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 October 2023 onwards (or as agreed) with the option to extend for an additional 1–2-year. Please find more information below and submit your application by 4 August 2023.
Role and salary
We are seeking a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team to investigate the mechanistic changes in ASCVD and develop improved risk prediction models. ASCVD is a leading cause of death worldwide, and early identification of individuals at high risk is crucial for preventing severe clinical events such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Current risk prediction models have limited accuracy as they are built on prevalent risk factors, rather than considering genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of ASCVD. We aim to capture these missing aspects of ASCVD risk by leveraging the predictive ability of genetic variation provided by the world’s largest meta-analysis of GWAS for ASCVD and introducing new disease mechanism-based stratification. Read more about us: Cardiovascular Genomics (Kaikkonen lab) - UEFConnect
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the following three key aspects of the project, based on their personal interests and aspirations.
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Mapping the transcriptomic and epigenetic effects of risk variants through single-cell multiomics profiling of a large collection of human atherosclerotic tissue samples.- Inferring disease-associated genes, gene-gene interactions, and gene regulatory networks using an innovative approach that leverages the power of CRISPR technology.
- Developing and refining functionally informed polygenic risk models, benchmarking them against traditional risk prediction models to ensure predictive accuracy.
This role offers a broad scope, accommodating interests in various domains, including wetlab procedures, computational work, or a blend of the two, providing a unique opportunity to shape your career trajectory in a manner that resonates with your professional ambitions.
The position will be filled for a 2-year term from 1 October 2023 onwards (or as agreed). 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 of 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 on 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 3,465-4,483 €/month.
Our requirements and expectations
We invite applications from talented individuals who are highly motivated and passionate about making a transformative impact in cardiovascular research. The desired requirements and expectations include:
Requirements
- Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent: degree in a relevant field such as Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Biology, or a related discipline.
- Research experience: Demonstrable experience in research, preferably in the field of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease or a closely related area.
- Skills: Proficiency in cell culture techniques, molecular biology methods, genetic manipulation tools (e.g., CRISPR), single-cell multiomics profiling, or computational biology would be beneficial.
- Publications: A strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Communication: Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
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 cardiovascular genomics.
Your benefits
- opportunity for flexible multi-location work
- extensive occupational health care
- 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 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 and meaningful 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 on our website to learn more.
How to apply?
Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 4 August 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3)
Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application
- CV (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)
- a list of publications (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
- 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
- a brief proposal (1-2 pages): outlining a potential direction of investigation within the project's framework. This doesn't necessarily define your research direction, but it allows us to evaluate your approach to research.
Questions?
For further information on the position, please contact Professor Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, tel. +358 29 445 4156, minna.kaikkonen@uef.fi
For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR-secretary Tarja Salmi, tarja.salmi@uef.fi, +358 29 4458220
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 one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We have a staff of 3,200 members, and our academic community comprises around 16,000 degree students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and in Kuopio. Our research is ranked among the best in the world in several fields. We generate research-based knowledge and make it openly accessible for the benefit of all. To learn more about our university please visit our website at www.uef.fi/en. On our website, you’ll also find information about the university as a work community and as an employer (https://www.uef.fi/en/article/one-university-a-thousand-stories), as well as our employees’ career stories (https://www.uef.fi/en/career-stories).
Työsopimuksen voimassaolo: määräaikainen työsopimus | Työsuhteen luonne: kokoaikainen | Paikkojen lukumäärä: 1 | Työllisyysaste: 100 | Paikkakunta: Kuopio | Maakunta: Pohjois-Savo | Maa: Finland | Ilmoitusnumero: 2346/01.01.03/2023 | Yhteys: Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä +358403552413, Tarja Salmi +358469236724, | Julkaistu: 2023-06-13 | Haku päättyy: 2023-08-04
