Doctoral Researcher in Prior immunity as a disease modulator (EU Doctoral Network DETECTIVE) University of Turku in Finland

Doctoral Researcher position in Prior immunity as a disease modulator within the EU Doctoral Network DETECTIVE at the University of Turku, Finland. DETECTIVE (Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network coordinated by the University of Turku, training doctoral candidates in virology, genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics, data science, and public health.

This specific project investigates the re-emergence of poliovirus, focusing on vaccine-derived polioviruses and their recombination with non-pathogenic species C enteroviruses. The work combines virological, immunological, molecular, and epidemiological approaches to identify viral and host factors that promote recombination, spread, and outbreak risk in under-immunised populations. The project supports broader goals in polio eradication, outbreak preparedness, and infectious disease control.

The position is hosted at the University of Turku and involves international secondments at THL Helsinki and Imperial College London. The doctoral candidate will contribute to Work Package 2 and conduct research involving replication-competent molecular clones, poliovirus-derived replicons, replication fitness studies, recombinant protein production, and T-cell immunity assays.

Supervision is provided by Professor Peter Simmonds and Professor Heli Harvala, with additional scientific mentoring from Dr Carita Savolainen-Kopra and Professor Nicolas Grassly. The position starts on 1 March 2027 and is funded for 36 months.

The post is fully funded through MSCA Doctoral Networks and includes a living allowance of €4,010/month (subject to Finland correction coefficient), a mobility allowance of €710/month, and, where applicable, a family allowance of €660/month. The role is intended for full-time doctoral dissertation research and postgraduate studies.

Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field, and must be eligible for doctoral studies at the University of Turku. MSCA mobility rules apply: applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Finland during the 36 months before recruitment. Strong English skills, motivation for infectious disease research, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary, international setting are required. Experience in molecular biology, virology, serology, genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiological datasets, or infectious disease laboratory research is advantageous.

Application deadline: 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). Applications must be submitted via the University of Turku recruitment system, with a CV, motivation letter, degree certificate(s), transcript, and referee details. Applicants must also complete the DETECTIVE online application form. Shortlisted candidates will take part in a two-stage interview process.