Marko Salmi

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]).

The University of Turku Faculty of Medicine is offering a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunology position in the research group Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response , led by Professor Marko Salmi . The work is based at the MediCity Research Laboratory in Turku, Finland, and is part of the InFLAMES Flagship Programme , a major multidisciplinary immunology and innovation ecosystem. The project focuses on the regulation of immune responses in lymph nodes , especially the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the transfer of lymph-borne antigens from lymphatic vessels into lymph nodes and how these antigens affect lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and resident myeloid cells. The broader scientific aim is to develop novel ways to locally modulate immune responses within specific lymph nodes in settings such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and vaccination . The research group studies immune response initiation in inflammation, cancer, and vaccination, with interests in antigen transport, lymph node stromal cell biology, myeloid leukocyte differentiation and function, and biomarkers of inflammation and cancer. The group uses advanced methods including microscopy-based imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell omics technologies, functional immunological analyses , in vivo models, and tissue/cell sample analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory experiments, method development, data analysis, scientific publishing, supervision of doctoral and other students, and may also participate in teaching. This is a strong opportunity for a researcher with a PhD and substantial experience in immunology, vascular biology, cancer biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biology, medicine, or biomedical sciences . The position requires excellent English, strong publication output, independent and collaborative working skills, and good communication abilities. Experience with single-cell omics, bioinformatics, bioimaging, flow cytometry, and in vivo inflammation models is advantageous. The post is funded through a project supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation . Salary follows the Finnish Universities Collective Agreement, with a typical starting salary of approximately €3,700–€4,000 per month depending on qualifications and experience. The appointment is expected to start in autumn 2026 , lasts 2–3 years by agreement, and includes a 6-month probationary period . Applications must be submitted via the University of Turku online recruitment system by 17 August 2026 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki) . Applicants should provide degree certificates, a one-page motivation letter, a CV, a publication list, up to five key publications with a statement of their contribution, and contact information for two referees. The application and supporting documents must be in English.