Doctoral Researcher in Nanobiomaterial engineering

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in Nanobiomaterial engineering and Microfluidic Research

We are now looking for a Doctoral Reseacher to advance atmospheric nanobiological studies to join us in the Kvantum Institute Spearhead project entitled "Species Derived Exo Vesicles as Novel Bioaerosol Type & Biodiversity Indicators (AirBioDiV)"

AirBioDiv is a joint project with Prof. Seppo Vainio (Exosomes/EVs), Prof. Henrikki Liimatainen (Nanocellulose), Prof. Caglar Elbuken (Microfluidics), and Doc. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari (plant biology).    

About the job

The project aims to advance the technologies from the point of view of the nanobiological cell secreted extracellular vesicle signaling that represents a universal communication mechanism in species. The primary focus is on development of novel nanocellulose and microfluidic analytic and functional methods for capturing extracellular vesicles using a berry and tree derived model systems. The Doctoral Reseacher will work with multiple research groups on developing technologies to capture, analyse the molecular content and functions of the atmospheric nanobiological ecosystem derived signals that are loaded with resilience depicting molecular load and species depiction molecules. 

What we offer?

This is a unique opportunity offering a truly multidisciplinary project that involves 4 established laboratories in different faculties. Prof. Henrikki Liimatainen: expert on materials science and nanocellulose engineering. Prof. Caglar Elbuken: expert on microfluidics and separation technologies. Prof. Seppo Vainio: expert on extracellular vesicles (exosomes) and functional organ/organoid biology. Doc. Soile Jokipii-Lukkari: expert on plant biology.   

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 4 research groups with over 35 researchers, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Access to outstanding infrastructural resources and specialized core facility service laboratories.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

As a Doctoral Reseacher in our teams, you will participate to a team in developing EV/exosome based bioengineering technologies that aim to provide evidence for their roles as atmospherically resilient molecular transmitting factors.  As a member of our groups, you will access a network of wealth of national and international collaborations, which will expose you to state-of-the-art methodologies for material synthesis, nanocellulose functionalization and characterization, microfluidic design and testing and EV/exosome purification. We will offer cutting edge opportunities for further career development.

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• Master's degree in material science, mechanical engineering or similar. Expertise on bio- and/or nanomaterials synthesis and/or characterization, and microfluidic system design and/or testing is a benefit.
• The applicants close to finishing their Master’s degrees will be considered eligible to apply. The start of the position will be possible after the completion of a Master’s degree. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English language
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience in academic writing and presentation 
• Dedication on the research project and ability to meet project deadlines
• Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment 
• Please see also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

Salary

The Doctoral Researcher selected in the programme will by default be offered a three-year (36 month) fixed-term full-time employment contract by University of Oulu. The employment begins on 01 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. A six-month trial period is applied in the position. The salary of the selected Doctoral Researcher will be paid monthly. The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-3000 € per month (before taxes).

The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1612 hours per year, which gives the Doctoral Researchers freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply?

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 01 December 2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1) Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages). 

2) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s expertise. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.

3) Certificates/Diplomas scanned copy of the original relevant master’s degree certificates and transcript of record.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Prof. Henrikki Liimatainen (henrikki.liimatainen@oulu.fi) or Prof. Caglar Elbuken (caglar.elbuken@oulu.fi)

Type of employment Temporary position

Contract type Full time

1. Henrikki Liimatainen, +358505659711
2. Caglar Elbuken, +358404392464