Laboratory technician in Biocenter Oulu Infrastructure unit at University of Oulu

We are building the future with science! The University of Oulu is one of the biggest universities in Finland with various fields of science. We participate in solving global challenges by combining interdisciplinary approaches, high-level research, and successful collaboration. Many of our research units represent international top-level research in their fields. Together with Oulu university of applied sciences we form the academic centre of Oulu. (http://www.oulu.fi/university/ ).

Biocenter Oulu is a focus institute of University of Oulu to advance quality of research and to provide open access infrastructure services in seven technology platforms (https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/core-facilities ).

Description of position

A laboratory technician position is available in Biocenter Oulu Sequencing Center. Sequencing center offers services in capillary sequencing and next-generation sequencing, and provides equipment and services also for other modern DNA/RNA analyses. Tasks also include cell culture work involving single cell analysis and viral gene transfer vectors.

The post is permanent with a starting date on January 17, 2022 or as soon as possible. A six-month trial period will be effective in the beginning of the contract.

Duties
The laboratory technician will join Biocenter Oulu Sequencing Center https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/sequencing-center  which provides services for the entire research community. The duties include capillary and next-generation sequencing, automated DNA/RNA isolation and other DNA/RNA analyses (e.g., automated electrophoresis and qPCR). The technician will also participate in running new single-cell separation method to be established with other units of Biocenter Oulu. In addition, the laboratory technician takes care of other general laboratory management tasks, including ordering and service billing, and is in regular contact with the customers. Additional tasks can be agreed based on the core facility’s requirements and offered services, and on the personal skills and interest of the recruited person.

Required qualifications and assessment

Successful applicant must hold a suitable degree (e.g., laboratory technician or bioanalyst degree). Practical laboratory experience with capillary and next-generation sequencing, ability to operate automated instruments (such as ABI3500xL Genetic Analyzer, NextSeq550, QIAsymphony SP, 10 x Genomics Chromium) is appreciated. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, Internet search engines, and electric ordering systems is beneficial. Experience in customer service and other experience on DNA/RNA or cell culture work is considered as an advantage.

Fluency in both written and spoken Finnish and English is required. Good communication and teamwork skills and willingness to learn are also expected.

Salary
The salary will be based on levels 5 – 6 (depending on the experience in the key technologies) of the demand level chart for the “other staff” of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The salary is in practice roughly 2,300 – 2,600 €/month, depending on qualifications and performance.

Application Procedure

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by 15.12.2021. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

The following documents must be attached to the application (in English or Finnish):
1) Curriculum vitae
2) Brief description of experience and motivation
3) Copies of the degree certificate
4) Contact information of two persons who may be asked to give references of the candidate

Interview
The applicants fitting best for the position will be interviewed on-site or remotely.

Contacts
For further information regarding the filling of this post:
Professor Lauri Eklund, Director of Biocenter Oulu infrastructures, email: lauri.eklund(at)oulu.fi
Docent Katri Pylkäs, Coordinator of Biocenter Oulu Sequencing Center, email: katri.pylkas(at)oulu.fi