2023 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 13.9.2023).
- 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 (13.9.2023).
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
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 24.4.2023 (extended!). 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 24.4.2023.
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Information on whether you have matched with the intended supervisor by 30.4.2023.
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Masterclass starts 10.5.2023 (ends in June). Detailed information on the participation after the matchmaking.
- Application submission deadline to EU 13.9.2023.
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
Shortcuts to suitable groups and potential supervisors
MET's research group leaders currently interested in recruiting MSCA postdoctoral fellows are listed below. The links take you to short descriptions of the groups, their contact information and of what kind of researcher profiles they are looking for.
Micro and Nanosystems Research Group - Professor Pasi Kallio
Hematology and Oncology Research Group - Research Director Olli Lohi
Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Group - Associate Professor Oommen Oommen
Celiac Disease Research Center - Professors Teea Salmi and Katri Lindfors
Seppälä Lab – Precision Medicine in Abdominal Cancers - Associate Professor Toni Seppälä
Functional RNAomics Group – Associate Professor Minni Änkö
Genomic Regulation for Precision Cancer Medicine Lab - Dr Alfonso Urbanucci
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
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/mst/
Keywords: microfluidics, microsensors, microfabrication, microrobotics, organ-on-chip
Hematology and Oncology Research Group - Research Director 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: 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
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
Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Group - Associate Professor Oommen Oommen
The Oommen’s Bioengineering and Nanomedicine group focus on two key research areas:
Nanomedicine: We have developed diverse polymeric nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, plasmid DNA and siRNA delivery applications. One of the key focuses of my research is to deliver drugs to the brain for treating neurological diseases. We recently discovered that heparin-based nanoparticles penetrate blood-brain barrier and target glioma cells. We aim to expand the portfolio of biologics (nucleic acids, antibody, nanobodies etc) that could be delivered to the brain.
Complex immune in-vitro models: We also develop advanced in-vitro models by creating complex immune models that replicate the characteristics of diseased tissues and tumor microenvironments. This involves developing extracellular matrix mimetic 3D matrices that mimic the composition and mechanical properties of human tissues and are cultured with human immune cells and the target tissue cells. These 3D models simulate an organotypic human tissue microenvironment, enabling us to better understand the underlying biology of various inflammatory diseases, such as neuroinflammation, cancer, and diabetic wound healing. They also provide valuable opportunities to discover new drug targets and develop innovative treatments for these conditions.
We are looking for: We are happy to support Post Doc candidates who have relevant background in developing nanocarriers and performing in-vitro studies. Students who have experience working with immune cells and hydrogels are especially encouraged to contact.
Contact Oommen Oommen for further information: oommen.oommen [at] tuni.fi
Check out the group's website: https://webpages.tuni.fi/oommen-lab/
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2768-0133
Keywords: nanomedicine, hydrogels, tissue engineering, in-vitro model, drug delivery
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 science 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 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
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
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/precision-medicine-abdominal-cancers/
Keywords: colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lynch syndrome, organoid, ctDNA
Functional RNAomics Group – Associate Professor Minni Änkö
The Functional RNAomics laboratory studies gene regulation via RNA processing. By determining how RNA regulation is orchestrated in different cell types, we aim to crack the cellular RNA code and 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 approaches with mechanistic studies, global mapping of RNA repertoires, in-cell RNA structure analyses, RNA binding protein interactions and proteomics profiles to reveal the functional role of RNA-protein complexes in different cell lineages and in disease.
We are looking for: RNA enthusiasts with background in wet lab molecular biology and/or computational methods to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms underlying the cellular RNA code.
Contact Minni Änkö for further information: minna-liisa.anko [at] tuni.ficlass="spamspan"
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/functional-rnaomics/
Keywords: RNA biology, gene regulation, bioinformatics, cancer, RNA therapeutics
Genomic Regulation for Precision Cancer Medicine Lab - Dr 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
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
Mitochondrial functions in health, disease and adaptation - Academy Research Fellow Tiina S. Salminen and Senior Research Fellow Eric Dufour
The research groups of Senior Research Fellow Eric Dufour and Academy Research Fellow Tiina S. Salminen focus on mitochondrial functions in health, disease and adaptation.
Innate immunity & mitochondria: We study the reciprocal influence of mitochondrial energy metabolism and innate immune system at a cellular and organismal level, in particular in models which have adapted to different thermal conditions.
Our research groups use various methods and models including respirometry, intracellular thermometry, flow cytometry, imaging, multiomics as well as bacterial, viral and parasitoid infection analyses in Drosophila melanogaster and cell culture model.
We are looking for:
- Candidates with experience in cell culture, cell differentiation, and Drosophila model
- Candidates with experience in mitochondrial research
Contact information: tiina.s.salminen [at] tuni.fi, eric.dufour [at] tuni.fi
Check out the research groups webpages:
Tiina Salminen's group: https://research.tuni.fi/mitochondrial-immunometabolism/
Eric Dufour's group: https://research.tuni.fi/mitochondrial-bioenergetics-and-metabolism/
Keywords: Drosophila, infection, metabolism, mitochondria, respirometry, thermogenesis, adaptation