Postdoctoral Researcher to Study Platelet-Cancer Interaction in the Extracellular Vesicles

Postdoctoral researcher to study platelet-cancer interactions in the Extracellular vesicles (EV) research group of Pia Siljander at the University of Helsinki

The Extracellular vesicle (EV) research group (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/extracellular-vesicles ) led by PI Pia Siljander is based at Molecular and Integrative Bioscience Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki (UH), Finland. The group is also affiliated with the CURED cancer research unit at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Viikki.

The EV group is seeking a

MOTIVATED POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCER TO STUDY RECIPROCAL EV-MEDIATED PLATELET-CANCER EFFECTS AND FUNCTIONS

Description of our organization and research group

The University of Helsinki (https://www.helsinki.fi/en ), established in 1640, is the best and largest university in Finland, which ranked as the 63rd university in the world in Shanghai (ARWU) ranking in 2019. UH has ca. 31 200 students and 8000 employees, and it is a member of the League of the European Research Universities (LERU). It includes 11 faculties, among them the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences (FBES), Finland’s most high-profile and extensive hub of research and teaching in the field. FBES is comprised of three research programmes, including Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme (MIBS, https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/research/molecular-and-integrative-biosciences ), which studies biomolecules, viruses, microbes, animal cells, tissues, organ systems and organisms.

EVs are prominent mediators of cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. Their influence on platelets and reciprocally, the effect of platelet-derived EVs on cancer initiation, progression and metastasis will be investigated in this Academy of Finland -funded project. The PLEASER project is integrated into our group’s general research focus of understanding EV-mediated communication and the usability of platelet-EVs in therapy and biomarker search. Additionally, we are interested in new EV technologies as we house the world’s first EV core facility in the UH. Thus, all researchers in the EV group work on multiple synergistic projects with national and international collaborative networks.

Qualifications

Successful candidate has:

• A doctor’s degree e.g. in biosciences or in biomedicine
• High level of motivation, demonstrated self-initiative and independency
• Proven ability to drive multiple projects and learn new technologies
• Excellent team work and communication skills in English (both oral and written)
• First-rate cell biology knowledge and skills with a strong background in cell culture and functional cell assays relevant for platelet and/or cancer research.
• Publication record in international journals at least in one of the following areas: platelet functionality and signaling, cancer cell models (esp. melanoma) and signaling pathways.
• Experience in flow cytometry and bioinformatics is a bonus.
• We do not expect you to have previous knowledge of EVs, but you should demonstrate a keen interest in learning.

Application

The salary will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The salary will be ca. 3200 - 3400 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

The position is available for 24 months and starts as soon as a suitable candidate is found. There is a trial period of six months.

Application should include the following documents as a single pdf file : a motivational letter describing interests and assets, CV, list of publications and two written references with contact information.

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system (by clicking on "Apply for the position"). Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP HR portal. The deadline for applications is September 18th, 2022 (23:59), but the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate has been found.

For further information on please contact: Pia Siljander, e-mail: [email protected] .

Enquiries on the application procedure may be directed to HR Coordinator Harri Hamara ([email protected] ).