Peter Simmonds

Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Turku in the EU Doctoral Network DETECTIVE This fully funded PhD project is hosted by the University of Turku, Finland, within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network DETECTIVE (Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts). The network trains doctoral candidates across Europe in virology, genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics, bioinformatics, and public health preparedness. The specific project focuses on identifying genetic and host markers linked to susceptibility to, and severity of, viral respiratory and neurological infections. The doctoral researcher will integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and genetic data from large clinical cohorts to discover biomarkers and genetic risk factors associated with severe disease. The work is connected to molecular epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, and multi-omics analysis, with the goal of improving risk prediction and epidemic preparedness. The position is based in Turku, Finland, starts on 1 March 2027, and is funded for 36 months. The role includes international secondments at Bioname in Finland and the University Medical Centre Groningen in the Netherlands, giving experience in both academic and industrial environments. The candidate will contribute to Work Package 2 of DETECTIVE and collaborate with international partners across the consortium. Supervision will be provided by Professor Heli Harvala and Professor Peter Simmonds at the University of Turku, with additional scientific mentoring from Eero Vesterinen (Bioname) and Dr Jelte Helfferich (University Medical Centre Groningen). The network also offers training schools in virology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and translational virology, alongside mentoring and career development support. Eligibility highlights include a relevant Master’s degree, eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Turku, strong English communication skills, and compliance with MSCA mobility rules. Applicants must not have lived or worked in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment, and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Funding is provided through MSCA Doctoral Networks and includes a monthly living allowance of €4,010 subject to the Finland correction coefficient, a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and a family allowance of €660 per month where applicable. The application deadline is 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). To apply, candidates must submit their application through the University of Turku recruitment system and complete the DETECTIVE online application form. Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, degree certificate(s), transcript of records, referee details, and any optional supporting documents.

Doctoral Researcher in Blood donor surveillance for emerging pathogens at the University of Turku, Finland, within the EU-funded DETECTIVE Doctoral Network. 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. The network trains early-stage researchers in epidemic intelligence, emerging virus surveillance, diagnostics, genomics, epidemiology, and public health preparedness across Europe. This specific doctoral project focuses on developing innovative approaches for monitoring emerging pathogens through large-scale blood donor surveillance. The project integrates serological, genomic, epidemiological, and demographic data to study pathogen circulation and population exposure, with the aim of improving epidemic intelligence and preparedness. The position is hosted at the University of Turku and the place of work is Turku, Finland. It starts on 1 March 2027 and is funded for 36 months. The successful candidate will work as Doctoral Candidate (DC3) contributing to Work Package 3. The role includes establishing and coordinating blood donor sample collection networks, analysing demographic and risk-related data, implementing targeted sampling strategies in regions at risk for arbovirus introduction, developing serological assays and next-generation sequencing approaches, and collaborating with international partners. Supervision is provided by Professor Heli Harvala and Professor Peter Simmonds at the University of Turku, with additional mentoring from Dr Maria Farcet (Takeda, Austria) and Professor Claire Smith (University College London, UK). The position includes international secondments at University College London and Takeda, offering experience in both academic and industrial environments. Funding is fully provided under the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme (Grant Agreement No. 101312731). The financial package includes a living allowance of €4,010 per month, a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and, where applicable, a family allowance of €660 per month, subject to MSCA rules and the Finnish country correction coefficient. Eligibility highlights include a relevant Master’s degree, eligibility for doctoral studies at the University of Turku, strong English communication skills, interest in infectious disease research, and compliance with MSCA mobility rules. Applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Finland during the 36 months before recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree. The application deadline is 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). Applicants must submit their application through the University of Turku recruitment system and complete the DETECTIVE online application form. Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, degree certificates and transcripts, referee details, and optional supporting documents. Shortlisted candidates will go through a two-stage interview process in late October and November 2026, with recruitment expected to be completed by December 2026.

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.