Postdoctoral Researcher position in Kuopio

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the field of musculoskeletal diseases, specifically experimental and computational assessment of mineralized joint tissues in osteoarthritis, at Kuopio University Hospital, the Wellbeing Services county of North Savo, and the University of Eastern Finland. The position will be filled from December 1st, 2024 (or as agreed). The research project is led by Associate Professor, Senior Specialist, Ph.D. Mikael Turunen.

The project aims to identify mechanisms of the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis focusing on the mineralized tissues in the joint, namely calcified cartilage and subchondral bone. The tissue properties will be characterized extensively using micro- and nano-scale technologies. The project will be conducted at Kuopio University Hospital and the University Eastern Finland (Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences). The project runs in close collaboration with other projects in the Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage research group and is complemented by several experts in the field of advanced experimental techniques and computational modeling, as well as osteoarthritis research. The 4-year project is funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The primary tasks of the Postdoctoral Researcher will include, but not be limited to, management of the project practicalities, supervision of Ph.D. students, development of the bioreactor and other experimental protocols, laboratory experiments, data analysis (including synchrotron beamline experiments), statistical analysis of the data, writing articles and abstracts, attending conferences, applying additional funding to widen the project, and preparation and supervision of personal grant applications.

Candidates who are currently completing or have recently completed a PhD degree are invited to apply, provided that they will have completed their degree before the starting date.

Our requirements and expectations
- The person to be appointed in the position shall hold a PhD degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomechanics or mechanobiology, or related field(s). The doctoral degree may not have been completed more than five years prior to the time of accepting the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.),
- Potential candidates should have a good command of the English language.

Experience and Skills
Minimum:
- Background in high-level biomedical research
- Experience in experimental biomedical (or related) research
- Fluency in spoken and especially written English for technical communication
- Willingness and enthusiasm for international mobility
Desirable:
- Good publication track record
- Experience in synchrotron laboratory facilities
- Background knowledge on musculoskeletal tissues and diseases
- Comfortable working in a highly multi-disciplinary group
- Good social skills
- Supervision experience

Your benefits
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, which is known for its cleanliness with four seasons, welfare know-how, modern technology, and superb education system. Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Based on your working experience the salary will be approximately 3,700€- 3,996€/month at the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?
Submit your electronic application form via Kuntarekry (https://www.kuntarekry.fi/en/), no later than 31 October 2024 (by 12.00 CET).

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/)
- Motivation letter (max two pages). In the letter, please indicate your motivation for this position and your earlier research experience
- 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

The position will be filled for a fixed term from December 1st, 2024 (or as agreed) to August 31st, 2026, with possibility for extension. A probationary period of 6 months is applied to all new members of the staff.

Starting salary 3,700€ - 3,996€/month

Kuopio University Hospital is one of the five university hospitals in Finland. We are a part of the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo. Kuopio University Hospital is a comprehensive world class medical center ranked 165th in the world (https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2023). Kuopio University Hospital is scientifically active and home to c. 700 research projects. We are located on the same campus and collaborate actively with the University of Eastern Finland.

The Wellbeing Services County of North Savo is responsible for health and social services and rescue services. The region is international and dynamic, with a population of over 248,000. The Wellbeing Services County of North Savo employs approximately 13 000 professionals in various fields. https://pshyvinvointialue.fi/

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 16,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone.  Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en.

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