Researcher in Biochemistry

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in electrochemical biosensor and magnetophoretic microfluidic chip

to join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Feixiong Chen in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, to develop novel electrochemical biosensing or microfluidic chip for healthcare diagnostics. Feixiong holds a doctoral degree in Life Engineering and the position of Academy Research Fellow (2023-2027) to develop point of care technology.

The new established group will combine magnetic nanoparticles, electrochemical biosensor, and magnetophoretic microfluidic chip toward the advanced point of care device. We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities.

You will work under Feixiong's Academy Research Fellow project to develop next-generation point of care assay, via the integration of magnetic nanoparticles, electrochemical sensing assay and microfluidic chips. This interdisciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of bioanalytical assay, enabling breakthroughs in healthcare and beyond.

About the job

We are looking for ambitious, highly motivated candidate with a strong background in the field of nanofabrication, microfluidic chip, and electrochemical sensors. The main duties of the selected applicant will be:

1. Design and fabrication of microfluidic chip and Microelectrode array.

2. Familiar with the microfluidic techniques in bio-nano interaction and cells sorting. Experience in magnetophoretic chip and magnetophoresis is considered a plus. Experience in microfluidics encapsulation, bottom-up fabrication methods (nanoparticle assembly, nanosphere lithography, solution-based etching technologies), experimental optics and/or electronics will be considered a plus.

3. Strong experience in top-down fabrication approaches and clean room technologies (such as optical and electron beam lithography, physical vapor deposition of metals and dielectrics, Reactive Ion Etch, Focused Ion Beam, Atomic Layer Deposition) are essential for the microelectrode array development

4. In addition, the applicant will be involved in lab management, including purchase of silicon wafers, microfluidic chip, chemical agents, consumables, and making photolithography masks for specific applications. 

We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities at Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, the Centre for Material Analysis and the Biocenter Oulu.

What we offer?

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems.
• In addition to the team, outstanding infrastructural resources and specialized core facility service laboratories provided by Centre for Material Analysis, Biocenter Oulu, the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine will support your work so that you can excel in your research.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 1 year, starting  01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3300-3600 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 13.12.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation
6. A research proposal for your work in Oulu (max. 3 pages)

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr, Feixiong Chen, faculty of Biochemistry and Molecule Medicine and Disease Network, feixiong.chen@oulu.fi