Doctoral Researcher, biospectroscopy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position in Biospectroscopy at the Department of Technical Physics in the Faculty of Science Forestry and Technology, on the Kuopio campus. The position will be filled from 1 March 2024 (or starting date as agreed).

Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 19 February 2024.

Role and salary

We are seeking for a highly motivated and talented Doctoral Researcher to work full-time on an Academy of Finland funded research project entitled ‘Development and clinical validation of near infrared spectroscopy for diagnosis of tissue fibrosis’.

The project will be conducted at the Biomedical Spectroscopy Laboratory (BSL), Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, under the supervision of Associate Professor Isaac Afara and other senior members of the research team. BSL is a highly multidisciplinary team of researchers with background in engineering, physics, mathematics and the biosciences, applying biospectroscopy and photonics principles for tissue characterization. Our research focus involves applying experimental and computational approaches for understanding and development of innovative optical techniques for diagnosis of tissue pathologies via strong collaboration with clinicians. We have very strong track record in medical devices development and translational research, as well as extended national and international collaboration. 

The primary aim of this project is to develop a novel near infrared spectroscopy-based point-of-care tool for real-time evaluation of heart and liver fibrosis. This will be achieved via a multi-disciplinary approach that combines core expertise in biospectroscopy, spectral data analysis and machine learning, histopathology and pre-clinical validation. The project involves active national and international collaboration with Kuopio University Hospital, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University and Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. The primary tasks of the PhD student will include, but not limited to, laboratory experiments involving, but not limited to, NIR spectroscopic measurement of biobank heart and liver tissue samples, data analysis, including spectral pre-processing and machine learning analysis. The Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) will also be actively involved in preparation of personal grant applications, and other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

The position will be filled for a fixed term from 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2026 (or starting date as agreed) due to it pertaining to a specific project task and own doctoral degree. Continuation of the position will be agreed separately. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

The candidate shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Eastern Finland by enrolling in the Faculty's Doctoral Programme LUMETO. The goal is to finish the doctoral thesis and graduate within four years.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system of the Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job requirement component and a personal performance component. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 2–4 on the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff depending on the stage of the applicant's doctoral research and postgraduate studies. The personal performance salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. At the beginning of the employment, the salary of the Doctoral Researcher will be approximately € 2584– 2717 /month.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements

• A person to be appointed as a Doctoral Researcher shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies.
• The person to be appointed in the position shall hold a suitable higher university degree, e.g. Master’s in biomedical engineering, medical physics, biophysics, or related engineering and physics fields. Candidates who are currently completing or have recently completed a higher university degree are invited to apply, however, they are expected to hold a suitable degree by the starting date of the position.
• Potential candidates should have a good command of the English language. 

The following will be considered an advantage:

• Background in biomedical engineering, medical physics, biophysics or related fields.
• Previous experience in laboratory experiments working with biological samples.
• Basic knowledge in spectroscopy, especially infrared spectroscopy.
• Good publication track record.
• Strong experience in statistical analysis. 
• Intermediate programming skills, in Python, R, MATLAB etc. (the more the better).

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including:

• Extensive occupational health care
• Staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
• Affordable sports services and 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 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 19 February 2024 (by 24 hours Finnish time). 

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

• CV (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae, but 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,
• motivation letter (max two pages). In the letter, please indicate your motivation for this position and your earlier research experience,
• other documents you wish to include to demonstrate your merits for the position.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Associate Professor Isaac Afara, email: isaac.afara@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 4453305.

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR-Coordinator Noora Hämäläinen, e-mail: noora.hamalainen@uef.fi, tel. +358 29 4458302.