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We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the field of Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer to join our research group Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. The position is 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.
In Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer research group we study the molecular alterations in prostate cancer with an emphasis on alterations associated with disease progression. Finding the common genomic alterations is an important step in the development of better diagnostics and therapeutics. To achieve this goal, our research group uses modern omics tools, such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and large-scale proteomics. Special emphasis is currently placed on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA). In addition, we have long-standing strong interest towards androgen receptor (AR) gene, amplification of which was first described by the group back in 1995. We study the mechanistic consequences of the overexpression of AR using models we have established, as well as clinical samples of castration-resistant disease. We also identify and characterize downstream genes of AR signaling pathway, to screen for candidate drug targets. The Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer research group is a member of Prostate Cacner Research Center at Tampere University, which is a multidisciplinary research center leveraging basic sciences, epidemiology, computational biology, and clinical practice to find answers enabling better management of prostate cancer.
Job description
The position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow focuses on studying the functional role of EPCART lncRNA in prostate cancer. Our previous work has shown EPCART expression to be highly prostate cancer-specific and driven by key prostate cancer transcription factors, AR and ERG, and to be an independent prognostic indicator. EPCART promotes mRNA translation, which was identified to take place through the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway. The current project aims to further elucidate the functional role of EPCART in prostate cancer using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro models are used to gain additional insights in the molecular mechanisms of EPCART function through studies on EPCART targets. The effect of EPCART transcript variants on prostate cancer cell growth will be studied in vivo through establishment of mouse xenograft models.
Requirements
You should have a PhD degree in molecular or cellular biology, or equivalent. We expect a competence to pursue independent scientific work and adequate teaching skills. You should be fluent in spoken and written English and have a solid experience in cell and molecular biology. Prior expertise in working with mice in a laboratory facility and experience in cancer research is beneficial but not mandatory.
We appreciate experience of studying and working abroad and contacts to international research community. If you have additional experience in, for example NGS technologies or bioinformatics, that would be considered a bonus.
We are looking for versatile and independent researchers with a solid background in molecular and cell biology. We expect that you have experience in the closely related area of the position. In case you have theoretical traits for the analysis of experimental work and the ability to supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students that would be considered an advantage. The position may also involve some teaching duties in the future. 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 position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 3 years. The planned starting date is 1 August 2025 or as mutually agreed. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on the job demands levels 5-6 (teaching and research staff). A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Researcher is around 3700-3900 EUR/month.
Cancer research is recognized as leading-edge research area of Tampere University. 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:
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below). The closing date for applications is 2nd of June 2025 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.
Applications should include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines
- List of publications according to the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
- Contact information of two referees
- Motivation letter (incl. research directions):
- 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
- Previous research fields and main research results.
- Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?
For more information, please contact:
Professor, Group Leader Tapio Visarkorpi, tel. +358 50 318 5829, tapio.visakorpi (at) tuni.fi
Application period starts: 2025-04-28 08:00. Application period ends: 2025-06-02 23:59
