Four Postdoctoral Positions in the Profiling Theme FIBROBESITY

The North changes the world – we at the University of Oulu work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields. More information: http://www.oulu.fi/english/ .

We are now seeking talented scientists for

Four postdoctoral positions in the profiling theme FIBROBESITY – Preventing Fibrosis Related to Obesity

to strengthen our research focusing on obesity-related fibrotic pathologies.

Open postdoctoral positions are available in FIBROBESITY for 2022-24. The duration of the fixed-term is three years.

Research theme and job description

FIBROBESITY – Preventing Fibrosis Related to Obesity - is one of the three new research themes supported by the Academy of Finland PROFI6 funding (2021-2026) strengthening the strategy of the University of Oulu. Our research draws on strong multidisciplinary expertise integrating biomedical and human sciences. https://www.oulu.fi/en/fibrohealth-combatting-fibrosis-chronic-diseases

The world-class research at the University of Oulu on hypoxia and extracellular matrix together with cutting-edge research on obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and other fibrosis-related diseases, combined with our unique population and patient cohort studies and state-of-the art research infrastructure, form the basis of FIBROBESITY.

FIBROBESITY strengthens and expands our research to generate impactful new knowledge of the molecular, epidemiological, clinical and behavioural basis of obesity-linked fibrosis in complex chronic diseases and unhealthy ageing. Our goal is to develop novel effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic options to combat fibrotic diseases and associated adverse societal outcomes.

FIBROBESITY responds to the medical and societal challenges within the strategic research focus areas “Lifelong health” and “Understanding humans in change” (https://www.oulu.fi/en/science-arctic-attitude ).

The positions will be based in one of the following faculties: Faculty of Medicine (http://www.oulu.fi/medicine/ )  or Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (http://www.oulu.fi/fbmm/ )  at the Kontinkangas Welfare Campus encompassing also the Oulu University Hospital, or Faculty of Humanities (https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-humanities )  or Faculty of Education (https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-education ) at the Main Campus in Linnanmaa. Both campuses offer a unique scientific multidisciplinary ecosystem with state-of-the-art research facilities and research infrastructure services.

Overall view of the research profile of our university: https://www.oulu.fi/en/science-arctic-attitude , https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/top-research

What we expect

A successful applicant can have a background in a wide range of scientific disciplines and is expected to have competence and planned or already ongoing research in one or more of the following areas linked to obesity and obesity-related fibrosis:

The core of your research and action plan may include or relate to one or more of the following questions:

We also appreciate innovative visions for interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives. We especially encourage the applicants to consider novel multidisciplinary research projects cross-linking with other relevant Profi themes such as 6G Future Sustainable Society 6G-FSS, or DigiHealth (see in https://www.oulu.fi/en/science-arctic-attitude/top-research ). Furthermore, for clinical studies and behavioral & societal perspectives, we will welcome creative visions for intersectoral approaches integrating with UNIC European University of Post-Industrial Cities https://www.oulu.fi/en/unic-european-university , https://www.unic.eu/en ) and its Engaged Research and CityLabs Co-creation dimensions.

The applicant may indicate ongoing or planned connections with specific researchers and identify a desired research unit in the application. This is not a pre-requisite. Matching between the applicants and appropriate hosting research unit can also be performed during the evaluation and selection process.

A candidate must hold a completed doctoral degree (at or later than 2012, or max 10 years ago excluding career breaks) and carry out the planned research in a relevant field of FIBROBESITY, such as medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, health science, history, psychology or other human science.

We expect ability to work independently. Fluency in both written and spoken English, as well as good communication and teamwork skills are required. Demonstrated experience in local, national and international networking, as well as potential in acquiring supplementary funding and teaching experience will be taken as merits.

What we offer

We offer you an interesting and versatile research topic in an international environment and the possibility to develop professionally with the help of experienced colleagues. Furthermore, we offer the development opportunities of a big organization.

The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on level 5-6 of the demand level chart for university-level teaching and research 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 EUR salary will be, depending on the qualifications, approximately €3500-4600 per month.

Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare.

Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Applications and selection process

Apply online latest on Monday, September 20, 2021.

The application should be written in English. Please include the following documents in separate pdf files:

1. Letter of motivation with contact information (max. 2 pages) You can choose to indicate the following information:
-   Potential hosting research unit(s), if you already are able to identify it (optional)
-   Research interests
-   Professional experience and expertise

2. Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3. A complete list of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/ . Please mark the five most important ones.

4. Brief research and action plan, including the applicant’s vision how to renovate the field of science in FIBROBESITY, with the following sections (max 3 pages, excluding bibliography):
-      Aim and objectives
-      Implementation and funding
-      The role of the applicant in the research project
-      Ethical issues
Tips for writing a research plan: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/research-plan-structure/2020/porst-doctoral-clinical/  

5. Contact details of 2-4 persons available for recommendation

6. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate.

The selection process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the eligible candidates are subjected to an evaluation. The following merits will be assessed:

-      Scientific level and relevance of the research and action plan
-      Feasibility of the research and action plan and fitting of the research interests the thematic scope
-      CV, considering the applicant's career stage. Including shown potential to attract external funding and research mobility
-      Publications, considering the applicant's career stage and discipline
-      Multidisciplinarity and potential for collaboration with other profiling themes
-      National and international scientific contacts, mobility plans
-      Societal relevance

The candidates who are considered most suitable will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

The positions are filled for a fixed-term of 3 years starting at the earliest on January 2022.  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information and enquiries

FIBROBESITY Coordinator Ritva Saastamoinen, ritva.saastamoinen(at)oulu.fi, 050 592 3333, 0294 48 5226

Edited August 12, 2021; defined application criteria