Postdoctoral Researcher, Cardiovascular Genomics

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a two-year term from 1 October 2024 onwards (or as agreed) with the option to extend for an additional 1–2-year. Please find more information below and submit your application by 5 August 2024.

Role and salary 

The Cardiovascular Genomics Lab (Kaikkonen Lab) at the A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher. This position is part of an ERC-funded project entitled SECRET that aims to unravel the complex genetic and gene regulatory mechanisms underlying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

The SECRET project focuses on exploring the functional impacts of specific ASCVD-associated cis-regulatory variants identified in GWAS studies. The project will initially screen how these variants influence gene regulation in key vascular cells—endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Following the identification of key regulatory variants, further experiments will manipulate these genes directly using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) to observe the effects on broader gene expression patterns and cellular responses. The generated data will be used to identify convergences around gene regulatory networks, helping to uncover the mechanisms, functions, and pathways that underlie ASCVD risk.

The position is being offered as a 2-year appointment with a 1-2 year extension option. The position is filled for a fixed-term due to it pertaining to a specific project task. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.  

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 5-6 on the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary will be approximately 3,500 -4,500 €/month.
 
Our requirements and expectations 

We invite applications from talented individuals who are highly motivated and passionate about making a transformative impact in cardiovascular research. 

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or equivalent in a field relevant to the proposed project
• Research Experience: Demonstrable experience in research, preferably within the field of cardiovascular research, genetics, genomics, biotechnology, molecular biology or a closely related area.
• Skills: Proficiency in high-throughput genomic methods, genetic manipulation tools (e.g. CRISPR), and mammalian cell culture.
• Publications: A strong track record of publications.
• Communication: Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.
• Motivation: A passion for scientific research, problem-solving abilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the field of Cardiovascular Genomics.
• Autonomy: Candidates should be capable of independent thought and decision-making, demonstrating an ability to lead projects from conception to completion.
• Supervision experience: The candidate will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD students

Expectations

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and international team.
• A passion for scientific research, problem-solving abilities, and a strong desire to contribute to the field of Cardiovascular Genomics.

Your benefits 

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including  

• opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• extensive occupational health care  
• broad selection of staff training
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services  
• affordable sports services and tax-free bike benefit 

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.  

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting and meaningful role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.    

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.    

How to apply? 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 5 August 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3)

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application

• CV (Template for CV , www-page)  
• a list of publications (Instructions, www-page)
• copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas  
• motivation letter: A detailed letter explaining your interest in the project, how you believe you can contribute to our objectives, and why you consider yourself a strong fit for the role

Questions? 

 For further information on the position, please contact Professor Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, tel. +358 29 445 4156, minna.kaikkonen@uef.fi 

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Controller Tarja Salmi, tarja.salmi@uef.fi, +358 29 4458220 (out of office 

The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 580 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 800 staff members.

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 16,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.

Type of employment: Temporary position (shorter than 10 days)
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: 1.10.2023 tai sopimuksen mukaan
Salary: Yliopistojen yleinen TES
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Kuopio
County: Pohjois-Savo
Country: Finland
Reference number: 4113/01.01.03/2024
Contact:

1. Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, +358403552413
2. Tarja Salmi, +358469236724

Published: 2024-06-12
Last application date: 2024-08-05