Researcher (Postdoctoral Level) in Cell Biology

Researcher (Postdoctoral Level) in Cell Biology

Åbo Akademi University

Turku, Finland

The position is part of the newly established Research Council of Finland funded Centre of Excellence in Immune–Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs; 2026–2033). IMMENs aims to understand how local immune responses are regulated at the lymphatic endothelium–immune cell interface, and to develop new methods and tools to study these interactions.

The appointment is full-time and located in the Cell Migration Laboratory led by Professor Guillaume Jacquemet at the Biochemistry and Cell Biology unit, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University (Turku, Finland).

PROFILE AND TASKS

The successful candidate will study how immune cells and cancer cells interact with lymphatic endothelium and will collaborate closely across the IMMENs consortium.

The tasks performed by a researcher include conducting research independently, contributing to project leadership, and supporting funding activities. The tasks are specified below.

Tasks

• Conduct high-impact experimental research on interactions between immune cells, cancer cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells, including mechanistic studies of cell–cell communication.
• Establish, optimize, and apply relevant in vitro model systems, including functional perturbations to test hypotheses and validate candidate mechanisms.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain rigorous documentation, and contribute to dissemination through publications, conferences, and consortium activities.
• Contribute to a vibrant research environment by participating in seminars, collaborations, and mentoring of students/junior researchers as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION

Essential qualifications

• Doctoral degree in cell biology, immunology, cancer biology, vascular/lymphatic biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience with microscopy (e.g., confocal/spinning disk); ability to design robust imaging experiments and quantitative readouts.
• Experience (or strong motivation to develop expertise) in microfluidic/flow-based assays and cell–cell interaction studies under controlled shear/flow.
• Strong communication and writing skills in English

Desired qualifications

• Prior experience with PDMS-based microfluidics, organ-on-chip platforms, or flow chamber assays.
• Experience with functional perturbations (siRNA/CRISPR, blocking antibodies/inhibitors) in cell–cell interaction contexts.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration spanning biology, imaging, and bioengineering.

The applications will be assessed as follows

• Research competence (80%), including academic merits and scholarly publications in the relevant scientific field, previous participation in research projects and requested practical skills.
• Interactive competence (20%), including community activities, administrative experience, co-operative skills, the ability to interact with the surrounding society, as well as international collaboration within the relevant research field.

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s potential for development and competencies and in relation to the necessary qualities to carry out the tasks for the position successfully. The applicants may be invited to an interview.