Doctoral Researcher (Cell and Tissue Technology) / Väitöskirjatutkija (Solu- ja kudosteknologia)

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) is dedicated to pursuing world-class research and delivering high-quality education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine and health technology. We conduct internationally acclaimed basic and applied research. 

The Adult Stem Cell Research Group is looking for a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher to work on in vitro models of bone. The tasks include utilizing 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, tissue engineering and primary/stem cell technologies. The position is full-time and will be filled for a fixed-term period of two years. The workplace is located at Kauppi Campus, Tampere University.

Adult Stem Cell Research Group combines multidisciplinary expertise in cell biology, stem cell technology, engineering and medicine. The objectives of our research projects are to increase knowledge on mechanisms controlling human stem cell behavior and differentiation and to use this knowledge to develop cell-based and tissue engineered products for clinical use and as in vitro -models. 

Job description

Together with the team members, the selected Doctoral Researcher will implement project’s goals of building in vitro models of bone for biomaterial testing, studying disease mechanisms and drug discovery. In the task, you will be utilizing 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, tissue engineering and primary/stem cell technologies.

The main tasks are: 

• Brainstorming and designing in vitro model of bone.
• Utilizing the model to test biomaterials for their cellular interactions and study disease mechanisms and drug responses. 
• Performing analysis and interpreting the results together with the project team 
• Presenting the research at various events in Finland and abroad.
• Reporting on the research results in scientific publications and project reports.

The selected candidate will be able to focus on their doctoral research full-time, get supervision, and implement new ideas as a part of a research team in the positive and multidisciplinary environment of the MET faculty. 

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the duties of a doctoral researcher may include participation in education or other faculty tasks that support your studies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a field related to the position, such as cell technology or biomaterials science
• Strong experience in cell culture techniques, particularly working with primary/stem cells as well as familiarity with co-culture techniques.
• Ability to plan and manage complex experiments, including timelines, resource management, and troubleshooting. 
• Skills in microscopy (e.g., confocal, fluorescence) and imaging analysis to assess cell viability, morphology, and tissue formation. 
• Knowledge of cellular behavior, tissue organization, and how these are influenced by the 3D microenvironment.
• Solid foundation in biomedical engineering principles and biomaterials science to understand how materials interact with cells and support tissue growth.
• Hands-on experience about 3D bioprinting or microfluids is considered as an advantage as well as experience e.g., in Python and MatLab programming environments.
• Willingness to learn and integrate new methods or technologies, such as advanced biomaterials or novel printing methods, into current workflows.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team, and interest in academic research. 
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams, such as biologists, engineers, and clinicians, and the ability to communicate complex ideas across fields.
• Ability and motivation to pursue and complete a doctoral degree as demonstrated during prior studies or otherwise.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Successful candidates must be pursuing or should be accepted to study towards a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Medicine, Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering. Please visit the admissions page for more information on eligibility requirements. 

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, and boldly forward-looking community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, and learner-centeredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The planned starting date is May 1st 2025, or as mutually agreed.  The position is full-time, and it will be filled for a fixed-term period until the end of March 2027. A trial period of 6 months applies to all new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2600-2800 EUR/month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active, and truly multidisciplinary research community. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality education.

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.  

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below). The closing date for applications is January 20^th, 2025 (at 23.59 EET, UTC+2). Please write your application and all accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format only. 

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• CV (according to TENK guidelines). Named “Surname_CV.pdf” (max. 2 pages)
• A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 2 pages). Named “Surname_Motivation_Letter.pdf”
• PDF copies of your Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records in original language. If original language is other than Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages.
• Either two recommendation letters (preferably) OR the contact details of two referees (if the first option is not possible, and with explained reasoning). Named “Surname_Recommendations.pdf”

Additional documents:

• If available a certificate of English language proficiency. 

For more information, please contact:

Professor Susanna Miettinen, susanna.miettinen@tuni.fi

For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR Specialist Lilli Sarasvirta, lilli.sarasvirta@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunnan Biolääketieteen tekniikka -yksikön  ”Adult Stem Cell Group” -tutkimusryhmässä on auki väitöskirjatutkijan tehtävä. Tehtävä on kokoaikainen ja se täytetään 1.5.2025 lukien, tai sopimuksen mukaan, 31.3.2027 saakka.  

Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekuntamme on monialainen biolääketieteen tekniikan, bioteknologian, lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tutkimuksen ja opetuksen korkeatasoinen yksikkö. Teemme kansainvälisesti merkittävää perus- ja soveltavaa tutkimusta.

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Tehtävän hakuaika päättyy 20.1.2025 klo 23:59.

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys