Postoctoral Researcher in Systems Epidemiology, Population Health, Faculty of Medicine

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us at the Systems Epidemiology section of the Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu.

About the job

This position is for an individual to take part in the leading team of senior researchers to develop quantitative metabolomics methods utilising NMR technologies and spectroscopy. You would need long-term experience and extensive knowledge in

• scientific research in relation to NMR spectroscopy of human body fluids
• human metabolism and molecular constituents in various human body fluids
• large-scale epidemiological applications
• high-quality scientific publishing

Your responsibilities would include

• running and maintaining a modern NMR laboratory with various spectrometers
• various sample preparations for biomedical NMR analyses
• carrying out extensive sample analyses with NMR spectroscopy
• coordinating large-scale international scientific projects

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic small team in which 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.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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. 
• 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, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed in and enjoy this position, you would need long-term experience in scientific research in relation to NMR spectroscopy of human body fluids in large-scale epidemiological applications. In more particular, we expect from you: 

• A doctoral degree in natural or medical sciences
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Good IT skills
• Good communication skills and capability for teamwork
• Experience in developing sample preparation protocols for high-throughput NMR metabolomics applications for various biological samples (urine, serum/plasma, feces, saliva)
• Detailed knowledge of metabolic contents of human and dog urine, serum/plasma and serum/plasma lipid extracts, feces and saliva
• Understanding of the specific characteristics of the aforementioned biological sample materials and biological relevance of the metabolites present in each sample type
• Expertise on quantum mechanical and total line shape fitting spectral analysis for urine, serum/plasma, feces and saliva sample NMR spectra
• Expertise on using 8-channel JANUS automated workstation (Perkin Elmer) and the related WinPREP software for high-throughput biological NMR sample preparations
• Experience on high-throughput experimentation on 500 and 600 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometers including know-how on NMR spectrometer troubleshooting, automated experimental protocols (SampleJet) and cryo-technology
• Experience in project management and laboratory coordination in large-scale NMR metabolomics studies

We would also appreciate:

• Capability for student supervision with previous experience
• The Finnish “Docent” qualification and/or similar qualities of the publication record
• First and last author publications in leading scientific journals
• Finnish language skills

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 1.1.2025 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). The starting gross salary will be approx. 4200-4500 € per month (before taxes).  

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 18.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter (max one A4 page)
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
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 Professor Mika Ala-Korpela (Systems Epidemiology section of the Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu) via email: mika.ala-korpela@oulu.fi