Two postdoctoral positions are open at the Mechanism of Pancreas Development and Disease laboratory led by Dr. Diego Balboa (www.balboa-lab.com) starting from 1 October 2024 (or as agreed). The positions are fixed-term positions for two years.
Our research
Our laboratory is located at the Stem Cell and Metabolism Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. We also operate a Core Facility service, the Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre (BSCC).
We study the mechanisms behind human pancreas development and function, and how their disruption can lead to diabetes. We have developed stem cell differentiation protocols to generate functional pancreatic islets (Balboa, Nature Biotechnology 2022), and established multiple in vitro and in vivo disease models of diabetes using genome edited stem cells (Balboa, eLife 2018; Ibrahim, Diabetologia 2024). One of our aims is to integrate single-cell and genetic perturbations data to understand the regulatory logic orchestrating pancreatic islet development and disease.
The postdoctoral fellows will work on the generation of state-of-the-art engineered stem cell models to dissect the transcriptional regulation of islet cell development and function (directed differentiation, 3D pancreas models, in vitro and in vivo genome editing, CRISPR screens), and on the analysis and integration of bulk, single-cell and spatial multi-omics methods with human genetics (transcriptomics, epigenomics, metabolomics).
The successful applicants will join an international multidisciplinary team that combines genome engineering in cellular model systems, single cell and functional genomics to understand mechanisms relevant to diabetes treatment. The group is located at the Meilahti medical campus, the largest biomedical campus in Finland with excellent research facilities and networking opportunities. Our research is funded by the Research Council of Finland (Academy), the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Wellcome Trust Foundation, and the Faculty of Medicine, among others.
Your mission
We are looking for ambitious fellows with a PhD, a solid publication record and strong background in one or more of the following experimental and computational areas:
- Stem cell culture and differentiation, metabolism, genome editing, gene therapy, animal models
- Functional genomics, single cell omics methods, transcriptomic, epigenetics, diabetes genetics
We encourage candidates to develop their own projects and explore new research directions that will support their transition to an independent career. Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with strong communication skills in English. A foundational understanding and interest in developmental biology, islet biology, diabetes, and metabolism are important. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to co-mentor doctoral and master's students.
What we offer
Join our dynamic research team and become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. We provide exceptional training and mentorship to help you advance in your ambitious scientific career. Our lab fosters a collaborative and enthusiastic environment, leveraging our extensive international scientific networks. This position offers unique opportunities to broaden your research connections. You will engage in cutting-edge and impactful research at the intersection of stem cell biology and diabetes.
The salary will be based on the University salary scheme for research and teaching staff. The starting salary will be ca. 3 700 - 4 000 euros/month, depending on the appointee's qualifications and experience. The salary will guarantee a high quality of life in Helsinki.
Employment is expected to start on October 1st 2024, or agreed, at fixed 2-year position, with a possibility of prolongation. A 6-month trial period will be applied.
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.
For 7th time in a row, Finland has been ranked in 2024 as the happiest country in the world according to the annual World Happiness Report and was recently rated as the best country in the world for expat families. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.
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.
The closing date for applications is 15.10.2024.
Please send your application with following enclosures:
1. A complete CV, including PhD thesis title and date of defense, previous and current positions, academic distinctions, teaching and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3. A summary of current research work (half page) and research vision for postdoctoral goals (half page)
For further information on the position, please contact Dr. Diego Balboa (diego.balboa (at) helsinki.fi).
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.
Research Programs Unit (RPU) of the Faculty of Medicine consolidates demonstrated research excellence, with focused research programs addressing the greatest challenges in human health: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-medicine/research/research-programs-unit.
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