Postdoctoral Research Fellow (3D bioprinting and tissue engineering) / Tutkijatohtori (3D-biotulostu

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 committed to high quality research and education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine, and health technology. We conduct basic, applied, clinical, and translational research in collaboration with Tampere University Hospital (TAYS). Our existing research areas in health research include biomedical engineering fields from biomaterials and microtechnologies to health data science, cell and molecular biology, with applications in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular and celiac diseases, immunology, and ophthalmology.

Professor Heli Skottman’s eye regeneration group develops novel human stem cell-based tools for corneal and retinal repair through cell transplantation and ophthalmic in vitro tissue models that can be used to model human-specific eye disorders. For additional details see our web page: https://research.tuni.fi/eye-group/. 

Research group is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop technologies to 3D bioprint ophthalmic tissues for clinical applications using human pluripotent stem cell derived cells and novel bioink solutions. The research project is conducted in collaboration with several academic and industrial partners.

Job description

We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing 3D bioprinting technology for clinical applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and optimizing 3D bioprinting parameters for both extrusion and laser-assisted bioprinting techniques. This work will involve using human pluripotent stem cell-derived cells and various bioink solutions.

The primary focus will be on optimizing 3D bioprinting parameters and conducting molecular assessments of bioprinted tissue constructs. This research requires a deep understanding and passion for 3D bioprinting technologies, as well as proficiency in a variety of molecular techniques and imaging methodologies. Additionally, the role involves data analysis, and the creation of publications and reports. Importantly, the position includes active collaboration and communication at the intersection of academic research and industrial R&D, working closely with colleagues in both sectors and within external networks.

Requirements

• An applicable doctoral degree in the field of tissue engineering with previous expertise on 3D bioprinting of human cells. 
• Prior experience with various 3D bioprinting technologies is highly valued.
• Versatile and independent researcher expertise in tissue engineering using human cells. 
• A solid background in biomaterial characterization, cell cultures and molecular assessment of cells and tissues. 
• Candidates with additional research experience with human stem cells will be highly valued.
• Technical skills in 3D bioprinting, biomaterial characterizations, human cell cultures, immunofluorescence and imaging methodologies.
• While experience within the international eye research community is valued, it is not a mandatory requirement.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) will be considered important for the position. 
• The position also requires that the candidate is able to meet the responsibilities identified in laboratory and ethical guidelines.

Please describe your relevant experience and skills in detail in the cover letter, and please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested.   

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

We offer

The full-time position will be filled for a fixed-term period of two years, starting as soon as possible, but no later than in the beginning of April 2025. A six-month trial period applies to all new employees. 

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities.  The position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on the job demands levels 5-6 (teaching and research staff). A typical salary of Postdoctoral Researcher in this demand level is around 3500-4000 EUR/month.

We offer a world-class research environment in internationally recognized research groups. We have strong collaborative networks and offer great opportunities for researchers to develop their careers in an international setting. We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community.  

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 provided below). The closing date for applications is 17th of January 2025 (23:59 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please ensure that your application includes the following documents: 

• Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines 
• List of publications according to Research Council of Finland guideline
• Cover letter, which should include a brief introduction of the applicant, previous research experience, and motivation to apply this position with future perspectives.  
• Names and contact details of two referees

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions regarding the application process or the position, please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact details provided in the job advertisement.

We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in joining our dynamic and innovative community at Tampere University.

For further information, please contact:

Professor Heli Skottman, tel. +358 50 396 9645, heli.skottman@tuni.fi

With questions related to the recruitment 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

Tampereen yliopiston lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunnan Biolääketieteen tekniikka -yksikössä on haettavana tutkijatohtorin määräaikainen tehtävä 3D-biotulostuksen ja kudosteknologian alalla.

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). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 17.1.2025 klo 23.59.

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys