MSCA Postdoctoral fellowships at Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
MET FACULTY
MET conducts world-class research and delivers high education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and health technology. Our internationally acclaimed basic and applied research highlights our expertise and innovation in these fields.
Explore the opportunities and become a part of our dynamic and forward-thinking community!
Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University, Finland
HOW TO APPLY TO MET
At Tampere University, we have a unified procedure for selecting postdoctoral candidates for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship call. Furthermore, the university offers comprehensive support to all applicants through our Masterclass, starting in May, to assist with application preparation. To join our faculty:
- Identify and contact a suitable supervisor, MET's supervisors for the 2025 call can be found below
- Follow TAU's guidelines and schedule that can be found at MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at Tampere University
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.
Heart Group - Professor Katriina Aalto-Setälä
Decision Support for Health Research Group - Professor Mark van Gils
Neuroimmunology Research Group - Academy Research Fellow Sanna Hagman
Protein Dynamics Research Group - Professor Vesa Hytönen
Systems Biology of Aging Research Group - Group Leader Juulia Jylhävä
Micro and Nanosystems Research Group - Professor Pasi Kallio
Cancer Regulation and Immunology research group - Adjunct Professor Kirsi Rautajoki
Laboratory of Biosystem Dynamics - Professor Andre Sanches Ribeiro
Celiac Disease Research Center - Professors Teea Salmi and Katri Lindfors
Mitochondrial Immunometabolism Research Group - Adjunct Professor Tiina S. Salminen
Bioinspired Materials and Robotics Research Group - Associate Professor Veikko Sariola
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
Heart Group - Professor Katriina Aalto-Setälä
iPSC technology has revolutionized research with human cells, providing access to cell types that are otherwise highly limited in availability. We have established an iPSC bank consisting of cell lines from almost 200 individuals, primarily carrying mutations for various genetic cardiac diseases. We have also access to the clinical data of the donors. Currently, we are creating control lines for those using various gene-editing techniques. Since 2009, we have been studying patient-specific cardiomyocytes and setting up various methods to study the functionality of the diseased cells. Additionally, we have close collaboration with groups designing new chips and analysis methods to study the cells.
We are looking for motivated postdoctoral researchers interested in studying iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, improving their maturity, and designing further techniques to reveal their pathophysiology in more detail. Knowledge of and interest in bioinformatics is considered as an asset. We offer a multidisciplinary environment with broad expertise and technical support.
Contact Katriina Aalto-Setälä: katriina.aalto-setala [at] tuni.fi (katriina[dot]aalto-setala[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's webpage: https://research.tuni.fi/heart-group/
Keywords: iPSC technology, gene editing, cardiomyocytes, genetic cardiac diseases, cardiac functionality, gene expression
Decision Support for Health Research Group - Professor Mark van Gils
We develop data-driven methods to help healthcare professionals and patients make informed decisions from complex data.
Our research combines biomedical signal processing, (explainable) AI and ML, statistical analysis, and digital twin approaches with decision support software system development. Our methods are designed to work with real-life multi-modal data that is often of poor quality. We carry out research collaboratively with domestic and international partners, including academic-, health- and social care, industrial- and patient representatives.
We are looking for postdoctoral researchers interested in advancing their career in the field of data-driven decision support for healthcare. We appreciate a proven solid background in data science, combined with understanding of the healthcare domain.
Contact Mark van Gils: mark.vangils [at] tuni.fi (mark[dot]vangils[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/dsh/
Keywords: health data science, clinical decision support, biomedical signal processing, artificial intelligence, human digital twins, biomedical engineering
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: 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 Vesa Hytönen: 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
Systems Biology of Aging Research Group - Group Leader Juulia Jylhävä
The Systems Biology of Aging group (Group Leader Adjunct professor Juulia Jylhävä, Ph.D.) focuses on decoding biological aging at the cellular, organ and system-wide levels. Current key research focus areas are to investigate how age-related frailty develops and identify the (genetic) determinants of healthspan. We utilize diverse human cohorts, including FinnGen, Vitality 90+ and Lifelines, and apply various omics and causal inference methods. We also utilize AI-guided methods to develop a Finnish electronic frailty index based on routinely collected diagnostic, laboratory test and free-text data in the electronic health records. The group is part of the Gerontology Research Center (GEREC) and a member of several international research networks and consortia focused on aging research.
We are looking for applicants with experience in omics methods and/or data science and a strong enthusiasm for exploring the intricate architecture of human biological aging.
Contact Juulia Jylhävä: juulia.jylhava [at] tuni.fi
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/bioage/
Keywords: aging, frailty, genetics, omics, AI
Recent news outlet of the group’s research: https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/biological-age-better-indicator-your-health-calendar-age
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: 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
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: 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
Laboratory of Biosystem Dynamics - Professor Andre Sanches Ribeiro
We study the dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of bacterial gene networks. We combine: (a) measurements (RNA-seq, flow-cytometry, time-lapse microscopy, synthetic gene engineering, etc.), (b) stochastic, biophysical gene network models and, (c) bioinformatics techniques.
One of the major challenges faced by Humanity is the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria. We focus on how bacterial gene networks evolved mechanisms to survive antibiotics, as well as other perturbations, such as environmental stresses. Our group has computational biologists, biophysicists, and cell and molecular biologists. We have a state-of-the-art laboratory to conduct genome-wide, as well as single-cell, single-gene expression measurements (https://sites.google.com/view/andreribeirolab/home).
We are looking for outstanding candidates with backgrounds in computational biology, bioinformatics, and/or biophysics, whose long-term goal is to join top-level research academia. Preferentially, the candidate would already have experience in gene network models, biophysical models, and/or biological data analysis and be familiar with studies that combine laboratory data and models.
Contact Andre Sanches Ribeiro: andre.sanchesribeiro [at] tuni.fi (andre[dot]sanchesribeiro[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group’s webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/andreribeirolab/home
Keywords: bacterial gene networks, systems microbiology, stochastic models, RNA-seq, flow-cytometry and microscopy, antibiotic tolerance.
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: 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
Mitochondrial Immunometabolism Research Group - Adjunct Professor Tiina S. Salminen
Mitochondria are extremely versatile cellular organelles involved in basically everything -from producing ATP, heat, reactive oxygen species and signaling molecules to control of apoptosis, immune responses, disease progression and cancer! The Mitochondrial immunometabolism research group studies the roles of mitochondrial (dys)function in immune responses, effects of pathogens and pharmaceuticals on mitochondria, mitochondrial thermogenesis and thresholds between mild mitochondrial perturbation and mitochondrial disease.
We utilize an in vivo animal model, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and a selection of cell lines ranging from insect cells to patient -derived cell lines, and variety of methods including genetic and environmental (antibiotics, temperature) manipulations, omics, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetric methods to reveal the secrets of mitochondria.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, curious, creative and experimentally oriented post doc with an interest in solving basic questions in biology and asking new ones! Experience in omics (including data analysis) and working with Drosophila and/or cell cultures will be considered as a plus.
We provide a stimulating research atmosphere with researchers from various backgrounds in science.
Contact Tiina S. Salminen: tiina.s.salminen [at] tuni.fi (tiina[dot]s[dot]salminen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group’s website: https://research.tuni.fi/mitochondrial-immunometabolism/
Keywords: mitochondria, immunity, Drosophila, infection, stress, thermogenesis
Bioinspired Materials and Robotics Research Group - Associate Professor Veikko Sariola
Microsystems and microfluidic devices have vast biomedical applications, ranging from drug manufacturing and point-of-care testing to soft and wearable robotics. In the Bioinspired Materials and Robotics group, our main goal is to fabricate, interface, and assemble microsystems made of heterogeneous materials, including liquids, soft, adhesive, bioinspired, and/or biotic materials. The targeted applications are in robotics and microfluidics.
We are looking for outstanding candidates interested in biomedical microsystems. Potential projects may involve microfabrication, microfluidics, acoustic (ultrasonic) manipulation, wetting, droplet microfluidics, soft robotics, or stretchable sensors. Our group has extensive experience in these topics and will be able to support the project.
Contact Veikko Sariola: veikko.sariola [at] tuni.fi (veikko[dot]sariola[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/bmr-group/
Keywords: microfabrication, microfluidics, acoustic (ultrasonic) manipulation, wetting, droplet microfluidics, soft robotics, stretchable sensors
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: 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: 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: 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