Project researcher in magnetic nanoparticles and bio-application

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

Project Researcher in magnetic nanoparticles based point of care diagnostic assay

to join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Feixiong Chen in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu to develop novel point of care assay with magnetic nanoparticle for their application of electrochemical biosensing or healthcare diagnostics. Feixiong holds a doctoral degree in Life Engineering and the position of Academy Research Fellow (2023-2027) to develop point of care technology.

The new established group will combine magnetic nanoparticles synthesis and surface surface functionalization, electrochemical biosensor with microelectrode fabrication or surface engineering, and magnetophoretic microfluidic chip toward the advanced point of care device.  

You will work under Feixiong's Academy Research Fellow project to develop next-generation point of care assay, via the integration of magnetic nanoparticles, electrochemical sensing assay and microfluidic chips. This interdisciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of bioanalytical assay, enabling breakthroughs in healthcare and beyond.

About the job

You will focus on magnetic nanoparticle synthesis, surface functionalization and their bio-nano interaction. The aim is to develop a novel point of care assay to bio-targets' trapping, manipulation and sensing etc. The position is fixed-term for 2 years.

We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication, characterization and biological facilities at Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, the Centre for Material Analysis and the Biocenter Oulu. 

Who are you?

1. You must hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Life Engineering, and Bio-nano Science, or a related fields. Applicants close to finishing their Master’s degrees will be considered eligible to apply.

2. Fluent oral and written English skills similar to the level of IELTS 6.5, good communication and teamwork skills are required. Experience in academic writing and presentation skills are required.

3. Experience in microfluidics, nanoparticle, biosensor will be considered a plus.

4. Research experience in a multidisciplinary and multinational environment will be taken as a merit. Most importantly, we expect the candidate to have a high motivation to conduct high-level research.

What we offer?

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems.
• In addition to the team, outstanding infrastructural resources and specialized core facility service laboratories provided by Centre for Material Analysis, Biocenter Oulu, the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine will support your work so that you can excel in your research.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• 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.
• 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.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2 years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 6-9 of the demand level chart for other expert and support 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. 2200-2600 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 13.12.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) with a short description of research merits, experience, and motivation;
   
2. Curriculum vitae with publication list and contact information of at least two referees;
   
3. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English. In case the degree is still in process, please give an official notification from the supervisor or faculty to address the estimated date of finishing.
4. A research proposal for your work in Oulu (max. 2 pages)

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Feixiong Chen, feixiong.chen@oulu.fi