Two Postdoctoral Researchers in Immunology: Initiation and Modulation of Immune Responses University of Turku in Finland

The University of Turku’s Faculty of Medicine is seeking two postdoctoral researchers to join the 'Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response' group led by Professor Marko Salmi. The group is part of the MediCity Research Laboratory and the InFLAMES Flagship, a national initiative for translational immunological research. The research focuses on the initiation and modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses during inflammation, cancer, and vaccination. Key topics include antigen trafficking to lymph nodes, stromal cell roles in immune responses, myeloid leukocyte differentiation, and immunological biomarkers.

The projects utilize advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, single-cell omics, and functional immunological assays, with both experimental models and patient sample analyses. The successful candidates will study immune response initiation in lymphoid tissues and targeted pharmacological modulation, including strategies for antibody-based drug delivery to lymph nodes in cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Responsibilities include laboratory experiments (including in vivo models), imaging and omics analysis, method development, and scientific publication. Opportunities exist for independent project development, PhD student supervision, and teaching. The positions are funded by the Research Council of Finland and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, with a starting salary of €3,600–4,000/month, fixed-term for 2–3 years, and a six-month trial period.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in immunology, (bio)medicine, biology, or a related field, proven laboratory experience, strong English skills, and a solid publication record. Additional merits include experience in single-cell omics, bioinformatics, imaging, flow cytometry, or in vivo inflammation models. The University of Turku offers a multidisciplinary, international research environment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and support for international hires.

Applications must include degree certificates, motivation letter, CV, publication list, descriptions of up to five key publications, and contact details of two referees. The application form includes a mandatory video question and can be edited until the deadline. For scientific inquiries, contact Prof. Marko Salmi ([email protected]); for recruitment process inquiries, contact HR Specialist Anne Jackson ([email protected]).