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.

We are looking for two highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows in the field of biophysics to join our research groups "Biophysics of the eye" and "Cellular biophysics" at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. The positions are full-time and will be filled for a fixed-term period of three years. 

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 research groups ”Biophysics of the eye” and “Cellular biophysics” are looking for two postdoctoral researchers in the field of biophysics, focusing on cellular electrophysiology, cell biology and imaging based approaches. 

“Biophysics of the eye” research group investigates the concerted functioning of the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye with focus on ion channel physiology. The group has studied different voltage-gated ion channels and gap junctions in the RPE and evaluated the authenticity of stem cell-derived RPE regarding these characteristics. Utilizing techniques including patch clamp electrophysiology, high resolution live cell imaging and molecular biosensor approaches the group aims to resolve how the electrical properties of the RPE influence its biological processes.

“Cellular biophysics” group is interested in mechanobiology. Recently the group has studied e.g., force transmission in epithelial monolayers, and mechanosensing of the cells, with a particular focus on mechanosensitive ion channels. The group uses a variety of techniques (hydrogels, gene editing, live cell microscopy, biosensors) to decipher how mechanical forces and physical cues regulate cellular physiology. 

Job description

We are seeking two talented, creative, independent and motivated postdoctoral researchers. Please indicate on your application to which of the positions (or both) you are applying for. 

1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow #1 will study the electrical signaling of the RPE and its communication with the neural retina. Methodological approaches include electrophysiology (primarily patch clamp), confocal microscopy related techniques, and live cell imaging combined with different biosensors and indicators (calcium indicators, voltage indicators, etc.). The employed experimental models are stem cell derived RPE, zebrafish, and mouse tissues.
   
   
2. Postdoctoral Research Fellow #2 will study the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction in epithelial and induced pluripotent stem cells. The main focus will be in cellular sensing of mechanical stimulus and topographical cues. The studies require expertise in cell culturing, confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, hydrogel construction, usage of different biosensors (Ca²⁺ indicators, force sensors), and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

Both positions include collaboration with research colleagues and support staff, both internally and within external networks. The postdoctoral researchers will provide guidance and support to students, contribute to relevant teaching activities, and participate in scientific meetings. In addition, data analysis, writing publications and research reports as well as funding applications and disseminations to the wider community will be needed. 

Requirements

We are looking for versatile and independent researchers with an applicable doctoral degree (e.g. in the field of cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, engineering, biosensor technology, or neuroscience) and a solid background in cellular electrophysiology (including patch clamp), cell biology, or generally in cellular biophysics. Candidates with additional experience in different imaging techniques will be highly valued. We also appreciate experience and contacts with the international research community. Candidates with proven ability to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students will be considered an advantage. The positions may also involve some teaching duties in the future. Furthermore, the positions require that the candidate is able to meet the responsibilities identified in laboratories and to follow ethical guidelines. Finally, good communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) will be considered important for the positions. 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 planned starting date is as soon as possible, or as mutually agreed. The positions are full-time, and will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years. 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 Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on the job demands levels 5-6. A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Research Fellow is around 3600-3800 EUR/month.

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 the dynamic and innovative international community of Tampere University, you will have access to a range of competitive benefits, including occupational health care services, flexible work schedules, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities, and a safe and inviting campus area. You will also have a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities during 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.  

Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland and is considered a major academic hub in the Nordic countries. The region is home to a vibrant, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community, and the city is an industrial powerhouse with a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland's information society. Additionally, Finland is known for being one of the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on various ratings by prominent agencies. Tampere is surrounded by stunning nature, with forests and lakes offering 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 March 27^th, 2025 (23:59 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• CV (according to TENK guidelines)
• List of publications according to Research Council of Finland guidelines
• Cover letter, which should include a brief introduction of the applicant, previous research experience, and future plans.  
• Contact information of two referees

For more information, please contact:

Associate Professor Soile Nymark, tel. +358 40 849 0009, soile.nymark@tuni.fi

Associate Professor Teemu Ihalainen, tel. +358 50 318 7202, teemu.ihalainen@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

Tampereen yliopiston lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunnan Biotieteet -yksikön ”Biophysics of the eye” ja “Cellular biophysics” -tutkimusryhmissä on auki kaksi tutkijatohtorin tehtävää solutason biofysiikan alalla. Tehtävät ovat kokoaikaisia ja ne täytetään mahdollisimman pian kolmen vuoden määräajaksi.   

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 27.3.2025 klo 23:59.