PhD position in Genetics and Immunology

We are looking for an excellent PhD Candidate to work in the field of genetics and immunology.

You will be part of an ongoing multidisciplinary team project working on uncovering the pathophysiological mechanisms how genetic mutations can cause excessive inflammation and lead to inflammatory diseases. Particular disease of interest is necrotizing fasciitis, in which we have discovered several predisposing genetic variants. Areas off interest include also related diseases such as pyoderma gangrenosum. The aim will also be to find novel targeted therapeutic approaches for these devastating diseases with highly unsatisfactory current treatments.

The specific research topic has a high level of novelty, and we foresee a high potential of the research results to be applied into practice with successful conduction of the project. Your main research objectives/activities will include: (1) To study the molecular mechanisms which lead to necrotic inflammation and predispose the patients to severe fasciitis; (2) To search for novel genetic mutations in patients with fasciitis and to study the prevalence of genetic mutations in patients with severe fasciitis; (3) To assess, whether patients with severe necrotizing fasciitis or other necrotizing soft tissue inflammatory diseases are amenable to treatments targeting interleukin-1beta.

The ideal candidate has an MSc degree in a life-science-related field but applicable other degrees are also considered. You should have strong skills in genetics and biology, excellent merits in your studies and demonstrated skills in theoretical and/or experimental work during your MSc thesis. While not mandatory, a bonus is to have bioinformatics' kills, especially in transcriptomics and/or proteomics data analysis. The candidate should be ready and capable to work experimentally with biosafety level 2 wet-lab environment. If you have not graduated yet, you should obtain your MSc degree during the Fall 2022. The earliest anticipated starting date is 1st October 2022 and applicants being able to start the project earlier may have an advantage in the selection process.

You communicate clearly and have excellent interpersonal skills. You can work both independently and as a part of the team. You demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. You will work along with other researchers from the Helsinki Rheumatic Diseases & Inflammation Group at Helsinki University Hospital. Our lab is part of the Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM ), and we´re located at Biomedicum Helsinki 1 in Meilähti campus (Haartmaninkatu 8).

The lab research funders include Academy of Finland, Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation, HUS, Orton, and Finnish Cultural Foundation.

The salary level is fixed to departmental levels based on Helsinki University career stage 1. The time to complete the PhD is four years, once accepted to the doctoral programme. For more information visit doctoral education website from the Faculty Medicine.

Application should be sent to [email protected]

Please, provide the following as separate documents along with your application:

• 1-page motivation letter specific to this call
• CV with a possible list of publications
• Transcript of records
• Your MSc thesis
• List of references and reference letters

Helsinki Rheumatic diseases and Inflammation Group

The research of the Helsinki Rheumatic diseases and Inflammation Group focuses on studying the mechanisms of inflammation in rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis, with special emphasis on role of inflammasomes. The other main area of interest focuses on the rare rheumatic diseases, in particular, identification and resolving the pathogenesis of genetically determined rheumatic diseases. The group leaders are Prof. Kari Eklund and Prof. Dan Nordström.

For more information, please contact Prof. Kari Eklund by email kari.eklund(a)helsinki.fi, goncalo.barreto(a)helsinki.fi and :katariina.nurmi(a)helsinki.fi.To learn more about our lab, please visit https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/helsinki-rheumatic-diseases-inflammation-group

The call is open until September 15, 2022 and all applications will be reviewed once the call is closed.