon, based on the qualifications, interests, and expertise of the candidate. Candidates with expertise on immunology and solid knowledge and working experience with cell biology or molecular biology will be considered.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent degree in life sciences. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply provided their Master's or equivalent degree is finished by 31.7.2024.
2. 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).
3. Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.
4. Good communication and teamwork skills are required. Finnish language skills are also appreciated.
5. Priority will be given to candidates with training or working experience in immunology.
6. Your experience with animal work is preferred

The chosen doctoral researcher 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.

What we offer

• A wide variety of support services allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• A competitive salary paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• 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 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. 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.

Position and salary

The doctoral researcher selected in the pilot programme will by default be offered a three-year (36 month) fixed-term full-time employment contract by the University of Oulu. The position is available for a highly motivated and talented researcher wishing to undertake and complete training for a research-focused doctoral degree, starting 1.8.2024 at the earliest. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

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 1 612 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 20.5.2024 (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 applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here. Letter should also include potential specific interests in ImmuDocs at the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.
3. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, including a list of any peer-reviewed scientific publications (with full reference details). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity at https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
4. Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should contain information about the background and significance of the research (you can use the Impact Helper tool), a description of the intended objectives and methods, and a preliminary schedule.
5. A valid certificate of language proficiency.

Note:

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.

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 all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and linguistic, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr Zhi Chen, Associate Professor, e-mail: zhi.chen(at)oulu.fi.