MSCA Doctoral Researcher, DETECTIVE project (wastewater virology and epidemic prediction) Tampere University in Finland

Tampere University is recruiting an MSCA Doctoral Researcher for the DETECTIVE project: Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts. This is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network position based in Finland, at one of the country’s most multidisciplinary and internationally oriented universities.

The doctoral project (DC9) focuses on wastewater virology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and epidemic prediction. The research will integrate monthly wastewater virome data from Finnish cities with epidemiological and other population-level datasets to study viral dynamics during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to improve understanding of community-level virus circulation and develop wastewater-based early-warning systems for future epidemics and pandemics.

Research tasks include building a longitudinal wastewater virome surveillance system, using qPCR, capture enrichment, and high-throughput sequencing to profile vertebrate-infecting viruses, examining links between wastewater viral loads and clinical indicators, and developing bioinformatic pipelines for sensitive detection and full-genome recovery. The project also includes data-driven modelling for epidemic prediction, vaccination strategy, and integration of multi-virus WBE into public-health decision-making.

The supervisory team includes Assoc. Prof. Sami Oikarinen and Dr. Ana Da Silva Filipe, with additional scientific mentoring from Assoc. Prof. Jaana Jurvansuu. The broader network includes international secondments, exposing the doctoral researcher to academic and industrial research environments and training in virology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and translational public health virology.

Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field. Experience with molecular technologies and bioinformatics is an advantage. Strong English communication skills are expected, along with interest in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and multidisciplinary research. MSCA mobility rules apply: applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before 1 March 2027.

This is a three-year doctoral position with salary according to MSCA rates. The researcher will have access to unique longitudinal biological samples and epidemiological data, as well as Tampere University’s virology, metagenomics, BSL-2/3, PCR, cell culture, and high-performance computing infrastructure.

To apply, complete the DETECTIVE application form and submit a CV (max 2 pages), motivation letter (max 1 page), and details of two referees via the application link. The closing date is 8 October 2026.