MSCA Doctoral Researcher for spatial multiplexed immunofluorescence profiling of cancer types

FIMM is currently seeking a

MSCA Doctoral Researcher for spatial multiplexed immunofluorescence profiling of metastases of different cancer types

in a team led by Dr. Teijo Pellinen

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher for a fully funded, 4-year research position in multiplexed immunofluorescence profiling of metastases from various cancer types. This project, part of the Mac4Me consortium, involves advanced tissue imaging and computational analysis to study immune-tumor cell interactions in clinical samples, including brain, bone, and liver metastases. You will work closely with Genevia Technologies Oy (Finland) and The Norwegian Radium Hospital (Norway) to integrate imaging data with multi-omics datasets using cutting-edge AI tools.

This position is part of the European Union's Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network programme, which focuses on identifying new immunotherapy targets through innovative research on tumor-immune system interactions. The Mac4Me network provides a unique training environment, combining expertise from 18 academic and industry partners across Europe. Successful candidates will benefit from interdisciplinary training, research visits, and opportunities for skill development in fields ranging from systems biology to AI-driven cancer research.

For more information, visit: https://www.van-weerden-lab.com/about

Work tasks

As a Doctoral Researcher in Dr. Teijo Pellinen's team, you will apply innovative multiplexed immunofluorescence technology to spatially profile cells and their interactions in intact tumor tissue sections. You will analyze imaging data to uncover clinically relevant patterns by linking the imaging results to patient health records using advanced computational methods. More information on Dr. Pellinen's work can be found here (Teijo Pellinen - University of Helsinki).

Key objectives of this PhD project include:

1.    Designing and constructing tissue microarrays (TMAs) with appropriate control tissues, including tumor tissues (prostate cancer, breast cancer, neuroblastoma), metastasis target tissues (bone, liver, brain), and tissues with high immune cell content (e.g., lymph node, appendix).

2.    Collecting and organizing clinical and pathological data associated with these tissue samples into a shared clinical database.

3.    Developing and optimizing antibody panels for multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mfIHC).

4.    Performing mfIHC on TMAs and analyzing the resulting high-resolution images for single-cell phenotyping.

Expected results

This project will provide crucial insights into immune cell behaviour within metastases from prostate cancer, breast cancer, and neuroblastoma. Through single-cell spatial imaging, you will identify the key immune cell subsets and their activation or inhibition states in clinical metastasis samples. The project will also reveal the interactions and proximities between immune cells and tumor cells, offering a deeper understanding of immune responses in metastatic environments.

The imaging data will be systematically indexed and integrated with clinical datasets. You will collaborate with partners from Genevia Technologies Oy and The Norwegian Radium Hospital to merge your results with additional multi-omics data. These analyses will contribute to identifying new immune targets and potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

The Doctoral Researcher will be based at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, and work within a vibrant multidisciplinary team embedded in the wider context of Dr. Olli Kallioniemi's Precision Systems Medicine group at the University of Helsinki (Precision systems medicine | University of Helsinki).

Opportunities for professional development include attending relevant University of Helsinki courses, presenting your findings at national and international conferences, and conducting research visits to other partners in the Mac4Me Doctoral Network.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

-    Transnational mobility: At the time of recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your start date.

-    Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs): You must have less than 4 years of research experience since completing your first MSc degree and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

-    English proficiency: You must have a strong command of the English language, demonstrated through a recognized English proficiency certificate.

Please ensure that you meet all these criteria before applying.

 

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

MSc degree in a relevant field such as molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, computer science, biostatistics, bioinformatics, biomathematics, systems biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related discipline.

Strong analytical and communication skills, including proficiency in scientific writing and confident interpersonal communication.

Experience in bioinformatics or large-scale omics data analysis, including familiarity with commonly used tools and methods.

Programming skills (e.g., Python, R) are considered an advantage.

Knowledge of cancer research, preclinical model systems, and image analysis techniques is beneficial but not mandatory.

We are seeking a motivated and independent researcher who is eager to learn new skills and contribute to a multidisciplinary project at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and data science.

Personal qualities

We are looking for a candidate who possesses the following personal attributes:

-    Eagerness to learn and develop new skills across multidisciplinary fields.

-    Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

-    Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

-    Strong communication skills, especially when working within a multidisciplinary team.

-    Commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.

We offer

-    A dynamic and inspiring work environment with access to cutting-edge technology and a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community.

-    Flexible working hours and regular, personalized supervision to support your professional development.

-    Access to unique datasets and cutting-edge methodologies in cancer research, molecular pathology, and image analysis.

-    Competitive salary with yearly wage agreements in accordance with Finnish university guidelines.

-    Comprehensive benefits including pension fund membership and insurance coverage.

-    Opportunities for career development, including attending relevant courses, presenting at national and international conferences, and research visits to partner institutions across Europe.

-    Work-life balance in a supportive and diverse working culture, aligned with the Nordic approach to well-being.

To apply, please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on Apply for job. 

Please apply no later than 22nd of December 2024

The employment may begin as soon as possible or as agreed.

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

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

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The Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) is an international research institute focusing on human genomics and personalised medicine at the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) of the University of Helsinki FIMM integrates molecular medicine research, technology centre and biobanking infrastructures under one roof, promoting translational research in grand challenge projects, specifically, the impact of genome information from the Finnish population in personalised health and medicine, individualised cancer medicine, and digital molecular medicine. FIMM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, composed of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the centres for molecular medicine in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and the EU-LIFE Community.