MSCA Postdoctoral fellowships at Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology

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

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Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by gluten exposure. While the adaptive immune response involved in its pathogenesis is well characterized, the earliest initiating events remain incompletely understood. The Celiac In Vitro Models Research Group, headed by Adjunct Professor Kati Juuti-Uusitalo,  develops physiologically relevant induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–based preclinical models to investigate these initial disease mechanisms. By integrating cell and molecular biology, genetics, and computational approaches, we aim to advance the understanding of celiac disease pathogenesis.

We are looking for early stage highly motivated, enthusiastic posdoc with a background in cell or molecular biology, pharmacology, microbiology or related fields, who is excited about development of preclinical models for celiac disease and other enteropathies.

Contact Kati Juuti-Uusitalo: kati.juuti-uusitalo [at] tuni.fi (kati[dot]juuti-uusitalo[at]tuni[dot]fi) 

Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/celiac-in-vitro-models/about/

Keywords: celiac disease, iPSC, small intestinal preclinical model 

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Cytopathology: our main goal in is the development and application of digital cytopathology, molecular techniques, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and terminology systems in cytology samples and small specimens obtained through minimally invasive methods. We also conduct international studies on inter- and intraobserver variation and cytopathology practices within European Federation of Cytological Societies. Applications of artificial intelligence (AI).

Cardiovascular pathology research focuses on aortic pathology and morphological substrates of atrial fibrillation including cardiac conduction system. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

We are looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative PhD or MD/PhD post docs with a background in pathology, histology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, translational research or related fields.

Contact Ivana Kholova: ivana.kholova [at] tuni.fi (ivana[dot]kholova[at]tuni[dot]fi)

Keywords: cytopathology techniques, multiplex immunohistochemistry, histopathology, personalized pathology, digital pathology 

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At the recently minted Photoactive Biomaterials group, we are interested in supramolecular chemistry at the biomolecular interface, with bio(medical)materials as final target. Over the last decade, we have developed the synthesis of organic dyes as the staple to guide the self-assembly of our materials, while endowing properties such as colour, solid-state emission, and singlet oxygen generation. Thus, we carry out multidisciplinary research, ranging from (sustainable) organic synthesis, photochemistry, protein expression, lignocellulosic materials, and phototherapies.

We will provide a multidisciplinary and international research environment with complementary expertise for you to fully develop your potential. As a former MSCA alumni, I will provide full support during the preparation and implementation phase.

We are looking for an early stage, exceptionally motivated postdoc, who wants to take the next step in their career and lead the Finnish/European research ecosystem within the next decade. Research expertise in organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry (e.g. polymerization, host-guest), particularly of chromophores, will be considered as an asset.

Contact Eduardo Anaya Plaza: eduardo.anayaplaza [at] tuni.fi (eduardo[dot]anayaplaza[at]tuni[dot]fi) 

Check out the group's website: https://research.tuni.fi/photoactive-biomaterials/ 

Keywords: organic synthesis, chromophores, supramolecular chemistry, self-assembled (bio)materials, lignocellulosic materials

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One of the major challenges faced by Humanity is the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria. We work at the interface between bacterial gene regulatory networks, antibiotic stress biology, synthetic engineering, and dynamic modeling.

Our lab combines RNA-seq, flow cytometry, live microscopy, synthetic biology, and computational/stochastic models to understand how bacterial gene networks operate under antibiotic stresses. For a postdoc, this means you will join a group that does not separate theory from experiment.

We are looking for outstanding candidates who aspire to become excellent scientists through talent, dedication, and hard work, and who believe that their background and ambition make them ideally suited for this path.

Our recent highlights include papers in Science Advances, PLOS Computational Biology, Biochemistry, and Nucleic Acids Research, as well as synthetic gene libraries.

Our lab has long been a powerful springboard for top research careers: https://sites.google.com/view/andreribeirolab/home/people. 

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, single-cell biology

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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 

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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

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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

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