Postdoctoral Researcher / Doctoral Researcher in Autoimmune Neurology

Sini Laakso’s lab Autoimmune Neurology at the Translational Immunology Research Program at University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine invites applications for the position of

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER / DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on our projects that involve multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. Also, applications for a PhD student position are invited. We pioneer in investigating lymph nodes using fine needle aspirations in these diseases and assess whole lymph nodes from Helsinki Biobank.

Our laboratory functions within the Translational Immunology Research Program:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit/translational-immunology-program-trimm

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for an ambitious researcher with a PhD / MSc, a solid publication record, and strong background in wet lab work within the field of immunology. Primary human B cell culture skills, gene editing with crispr-cas9 along with human immune cell isolation and flow cytometry techniques are of special value.

Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and as part of an inter-disciplinary team, where strong communication skills in English are needed. A foundational understanding and interest in immunology and neurology fields is important.

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The Doctoral Researcher should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell . The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents .

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer you an opportunity to carry out an ambitious project with good resources and advance your research career. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to co-mentor doctoral and master’s students.

The employee’s well-being is a top priority for us. We strive to foster a supportive, collaborative, and enthusiastic working environment that accommodates diverse backgrounds and working styles.

The appointment will be initially for two years starting from August 2025 (possibility to start earlier or later if needed). Trial period of six months will be applied. 

The Postdoctoral Researcher’s monthly gross starting salary will be appr. 3700-4000 € per month and Doctoral Researcher’s appr. 2600 € per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers . 

International staff are supported in relocating to Finland: https://www.helsinki.fi/fi/node/350 .

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the “Employee Login” button.

Please send your application (max 1 page) and the following appendices:

The closing date for applications is 31.7.2025.

For further information on the position, please contact Sini Laakso: sini.m.laakso (at) helsinki.fi.

Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed.

You can read more about working at the university on our website: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers

ABOUT US

The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master's Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.

Research Programs Unit (RPU) of the Faculty of Medicine consolidates demonstrated research excellence, with focused research programs addressing the greatest challenges in human health: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit .

JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!  

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