Doctoral Researcher

Doctoral Researcher

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for two Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) positions in Air Pollution Health Effects at the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences and the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, on the Kuopio campus. The Doctoral Researcher positions will be filled for a fixed term from 15 December 2023 onwards (or as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application by 1 December 2023.

Role and salary 

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher with good basic laboratory skills. The person to be appointed to this position will work either at the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences or the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences. (PI: Katja Kanninen, co-PI Pasi Jalava). The position is located in Kuopio, Finland.  The project focuses on understanding how particulate air pollution affects respiratory and cardiovascular cells, and how ageing impacts on the responses.

The work planned for these Doctoral Researcher positions is experimental and uses human cell culture models. We offer the Doctoral Researchers the opportunity to work on their doctoral dissertation, and the positions allow the Doctoral Researchers to take part in scientific writing, grant applications, scientific collaborations, and supervising Bachelor´s and Master’s degree students.

The positions will be filled for a 2-year term from 15 December 2023 onwards (or as agreed). The positions will be filled for a fixed term due to the duration of this specific project. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff. The Doctoral Researchers must be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Eastern Finland by having enrolled in a doctoral programme.

As our new Doctoral Researcher, your main responsibilities will include: 

• conducting research in accordance with your research proposal,
• participating in the preparation of research projects in your field,
• reporting and creating high-quality scientific publications,
• planning and conducting studies, and
• taking part in courses, seminars and conferences.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job- related salary element is € 2182,19 /month, based on level 2 (levels 2–4) of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element can be a minimum of 6 % and a maximum of 50 % of the above-mentioned sum. At the beginning of the employment, the salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be approximately € 2444–2662/month, depending on the job-related salary element and the personal salary element.

Our requirements and expectations 

Requirements 

• A Master’s degree in biomedicine, cell biology or other relevant field. A person to be appointed as a Doctoral Researcher must be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies.
• Potential Doctoral Researchers should have a good command of the English language.

Expectations

• Experience in basic laboratory tasks.
• Experience in cell culture is not necessary but will be considered an advantage.
• Experience in omics technologies and data analyses will be considered an advantage.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to work in international and  multidisciplinary research teams.

Your benefits 

• You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including the  
opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• Comprehensive occupational health care 
• Broad selection of staff training
• Staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services 
• Affordable sports services and a tax-free bike benefit 

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting, meaningful and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community. 

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more. 

How to apply? 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 1 December 2023 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application: 

• A CV (https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae; also other styles will be accepted). 
• A list of publications (https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-  for- funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
• Copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas, and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
• A motivation letter, other task-specific attachments, e.g., a research proposal
• Names and contact details of 1-2 referees
• Other documents to demonstrate the applicant’s merits for the position.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Katja Kanninen, tel. +358 29 445 4202, e-mail: katja.kanninen@uef.fi or Professor Pasi Jalava, tel. +358 29 445 3735, e-mail: pasi.jalava@uef.fi.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact Human Resources Secretary Sanna Partanen, tel. +358 29 445 8002, e-mail: sanna.partanen@uef.fi.