Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher in Cell and Biomaterial Research – Turku, Finland

University Lecturer, Adjunct Professor Terhi Heino is looking for a Doctoral Researcher (i.e. PhD student) to join her research group. The position is fixed-term until 28 February 2026. Preferred starting date is 1 December 2023 (or as agreed).

The research group studies cell-cell and cell-biomaterial interactions with a focus on bone and vasculature formation and regeneration. The Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher position is related to a project, in which novel biomaterials and material compositions are being developed, and their applicability in bone repair is being studied. The project utilizes various experimental cell and tissue culture models, and modern cell and molecular biology techniques. The research group is located at the Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku.

Qualifications

The applicant must have a higher university degree (e.g. Master’s degree) in a relevant field, e.g. cell biology, biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology or biomedical imaging. The candidate should be highly motivated and committed to obtain a PhD degree, show genuine interest in biomedical research, have good communication skills and be capable of taking initiative. Fluency in English is a requirement. The work will include culturing various cell types (both cell lines and primary cells) and performing different cell and molecular biology methods to assess cell differentiation and function. Any previous experience and skills on such techniques is an asset for the applicant.

The qualification requirements of the position are available on the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. In case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will be used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next suitable call. For additional information, please see University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programmes and note the language requirements for admission.

Salary

The salary is based on the salary system of university teaching and research staff. It consists of a task-specific salary component and personal performance salary component. The task-specific salary component of a Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher is at level 2–4. The component based on personal performance is 6–50% of the task-specific salary. The task-specific salary component of an entry-level Doctoral Researcher is typically on level 2, in which case the salary is approximately 2400 € per month at the beginning of the employment relationship. A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted no later than 22 October 2023 (23:59 Finnish time) via the University of Turku electronic application form at www.utu.fi/careers (“Apply for the job”).

Applications should contain a copy of degree certificate, CV (max. 2 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 1 page). Contact details of two professional references (name, working place, e-mail address), who have given their consent to the applicant, should also be included in the application form.

For further information about the position, please contact Terhi Heino, terhi.j.heino@utu.fi.

In case you need help with the application process, please turn to HR Secretary Päivi Aalto, paiaal(at)utu.fi, +358 50 313 6830 or HR Specialist Kristiina Nuutila, kristiina.nuutila@utu.fi, +358 50 313 5224

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