Doctoral Researcher in the Field of Genetics and Gene Therapy

We are looking for an excellent PhD Candidate to work in the field of genetics and gene therapy, in a HORIZON-EUROPE Consortium.

You will be part of multidisciplinary team in 4-year HORIZON-EUROPE Consortium project starting in December 2024 composed of top leading universities in Europe.

 

Your mission

Your main research objectives/activities will include:

(1) To perform in-house validated CRISPR KO's in chondrocyte cells sources used by the consortium;

(2) To validate and characterize regenerative properties of validated CRISPR KO's in chondrocyte cells sources used by the consortium;

(3) Generate CRISPR Knock-in ofosteochondrodysplasias and Osteoarthritis associated variants in primary chondrocyte cells sources;

(4) Demonstrate the impact of osteochondrodysplasias and Osteoarthritis associated variants (also called mutations) using in vitro cell culture models such as chondrogenic differentiation protocol and OA in vitro models.

 

Our research

 

HORIZON-EUROPE Consortium project, main goal is to develop a new bioprinting platform capable of spatially patterning numerous CRISPR/Cas-9 genome edited cellular aggregates or microtissues into scaled-up, personalised durable load-bearing grafts and guiding their (re)modelling into fully functional articular cartilage tissues in vivo within damaged or diseased cartilage joint environments. This will be achieved using a converged bioprinting approach capable of rapidly depositing cells and microtissues into guiding scaffold structures with high spatial resolution in a rapid, reliable, reproducible and quantifiable manner. These guiding structures will then function to direction the fusion and remodelling of cellular aggregates and microtissues into structurally organised tissues in vitro and in vivo, as well as providing medium-term (3-5years) mechanical support to the regenerating tissue.

The Consortium is composed of: University of Helsinki (Finland), University College Dublin (Ireland), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), UMC Utrecht (Netherlands), The University Hospital of Würzburg (Germany), University of Aveiro (Portugal), University of Basel (Switzerland), University of Otago (New Zealand) as well as leading SME's in articular cartilage regeneration therapy and 3D Bioprinting.

In our group you will have an opportunity to gain knowledge in osteoarthritis and cartilage repair, use versatile analysis methods, do data analysis, learn scientific communication and develop your own collaboration network. We offer you a motivating working environment in a multidisciplinary research group, supervisors who are ready to guide you in your journey to an independent researcher. You will work along with other researchers and laboratory technicians from the Helsinki Rheumatic Diseases & Inflammation Group, and our extensive international collaboration network with profound knowledge of the latest state-of-the-art analysis methods, clinical and animal studies, along with bioinformatics and computational modelling. The lab research funders include Horizon Europe, Academy of Finland, Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation, HUS, Orton, and Finnish Cultural Foundation.

 

Requirements

 

The ideal candidate has an MSc degree in a life-science-related field (e.g. medicine or genetics), but applicable other degrees are also considered. You should have strong skills in human cell culture maintenance, excellent merits in your studies and demonstrated skills in theoretical and/or experimental work during your MSc thesis. The position involves the use of CRISPR and cell transfection methods, such as electroporation, hence experience on these subjects, is considered an advantage.

While not mandatory, a bonus is to have bioinformatics' kills, especially in genomics and transcriptomics data analysis. The candidate should be ready and capable to work experimentally with biosafety level 2 wet-lab environment. If you have not graduated yet, you should obtain your MSc degree during the Fall 2024. The earliest anticipated starting date is 1st December 2024 and applicants being able to start the project early may have an advantage in the selection process.

You communicate clearly and have excellent interpersonal skills. You can work both independently and as a part of the team. You demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm and commitment to academic research. You will work along with other researchers from the Helsinki Rheumatic Diseases & Inflammation Group at University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital. We're located at Biomedicum Helsinki 1 in Meilahti campus (Haartmaninkatu 8).

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell. The requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki can be found at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/eligibility-and-educational-documents.

 

What we offer

This position includes funding for full-time annual salary during three years. A 6-month trial period will be applied.

The salary will be based on the University salary scheme for research and teaching staff. The starting salary will be ca. 2 600 euros/month, depending on the appointee's qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

 



How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.

Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.

 

Please, provide the following as separate documents along with your application:

 

-    1-page motivation letter specific to this call

-    CV with a possible list of publications

-    Transcript of records

-    Your MSc thesis

-    List of references and reference letters

 

For more information, please contact the Principal Investigator goncalo.barreto (at) helsinki.fi.

 

To learn more about our lab, please visit our webpage: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/helsinki-rheumatic-diseases-inflammation-group, as well as Orcid (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4444-9208) and X.com (https://x.com/BarretoGoncalo).

 

The call is open until 31st October 2024 and all applications will be reviewed within 15 days of the closing date.

 

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

 

About us

 

The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master's Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine.

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.

 

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