Postdoctoral Research Fellow (cellular electrophysiology) / Tutkijatohtori (solutason sähköfysiolo

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en.

The BioMediTech Unit of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in electrophysiology. The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) is committed to high quality research and education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and health technology. We conduct basic, applied, clinical, and translational research in collaboration with Tampere University Hospital (TAYS). Our existing research areas in health research include biomedical engineering fields from biomaterials and microtechnologies to health data science, cell and molecular biology, with applications in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular and celiac diseases, immunology, and ophthalmology.

The research group ”Biophysics of the eye” seeks to uncover the concerted functioning of retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye with focus on ion channel physiology. The group has studied different voltage-gated ion channels and gap junctions in RPE and evaluated the authenticity of stem cell-derived RPE regarding these characteristics. Utilizing techniques including patch clamp electrophysiology, high resolution imaging and molecular biosensor approaches the group aims to resolve how the electrical properties of RPE influence its biological processes.

Job description

We are seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to independently perform research for mechanistic understanding of RPE physiology in health and disease and to aid the development of novel therapies. The focus is on the electrical properties of RPE and therefore, conducting the research requires the use of electrophysical measurement techniques (primarily patch clamp) and imaging approaches (including calcium imaging). In addition, data analysis, writing publications and research reports as well as funding applications and disseminations to the wider community will be needed. Furthermore, the job includes collaboration with research colleagues and support staff, both internally and within external networks. The postdoctoral researcher should provide guidance and support to students, contribute to relevant teaching activities, and participate in scientific meetings. 

Requirements

We are looking for versatile and independent researchers with an applicable doctoral degree and a solid background in cellular biophysics, especially cellular electrophysiology (including patch clamp), and relevant experience in closely related areas. Candidates with additional experience in different imaging techniques will be highly valued. We also appreciate experience and contacts with the international eye research community. Candidates with proven ability to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students will be considered an advantage. The position may also involve some teaching duties in the future. The position also requires that the candidate is able to meet the responsibilities identified in laboratory and ethical guidelines. Finally, good communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) will be considered important for the position. Please describe your relevant experience and skills in detail in the cover letter, and please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested.   

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, and boldly forward-looking community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work. 

We offer

The position is a fixed-term contract for 3 years, starting as soon as possible or as mutually agreed. A six-month trial period applies to all new employees.

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities.  The position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on the job demands levels 5-6 (teaching and research staff). A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Researcher is around 3500 EUR/month.

As a member of the dynamic and innovative international community of Tampere University, you will have access to a range of competitive benefits, including occupational health care services, flexible work schedules, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities, and a safe and inviting campus area. You will also have a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities during your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.  

Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland and is considered a major academic hub in the Nordic countries. The region is home to a vibrant, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community, and the city is an industrial powerhouse with a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Additionally, Finland is known for being one of the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on various ratings by prominent agencies. Tampere is surrounded by stunning nature, with forests and lakes offering countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

•   Visit Finland
•   This is Finland
•   Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
•   Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link provided below). The closing date for applications is October 30^th, 2023 (at 23.59 EEST, UTC+2). All application materials, including the accompanying documentation, should be written in English and attached in PDF format.

Please ensure that your application includes the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelines
• References from two individuals
• Cover letter, which should include a brief introduction of the applicant, previous research experience, and future plans.  

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions regarding the application process or the position, please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact details provided in the job advertisement.

We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in joining our dynamic and innovative community at Tampere University.

For further information, please contact:

Associate Professor Soile Nymark, tel. +358 40 849 0009, soile.nymark@tuni.fi

For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR Specialist Lilli Sarasvirta, lilli.sarasvirta@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopiston lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunnan BioMediTech-yksikössä on haettavana tutkijatohtorin määräaikainen tehtävä solutason sähköfysiologian alalta.

Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekuntamme on monialainen biolääketieteen tekniikan, bioteknologian, lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tutkimuksen ja opetuksen korkeatasoinen yksikkö. Teemme kansainvälisesti merkittävää perus- ja soveltavaa tutkimusta.  

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 30.10.2023 klo 23.59.

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys