PhD in 3 years: Doctoral Researcher in Breast Cancer Genetics

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher  

to the education pilot in precision cancer medicine (iCANDOC) to join our Breast Cancer Genetics team in Biocenter Oulu and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Oulu. The Faculty of Medicine, an integral part of the Kontinkangas Life Sciences Campus, is situated next to the University Hospital of Oulu. The campus is a unique combination of partners in research, education, health services and business.

About the job

A Doctoral Researcher position is available in the Breast Cancer Genetics team lead by Professor Katri Pylkäs. The team aims to elucidate genetic risk factors for breast cancer, and to resolve the molecular mechanisms leading to breast cancer predisposition and subsequent malignant conversion. In this Doctoral Researcher project the focus is on deciphering genetic landscape of breast tumors through optical genome mapping and exome sequencing. The research will be conducted at the Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, and Biocenter Oulu. We have excellent molecular biology laboratories and instrumentation concerning the project’s needs. The Doctoral Researcher will join the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS), which provides the framework and conditions for high-quality, research-driven doctoral training.

What we offer?

• An exiting research project utilizing the state-of-the art genomic methods
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

You are the person we are looking for if you have:  

• Master's degree in genetics, molecular genetics or bioinformatics or equivalent (the degree needs be completed before the starting date)
• High motivation and the ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team
• Solid background knowledge in genetics and genomics
• Experience in conducting molecular genetics laboratory work 
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)
• Previous experience in genomic data analysis (exome-sequencing and/or optical genome mapping) is considered an advantage  

Salary

Doctoral researchers selected in the pilot programme will by default be offered a three-year (36 month) fixed-term full-time employment contract by University of Oulu. These positions are available for highly motivated and talented researchers wishing to undertake and complete training for a research-focused doctoral degree, starting 1.1.2025 at the earliest. The selected applicants are expected to start their project no later than 1.2.2025. A six-month trial period is applied in the position.

The salary of the selected doctoral researchers will be paid monthly. The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2500-2800 € per month (before taxes).

How to apply?

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 15.10.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is a good fit for this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity.
3. Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Professor Katri Pylkäs (katri.pylkas(at)oulu.fi)