Post-doc/Project Researcher – Temporally-encoded signaling in synaptic integration

We are opening new opportunities to join our research team investigating the mechanisms of neurological diseases. The team develops and applies optical tools (probes and actuators), imaging and lab automation instrumentation together with proteomics analyses to acquire novel biological insight.

This project establishes methods for high-throughput monitoring of the integration of neurons into synaptically-connected circuits. The project build on proteomics data and analyses with the aim to identify druggable events leading to perturbed synaptic connectivity. The impact of protein loss associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease on the sustained integrity of the circuit is investigated.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Investigating the relation between single cell signalling networks and integration into neuronal circuits in models of synaptopathies, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Techniques include fluorescent probe and actuator design and/or implementation, viral preparation and gene transfer, human and/or rat neuronal culture, adaptation of high-throughput microscopy instrumentation, data analysis pipelines as well as integration with synaptic proteomics.
• Supervision of junior researchers and collaboration with colleagues and project partners
• Documentation and reporting

Essential qualifications

• We are primarily looking for a person who has a relevant PhD degree in cell biology, molecular neuroscience or a related field. An applicant with a Masters’ degree and fewer qualifications may alternatively be considered for a Doctoral Researcher’s position or a Project Researcher’s position. In the case of a Doctoral Researcher, the applicant is expected to apply to join a doctoral programme of the University of Turku
• Effective lab experience in neuronal cell biology, virus preparation and use (AAV & lenti), and the application of live-cell fluorescence microscopy and cell signalling methods
• Good knowledge of ImageJ/FIJI and R script development, or equivalent, for data analysis
• Good knowledge of cell signalling, molecular and cellular neuroscience especially synaptic biology
• Strong motivation, persistence, initiative and independence
• Good competence in written and spoken English

Desirable qualifications

• Strong publication record in international journals in the field relevant to the position
• Experience with use of imaging-based signalling reporters
• Experience with neuronal differentiation of iPS cells
• Experience with quantitative proteomics and corresponding data analyses
• Experience with protein expression and purification and protein interaction studies
• Good knowledge of Python and Java
• Familiarity with application of microcontroller circuits and optogenetics

Our selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the work. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication and motivation factors and other relevant criteria will be considered.

Duration of contract

The start of employments is negotiable, preferably in May-June 2023. The position is fixed-term for 24 months (negotiable), with an eventual possibility for an extension. A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions. The qualification requirements of the positions are written in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure.

A person selected for the position of Post-doctoral Researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. On the other hand, a person selected for the post of Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher is required to have a higher university degree. The degree must be completed by the end of the application period. If the person does not have a Master’s degree yet, the title will be research assistant. If the selected person already has a right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, (s)he must also have an accepted research plan. In addition, when acquiring his or her degree or otherwise, he or she is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

What we offer you

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant. The salary for a Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher will be on average 2300 – 2500 euro/month and for a Post-doctoral Researcher 3300 – 3500 euro/month on average depending on competence and experience.

Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, an extensive occupational healthcare, affordable sports services and even a holiday allowance. All these positions belong to the personnel group of teaching and research personnel and have flexible working possibilities as we support a work-life balance.

What to do next

The application period has been extended until 21st of May 2023. The applications we have already received are considered in the call.  Please submit your application through the online application system no later than 19.5.2023. Kindly use a link to the online application system https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us.

In addition, applications must have the following enclosures (in English):

1) motivation letter (max 1 page) focusing on your strengths related to our research topics

2) CV (max 2 pages)

3) copies of degree certificates

4) contact details for at least three referees (name, working place, e-mail address)

5) a list of publications, highlighting the five most relevant ones

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to biocityhrservices(at)utu.fi

About us

Read more about the team and their research

Turku Bioscience is an advanced research centre hosting, in a single site, research teams with expertise in high-end core facilities housed in this independent unit affiliated with both the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. The facilities for proteomics, screening and cell imaging the most relevant to the projects and are situated either in close proximity to or within our lab space, facilitating internationally competitive science in a stimulating, highly networked international community with more than half of the personnel having an international background. The working language is English. Supercomputer facilities at the Center for Scientific Computing (csc.fi) will also be used. More details about the departmental infrastructure can be found at bioscience.fi

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions. Read more about us as an employer on the “Come Work with Us!” page and the welcome services for newcomers

For further information about the position, please don’t hesitate to contact michael.courtney(at)utu.fi

To apply, please follow this link and select Job ID 14785

https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies