Postdoctoral Researcher, Breast Cancer Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Medicine

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join our Breast Cancer Genetics team in Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Biocenter Oulu at the University of Oulu. The Faculty of Medicine, an integral part of the Kontinkangas Life Sciences Campus, is situated next to the University Hospital of Oulu. The campus is a unique combination of partners in research, education, health services and business.

About the job

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the Breast Cancer Genetics team led by Professor Katri Pylkäs. The team aims to elucidate genetic risk factors for breast cancer, and to resolve the molecular mechanisms leading to breast cancer predisposition and subsequent malignant conversion. Large patient cohorts collected form the genetically isolated Northern Finnish population are used for genetic analysis with the latest genomic technologies. For functional analysis, various genomics and transcriptomics approaches are used and combined with gene editing, biochemical assays and cell culture-based disease modelling.

The research will be conducted at the Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine. We have excellent molecular biology laboratories and instrumentation concerning the project’s needs.

• As a Postdoctoral Researcher you will work on projects involving high-throughput genomics (whole-exome/genome sequencing, optical genome mapping, transcriptomics and long-read sequencing) and population genetics.
• In these projects your responsibilities include molecular genetics laboratory work (wet lab), data analysis (bioinformatics and statistics), and participation in and supervision of laboratory work
• You will be part of a multidisciplinary research group and participate in other group’s collaboration projects. You will also participate in supervision of group’s doctoral researchers 

What we offer?

• An exiting research project utilizing the state-of-the art genomic methods.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team 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 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?

You are the person we are looking for if you have:  

• Doctoral degree in the field of genetics, molecular genetics or bioinformatics or equivalent (the degree needs to be obtained before starting of the position 1.1.2025)
• High motivation and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team
• Solid knowledge in genetics and demonstrated (thesis, publications or equivalent) working experience in high-throughput genomic data analysis (whole-exome sequencing, optical genome mapping and/or transcriptomics)
• Experience in conducting molecular genetics laboratory work
• Fluent in spoken and written English

We also appreciate

• Experience in functional genomics and gene-editing
• High-quality scientific publications, previous supervision experience and ability to acquire research funding

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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.10.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

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

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 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.

We welcome applicants from all 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 Professor Katri Pylkäs, Faculty of Medicine and Translational Medicine Research unit, katri.pylkas(at)oulu.fi