Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Neurodegeneration

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a two-year term from 1 November 2024 onwards (or as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application by 16 September 2024.

Role and salary 

The Molecular Neurodegeneration Lab (Haapasalo Lab) at the A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with high motivation, great team work abilities, and strong skills in iPSC work and/or electrophysiology. This position is part of a Research Council of Finland-funded SeekFTD project combing basic and clinical research that aims to clarify molecular mechanisms of early synaptic dysfunction, generate new, non-invasive diagnostic tools for clinical practice to aid accurate early diagnostics and personalized treatment, and to evaluate novel intervention prospects for frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be involved in studies using iPSC-based neuron and neuro-microglia co-culture models to explore molecular mechanisms of synaptic alterations in FTD at the structural and functional level and the role of neuron-microglia interactions in these. SeekFTD is a translational project that also involves close collaboration with clinical researchers, offering excellent options for the Postdoctoral Researcher to work and network in the interphase of cellular and patient-focused research. The data collected in both the iPSC models and patients will be synergistically used to understand the basis of FTD pathogenesis and discover novel early biomarkers and therapeutic approaches for FTD.

The position is offered as a two-year appointment. The position is filled for a fixed-term due to it pertaining to a specific project task. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.  

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 5–6 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary will be approximately EUR 3,500-4,500 €/month.
 
Our requirements and expectations 

We invite applications from talented individuals with strong previous expertise and skills in working with iPSC-based model systems and/or electrophysiological techniques. We welcome applicants who are highly motivated and passionate about strongly contributing to the research of FTD and neurodegeneration. 

Requirements

• A PhD. or equivalent in a field relevant to the proposed project.
• Research Experience: Demonstrable experience in research, preferably within the field of neurodegeneration research or a closely related area.
• Skills: Proficiency in iPSC models, molecular biology, cell imaging and/or electrophysiological methods.
• Publications: A strong track record of publications.
• Communication: Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.
• Motivation: A passion for scientific research, problem-solving abilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the field of neurodegenerative disease research.
• Autonomy: Candidates should be capable of independent thought and decision-making, demonstrating an ability to lead projects from conception to completion.
• Supervision experience: Previous supervision experience is considered an advantage. The candidate will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD students.

Expectations

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.
• A passion for scientific research, problem-solving abilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the field of neurodegeneration.

Your benefits 

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including  

• the opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• extensive occupational health care  
• a broad selection of staff training
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services  
• affordable sports services and
• a tax-free bike benefit .

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting, meaningful and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section to learn more.

How to apply? 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 16 September 2024 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2)

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application

• CV (Template for CV , www-page)  
• a list of publications (Instructions, www-page)
• copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas  
• motivation letter: A detailed letter explaining your interest in the project, how you believe you can contribute to our objectives, and why you consider yourself a strong fit for the role

Questions? 

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Annakaisa Haapasalo, annakaisa.haapasalo@uef.fi,  +358 40 355 2768.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Secretary Tarja Salmi, tarja.salmi@uef.fi, +358 29 445 8220.

The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 580 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 800 staff members.

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 16,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.

1. Annakaisa Haapasalo, +358403552768
2. Tarja Salmi, +358294458220