Sami Oikarinen

MSCA Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Virology, DETECTIVE Project at Tampere University , Finland. This position is part of DETECTIVE (Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts), a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network focused on epidemic intelligence, emerging virus surveillance, and pandemic preparedness. The doctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary and international environment spanning virology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, public health, and epidemic modelling, with network partners across academia, public health, regulation, and industry. Research focus: The project investigates how enterovirus circulation and population immunity have changed over time and whether these patterns can help predict epidemic risk. Using the Finnish DIPP longitudinal cohort, the project combines serum samples, neutralizing antibody analyses, healthcare surveillance, wastewater monitoring, and historical epidemic data. The work will characterize type-specific immunity across age groups and birth cohorts, examine long-term population circulation patterns, identify susceptibility gaps linked to epidemic emergence, and develop and validate predictive models for enterovirus outbreak risk. Training and environment: The candidate will work within Tampere University’s strong virology and data-intensive research infrastructure, including facilities for molecular virology, metagenomics, biosafety level 2 and 3 work, PCR and cell culture, environmental wastewater datasets, and high-performance computing support. The role also includes planned secondments to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK) and Imperial College London (UK), providing training in antibody standards, population immunity, and epidemic-risk modelling. Funding: This is a three-year funded doctoral position with salary set according to MSCA rates . Eligibility highlights: Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field, completed before the start date. Experience with molecular technologies and bioinformatics is advantageous. Strong English communication skills, motivation to develop data science skills including machine learning and artificial intelligence, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are expected. MSCA mobility rules apply: applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Finland during the 36 months before 1 March 2027. Application window: Apply by 8 October 2026 using the DETECTIVE application form. Submit a CV (max 2 pages), motivation letter (max 1 page), and details for two references via the online link provided. For enquiries, contact Assoc. Prof. Sami Oikarinen at [email protected] .