Doctoral Researcher, Centre of Excellence in Immune – Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs)

The newly established Finnish Centre of Excellence in Immune – Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs) invites applications for two fixed-term (2-years) positions of Doctoral Researcher. The successful candidates will work in the research groups of Dr. Taija Mäkinen and Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki.

Scientific context

IMMENs, composed of research groups at the University of Helsinki (director Dr. Taija Mäkinen and Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri) and Åbo Akademi University in Turku (Dr. Cecilia Sahlgren and Dr. Guillaume Jacquemet), investigates the role of lymphatic vessel endothelium in controlling immune responses. Current evidence shows that much of immune regulation occurs locally at the site of inflammation. Recent studies have revealed important crosstalk between lymphatic endothelium and immune cells, resulting in phenotypic changes that control immune cell trafficking, fate and function. IMMENs will develop novel experimental approaches to uncover the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of lymphatic endothelial immunomodulation in homeostasis, inflammation and tumorigenesis using in vivo genetic mouse models, advanced live and intravital imaging, engineered microchip models, primary cell co-culture systems and novel microscopy and analysis methods. The research will provide foundation for translational studies aimed at more effective therapies for precise modulation of immune responses.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in life sciences (for example, cell biology, biochemistry, mouse models, and/or image analysis). The candidate should be highly motivated to investigate key open questions in the fields of:

• Vascular biology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

At the pre-doctoral level, previous experience in cell biology, vascular biology, mouse models, immunology or high-end imaging approaches is considered an advantage. Doctoral Researcher must obtain the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki within the trial period. Candidates should be able to demonstrate abstract thinking as well as the potential to develop and pursue scientific projects in the fields relevant for this call. Furthermore, the candidate should have excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work in an international environment.

What we offer

The initial appointment is for 2 years and includes a possibility for extension upon success in doctoral research. The position will be filled immediately upon identification of suitable candidates. The starting date is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University of Helsinki guidelines. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The work is supervised by one of the UH principal investigators at IMMENs (Dr. Taija Mäkinen, Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri and takes place in the context of the active research community of IMMENs groups. Our research groups have prominent international connections and are located at the medical campuses in the University of Helsinki. The immediate research environment provides state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge expertise in vascular-, tumor-, immunological- and stem cell biology, and great synergy with renowned research groups.

More information on the IMMENS and open positions available at the Åbo Akademi University in Turku can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/immune-endothelial-interfaces

How to apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF file through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the “Apply now” button here. Applicants who are already employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the ”Employee Login” button.

If you need technical support with the recruitment system or additional information about the application process, please contact HelsinkiUni Help, uni-help@helsinki.fi. The closing date for the applications is on Sunday the 15th of February 2026.

Please attach the following documents as a single PDF file:

• A cover letter that details your previous knowledge and research interests and motivation for applying this position
• CV, including a possible list of publications
• Transcript of study records
• Contact details of at least two referees

For more information on the position and specific projects, please contact Dr. Taija Mäkinen (taija.makinen@helsinki.fi) or Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri (kari.vaahtomeri@helsinki.fi).

Recent relevant publications:

• Schoofs et al. “Dynamic cytoskeletal regulation of cell shape supports resilience of lymphatic endothelium”. Nature. 2025 May;641(8062):465-475. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08724-6.
• Liaqat et al. “Spatially targeted chemokine exocytosis guides transmigration at lymphatic endothelial multicellular junctions”. The EMBO Journal. 2024 Aug;43(15):3141-3174. doi: 10.1038/s44318-024-00129-x.
• Petkova et al. “Immune-interacting lymphatic endothelial subtype at capillary terminals drives lymphatic malformation”. J Exp Med. 2023 Apr 3;220(4):e20220741. doi: 10.1084/jem.20220741.
• Can Ucar et al. ”Self-organized and directed branching results in space-filling coverage in developing dermal lymphatic networks”. Nat Commun. 2023 Sep 21;14(1):5878. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41456-7.