Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunology (Fixed-Term Position), MediCity

Academic Positions; Finland; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Turku invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response group, led by Professor Marko Salmi. The project is funded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and is based on the Turku campus.

The successful candidate will perform in vivo experiments, use imaging and omics approaches, supervise doctoral researchers, publish results, and contribute to teaching and career development.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, biology, medicine, biomedical sciences or related field.
• Significant research experience in immunology, vascular biology, or cancer biology.
• Excellent English, strong publication record, ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory experiments, including in vivo models.
• Analyze tissue and cell samples using imaging and omics technologies.
• Develop new experimental methods and supervise doctoral researchers.
• Prepare scientific publications and participate in teaching activities.

Skills

Immunology

Vascular biology

Cancer biology

Independent work

English proficiency

Publication record

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Immunology or life sciences

Tools

Single-cell omics

Bioinformatics

Bioimaging

Flow cytometry

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Turku Research Field Biological sciences » Other Medical sciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 17 Aug 2026 - 13:00 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Faculty of Medicine invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in the research group “Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response”, led by Professor Marko Salmi. The position is funded through a project supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.

The research group investigates the initiation of immune responses in inflammation, cancer, and vaccination (Salmilab ). Major research interests include: Transport of antigens from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels, the role of lymph node stromal cells in immune responses, differentiation and function of myeloid leukocytes, and immunological biomarkers of inflammation and cancer. The group extensively employs advanced microscopy-based imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell omics technologies, and functional immunological analyses.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study the regulation of immune responses in lymph nodes.

The project focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the transfer of lymph-borne antigens from lymphatic vessels into lymph nodes and the effects of antigens on lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and resident myeloid cells. Our long-term goal is to develop novel approaches for locally modulating immune responses within specific lymph nodes during cancer, inflammatory diseases, and vaccination.

The successful candidate performs laboratory experiments, including in vivo models, analyzes tissue and cell samples using imaging and omics technologies, develops new experimental methods, supervises doctoral researchers and other students, and prepares scientific publications. They will also have opportunities to develop independent projects and novel research approaches, as well as participate in teaching activities that support career progression beyond the postdoctoral stage.

Most work will be conducted on-site at the University of Turku campus.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

• A PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant life science field
• Significant research experience in immunology, vascular biology, and/or cancer biology
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• A strong scientific publication record
• Great quality interaction and communication skills.

Additional merits

.Experience with one or more of the following is considered as an advantage: single-cell omics, bioinformatics, bioimaging, flow cytometry, in vivo inflammation models.

The University values equality and diversity in its community and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

We offer responsible and interesting research tasks and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. You will work as a member of a skilled and inspiring research team. You will participate in the multidisciplinary and international InFLAMES Flagship, comprising approximately 60 research groups. You will also have access to training and networking opportunities provided by other immunology-focused programs at the University of Turku, including IMMUFELLOW MSCA COFUND Postdoctoral Programme and Immudocs National Doctoral Training Pilot.

The University is committed to supporting employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Learn more on our Welcome to Work with Us page.

Salary is determined according to the Finnish Universities Collective Agreement. The position belongs to the category of teaching and research personnel. The typical starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3,700–4,000 € per month, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

The position will begin in autumn 2026 and the exact date is negotiable. The duration of the position is 2–3 years (by agreement), and a probationary period of 6 months applies. There is a possibility to negotiate continuation beyond the initial term.

Further information

For scientific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Professor Marko Salmi (marko.salmi(at)utu.fi).

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact: Anne Jackson, HR Specialist (anne.jackson(at)utu.fi) until Fri 3 July 2026 and again from Monday 10 August 2026 onwards. At other times, you can send a message to [e-mail] regarding technical questions concerning the application process; however, technical assistance is available to a limited extent in July.