2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship positions at MET
INTRODUCTION
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) support researchers’ careers and foster excellence in research. The action is targeted for researchers holding a PhD who are interested in boosting their careers and acquiring new skills in new international settings with the possibility of interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility.
MET Faculty
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) conducts world-class research and delivers high-quality education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine and health technology. We do internationally acclaimed basic and applied research.
We offer
For the applicants, we offer stimulating working environment, world class laboratory facilities and support in the application preparations tailored for the call (including webinars and personal coaching).
APPLYING FUNDING FOR MSCA PF
WHO CAN APPLY
- You must have a PhD degree (by 11.9.2024).
- You must not have more than 8 years of experience in research, from the date of the award of your PhD degree.
- You must not have resided or carried your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline (11.9.2024).
WHAT TO APPLY
MSCA PF grant covers 1-2 years' salary, mobility (and family) allowance for the postdoc and research costs and overheads for the host institution. Information on the salary formation criteria can be found in the MSCA work programme https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/document/marie-sklodowska-curie-actions-work-programme-2023-2024 (page 89).
HOW TO APPLY to the MET faculty
Send to the research group leader whose group you are interested to join a letter of intent containing
- max one-page description of your project idea,
- max two-page CV and
- a confirmation that you meet the above listed eligibility criteria.
Deadline for indicating interest and sending the requested material is 22.4.2024. Add MSCA-PF to the subject of your email. You can also contact the hosting PI and ask for more information before sending the letter of intent.
If there is a match between you and the intended host/supervisor and you are eligible to apply according to the MSCA PF rules, you will be invited to an online Masterclass that supports you in preparing of a competitive proposal. Masterclass takes place in May-June.
Individual researchers submit proposals for funding in liaison with their planned host organization. Proposals are judged on their research quality, the researcher's future career prospects, and the support offered by the host organization.
SCHEDULE
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Letter of intent, CV and confirmation of eligibility sent to the supervisor at the latest 22.4.2024.
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Information on whether you have matched with the intended supervisor by 10.5.2024.
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Masterclass starts 14.5.2024 (ends in June). Detailed information on the participation after the matchmaking.
- Application submission deadline to EU 11.9.2024.
For more information on
- MSCA PF: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
- Tampere University: https://www.tuni.fi/en
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology: https://www.tuni.fi/en/about-us/faculty-medicine-and-health-technology
Introduction of supervisors
Below you can find MET's research group leaders interested in recruiting MSCA postdoctoral fellows. Follow the links to see descriptions of the groups, their contact information, and the researcher profiles they are looking for.
Neuroimmunology Research Group - Academy Research Fellow Sanna Hagman
Protein Dynamics Research Group - Professor Vesa Hytönen
Micro and Nanosystems Research Group - Professor Pasi Kallio
Computational Neurosciense Group - Principal Investigator, Group Leader Marja-Leena Linne
Hematology and Oncology Research Group - Professor Olli Lohi
Cancer Regulation and Immunology research group - Adjunct Professor Kirsi Rautajoki
Celiac Disease Research Center - Professors Teea Salmi and Katri Lindfors
Seppälä Lab – Precision Medicine in Abdominal Cancers - Associate Professor Toni Seppälä
Wireless Identification and Sensing Systems Research Group - Professor Leena Ukkonen
Genomic Regulation for Precision Cancer Medicine Lab - Senior Research Fellow Alfonso Urbanucci
Functional RNAomics laboratory – Associate Professor Minni Änkö
Neuroimmunology Research Group - Academy Research Fellow Sanna Hagman
Neuroimmunology research group has a primary focus on investigating the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Primarily, we are interested in revealing the neuroinflammatory mechanisms of the CNS-resident cells, astrocytes and microglia, in MS.
Our research projects utilize stem cell technology by modeling brain cell functions and developing an in vitro human cell culture disease models. Our projects are focused on modeling the role of astrocytes and microglia on the inflammatory environment and their crosstalk to peripheral immune cells and neurons in MS. We utilize in our research standard 2D monocultures, tricultures and microfluidic chip techniques. The group is affiliated to the Centre of Excellence in Body on-Chip Research.
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in stem cell technologies within the field of neurology or with background in MS research, including work with animal models or clinical approaches of MS.
Contact Sanna Hagman for further information: sanna.hagman [at] tuni.fi (sanna[dot]hagman[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/neuroimmunology/
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, stem cell models, hiPSC, microfluidics, microglia and astrocytes
Protein Dynamics Research Group - Professor Vesa Hytönen
Mechanical signals guide cellular functions including differentiation, cell motility, cell metabolism and organization of the cytoskeleton. Protein Dynamics research group explores how force-induced conformational changes in proteins contribute for mechanosignaling. We utilize computational methods to predict the response to mechanical load at atomistic level, cell biology to reprogram cellular mechanoresponse and photoswitchable proteins to investigate the kinetics of cellular response. We also develop novel hydrogel materials to enable investigation of the contribution of cellular microenvironment for mechanosignaling. We are especially interested in studying the mechanisms associated with cancer mechanobiology.
We are looking for outstanding candidates who have an interest in exploring the mechanisms behind cellular mechanoresponse. The possible project may build on computational modeling, cell biology and optical microscopy or on organoid biology. Our group offers multidisciplinary environment with wide expertise and technical support.
Contact Prof. Vesa Hytönen for possible projects: vesa.hytonen [at] tuni.fi (vesa[dot]hytonen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's webpage: https://research.tuni.fi/protein-dynamics/
Keywords: mechanobiology, protein structure, conformation, cancer, organoid, hydrogel, photoswitch
Micro and Nanosystems Research Group - Professor Pasi Kallio
Micro and Nanosystems Research Group, headed by Professor Pasi Kallio, performs research on microfluidics, microsensors, microfabrication and microrobotics.
We combine knowledge of automation and control engineering with microsystems and nanotechnology in order to develop novel functional systems in organ-on-chip research and micromechanical testing of fibrous materials.
In organ-on-chip research, we focus on modulating and monitoring the oxygen environment in organ-on-chip devices. Furthermore, we have integrated microfluidic perfusion, microelectrode arrays and image- based measurements with oxygen modulation and measurement devices, and have developed such chips for example for epilepsy, neural innervation, vascular co-cultures and cardiac ischemia.
In micromechanical material testing, we have developed automated microrobotic measurement concepts for tensile strength measurements, ellipsometric microfibril angle measurement and fibre-matrix interface measurement. The aim is to further enhance the automation level by utilizing image-based measurement and machine learning concepts.
We are looking for:
- Candidate who has background on organ-on-chip technologies including expertise either on clean room fabrication or on numerical modelling and simulation
- Candidate who has background in microrobotic manipulation and its automation and is willing to apply the expertise in fibrous material testing
Contact Pasi Kallio for further information: pasi.kallio [at] tuni.fi (pasi[dot]kallio[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/mst/
Keywords: microfluidics, microsensors, microfabrication, microrobotics, organ-on-chip
Computational Neuroscience Group - Principal Investigator, Group Leader Marja-Leena Linne
Recent findings suggest that glial cells play a crucial role in brain information processing, cognition, and overall human behavior. The Computational Neuroscience Group at Tampere University develops mathematical and computational models to describe brain functions. Our current focus lies heavily on representing the complex interactions between neurons and astrocytes. Our goal is to achieve a detailed understanding of the cell-biological mechanisms through which astrocytes interact with neurons, generating brain activities observable on different time scales and spatial dimensions. The models we develop are strongly based on experimentally measured data, and we collaborate with multiple laboratories in Europe. We are involved in the large-scale EBRAINS Digital Brain Infrastructure project (https://www.ebrains.eu/).
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with expertise in computational modeling of brain cells in the field of neuroscience. An interest and prior background in glial cells would be advantageous.
Contact Marja-Leena Linne: marja-leena.linne [at] tuni.fi (marja-leena[dot]linne[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/computational-neuroscience/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjaleenalinne/
Introductory news article about the research group and the leader: https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/marja-leena-linne-aims-unravel-mysteries-brain
Introductory cartoon animation about the research group (in Finnish): https://tiedevideot.fi/laskennallinen-neurotiede-virtuaalinen-laboratorio-aivojen-ymmartamiseksi/
Keywords: neuron-astrocyte interactions, brain, plasticity and learning, computational modeling.
Hematology and Oncology Research Group - Professor Olli Lohi
Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in childhood. Although the prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved during the past decades, certain subtypes of B-ALL and relapsed T-ALL exhibit poor prognosis. Moreover, chemotherapy causes significant short- and long-term adverse effects and new treatments are needed. The HemoRes group performs genome-wide analyses on patient samples, explores the molecular mechanisms of leukemogenesis by utilizing cell lines and zebrafish models, and develops new strategies for the treatment of patients, particularly those with slow therapy response and resistant subclones.
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with background in wet lab, and good skills in bioinformatic tools to investigate high risk leukemias with poor early therapy response and resistant diseases.
Contact Olli Lohi for further information: olli.lohi [at] tuni.fi (olli[dot]lohi[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/hematology-and-oncology/
Keywords: genomics, molecular and cellular biology, leukemia, pediatrics, pathology and zebrafish animal modelling
Cancer Regulation and Immunology Research Group - Adjunct Professor Kirsi Rautajoki
Cancer Regulation and Immunology Research Group (PI: adjunct professor Kirsi Rautajoki, Ph.D.) investigates how immunosuppression is generated and maintained in brain tumor microenvironment as well as how altered epigenetic and gene regulation drives malignancy and cell plasticity by hijacking regulation in normal stem cells. We also develop novel methods to utilize DNA-methylation for brain tumor diagnostics and follow-up. Our research focuses on brain tumors, especially glioblastoma, other diffuse gliomas, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs), as well as prostate cancer. The group is composed of both computational and experimental researchers, and we have expertise in a wide range of epigenetic, gene expression, single-cell, and spatial analysis methods. We work closely with clinical experts and mainly utilize patient samples and in-house generated patient-derived cell cultures in our research. The group is a part of Prostate Cancer Research Center (PCRC), FICAN-MID Tays cancer centre, Brain & Mind network, and is active in associations, such as Finnish Brain Tumor Research Association (FiBTRA) and Scandinavian Society of Neuro-oncology (SNOG).
We are looking for applicants who have experience that fits or complements our group's research and who are interested in performing a postdoctoral research period in the group.
Contact Kirsi Rautajoki for further information: kirsi.rautajoki [at] tuni.fi (kirsi[dot]rautajoki[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's web pages: https://research.tuni.fi/cri
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RautajokiLab, https://twitter.com/KirsiRautajoki
PCRC web pages: https://research.tuni.fi/pcrc
Introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh2XP2fw7NU
Keywords: cancer immunology, epigenetics, gene regulatory networks
Celiac Disease Research Center - Professors Teea Salmi and Katri Lindfors
Professors Teea Salmi and Katri Lindfors are research group leaders in Celiac Disease Research Center (CeliRes) that conducts multidisciplinary research to benefit medical community and patients with celiac disease (CD), a dietary gluten driven enteropathy. A hallmark of CD is its’ heterogenous manifestations and the disease is also present outside the gastrointestinal tract. One of the best described extraintestinal manifestations is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a skin manifestation characterized by pruritic bullous rash. DH affects approximately 10% of the patients and it is thought to arise as a consequence of unrecognized and thus untreated CD. One of the research focuses of Salmi and Lindfors is to identify factors (environmental genetic, immunological) that drive the development of DH.
We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join this research line. Particularly applicants with expertise in methylome analysis are welcomed. If you have experience that fits with this scope and you are interested in performing a post-doctoral research period in the group. Send your letter of intent to Professor Katri Lindfors (katri.lindfors [at] tuni.fi).
Contact Katri Lindfors for further information: katri.lindfors [at] tuni.fi (katri[dot]lindfors[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the research center's website: https://research.tuni.fi/celires/
Keywords: celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, pathogenesis, methylome
Seppälä Lab – Precision Medicine in Abdominal Cancers - Associate Professor Toni Seppälä
Our surgical oncology -led multinational group of 16 people has focus on clinical and translational aspects of gastrointestinal cancer research. Two wetlabs, bioinformatic infrastructure, multi-centre tissue acquisition and clinical trial protocols in place enable high-volume use of patient-derived organoids, circulating tumor DNA, and a wide range of molecular omics data on normal-referenced primary tumor tissue. High-throughput platforms for ex vivo drug sensitivity and resistance testing facilitate near-direct clinical applicability of the bench findings in trials. Ongoing foundation and state research fundings provide continuing support for activities, and good international connections inspire collaboration and ensure wide dissemination of results. From translational perspective, we aim at driving precision cancer management in the clinical practice. For those more inclined to basic research, our special attention is in the carcinogenetic mechanisms of hereditary cancer and microsatellite instability.
We are looking for bioinformatically oriented laboratory researchers with good basic understanding of cancer research technologies.
Contact Toni Seppälä for further information: toni.seppala [at] tuni.fi (toni[dot]seppala[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/precision-medicine-abdominal-cancers/
Keywords: colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lynch syndrome, organoid, ctDNA
Wireless Identification and Sensing Systems Research Group - Professor Leena Ukkonen
Contact Leena Ukkonen for more details: leena.ukkonen [at] tuni.fi (leena[dot]ukkonen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/wise/
Keywords: implantable antennas, wireless biomedical sensors, body-centric wireless communications
Genomic Regulation for Precision Cancer Medicine Lab - Senior Research Fellow Alfonso Urbanucci
The lab is researching and developing new clinical precision medicine-based approaches to prognosticate and treat prostate cancer.
In the combined wet and dry lab we study chromatin dynamics , gene regulation , and bromodomain-containing proteins to understand their involvement in carcinogenesis and drug resistance. We apply single cell technology and spatial transcriptomics to profile prostate cancer and we model the tumor microenvironment in vitro. We also research new ways to enhance the effect of radiotherapy as a treatment for cancer patients and as a mean to boost the immune system.
The Lab is part of the Prostate Cancer Research Centre and we have many collaborators in US and Europe which open up possibilities for lab exchanges and future opportunities. We focus primarily on prostate cancer but we are also interested in other cancers so if you can bring in ideas for a project that fits with our expertise or bring in new expertise that will help us in our understanding of prostate cancer you are mostly welcome to do so and get in touch.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly intrinsicly motivated, scientifically curious postdoc, with problem solving attitude both in independence and within the team, well organised and dynamic, with creative thinking.
- The applicants must have a PhD with a topic in one of the following areas: bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular or cell biology or similar
- Advanced interest in understanding the tumor microenvironment with wet and/or dry lab skills
- Understanding of computational biology and some knowledge in R
- Experience in one of the following topics will be considered a plus: machine learning analysis of scRNA-seq or ST data /knowledge of genomics /pathway biology/ (cancer) immunology /(statistical) data analysis
Contact Alfonso Urbanucci for further information: alfonso.urbanucci [at] tuni.fi (alfonso[dot]urbanucci[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/grpc/about/
Keywords: chroprostate cancer, chromatin dynamics, gene regulation, bromodomain-containing proteins, drug resistance, bioinfomatics, computational biology, molecular or cell biology
Functional RNAomics Laboratory – Associate Professor Minni Änkö
Cellular RNAs are critical regulatory points in gene expression with extensive uncapitalised potential in biomedicine. The Functional RNAomics laboratory studies the role of RNA-protein interactions, RNA structures and RNA localisation in gene regulation. By determining how RNAs are orchestrated in different cell types, we aim to gain critical insights into how aberrations in the RNA machinery result in genetic disorders and cancer. RNA is emerging as a powerful and easily adaptable therapeutic molecule as exemplified by the rapid development of effective mRNA vaccines but a detailed knowledge of RNA regulation in cells is a prerequisite to realise the full potential of RNA-based therapeutic and diagnostic development.
We integrate cell biology with mechanistic studies and various innovative omics approaches to reveal how RNA complexes form and function in healthy and malignant cells, with a current focus on distinct blood lineages and colorectal cancer. We welcome postdoctoral researchers with previous expertise in cell, molecular or computational biology to join our team.
Contact Minni Änkö for more details on potential projects: minna-liisa.anko [at] tuni.fi (minna-liisa[dot]anko[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/functional-rnaomics-laboratory
Keywords: RNA biology, gene regulation, bioinformatics, cancer, RNA therapeutics