Doc­toral Re­searcher in Mo­lecu­lar Biology / Tran­scrip­tion Elong­a­tion

The group of Harri Itkonen (Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki) is looking for outstanding candidates for the position of

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Early Stage Researcher)

We are looking for a creative thinker with demonstrated competence in bioinformatics. The applicant should be familiar with command-line based tools used in Linux. Of equal importance is the candidate’s willingness to either already possess, or, alternatively, willingness to learn molecular biology. After the candidate is selected, the position and tasks will be adapted according to the selected person’s interests.

Our research focuses on understanding how the transcriptional networks are rewired in cancer. We are a young Research Group consisting of the Principal Investigator, two PhD Trainees and a Postdoctoral Research Intern. Our group has expertise in both bioinformatics and molecular biology. We are well-connected internationally, and the hired PhD Trainee will have a chance to present her / his findings in international meetings. In general, I encourage pro-active attitude in establishing collaborations and running the projects. You can find more information from our laboratory’s web page:

https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/transcriptional-rewiring-cancer

In the advertised project, the student will explain how the cancer cell-selective defects in transcription elongation remodel the affected cells. The PhD Trainee will use both transcriptional and proteomic approaches to probe these defects. The techniques important for this position include proteomics and sequencing; particularly ChIP- and RNA-seq. These tools are well set in our laboratory (for reference, see Gondane & al. (2022) Journal of Biomedical Science; Hu & al. (2021) RNA Biology; Itkonen & al. Mol Cancer Res 2020; Itkonen & al. (2019) Theranostics). While competence in some of these techniques is a merit, it is not necessary that the candidate has experience in the wet-lab part; most important aspects are the competence in computational biology to analyze the data generated and the willingness to learn the wet-lab techniques. In the project, ultimately, our hypothesis is that by understanding the cancer cell-selective defects in transcription elongation, we will identify treatment-options that selectively target the affected cells.

The candidate must hold, or soon to receive, an MSc degree. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are a must. The ability to independent, creative thinking is expected, but this skill is further developed during the training.

Candidates are requested to familiarize themselves with the literature, and informal inquiries about the position prior to deadline are encouraged to [email protected] .

The appointee must apply, and obtain, the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within the probationary period of 6 months: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-progr...

The salary of the position is based on level 2 of the demands level table for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities (2200-2300€ per month).

To apply for this fully funded PhD training position, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for the position by 8th of May 2022. If you have questions about the recruitment system, please contact rekrytointi (at) helsinki.fi.

In your application, please include:

• A CV (with a possible list of publications; publications are not at all necessary, and recently graduated / about to graduate applicants are encouraged to apply)
• A copy of your transcript records translated in English (the courses and grades completed during MSc program; if you have not yet obtained your MSc degree, please include an estimated date for this)
• Contact details of 1-3 references
• A cover letter describing your research interests, experience in computational biology / laboratory work, and why you are an excellent candidate for this position. Please, note that the maximum length is 1 page.

The tentative starting date for the position is 1st of July 2022, but this can be adjusted.

Due date

08.05.2022 23:59 EEST