"Researcher (postdoctoral level) in Biomedical Engineering 1.4.2026–31.08.2028"

Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a fixed-term position as Researcher (postdoctoral level) in Biomedical Engineering for the period 1.4.2026–31.08.2028. The position is part of the newly established Research Council of Finland funded Centre of Excellence in Immune–Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs; 2026–2033). IMMENs aims to understand how local immune responses are regulated at the lymphatic endothelium–immune cell interface, and to develop new methods and tools to study these interactions.

The appointment is full-time and located in the Cell Fate Lab, led by Professor Cecilia Sahlgren at the Biochemistry and Cell Biology unit, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University (Turku, Finland).

Research environment (IMMENs Centre of Excellence)

IMMENs is composed of complementary research groups covering lymphatic biology, leukocyte guidance, cellular crosstalk and organ-on-chip technologies, and advanced imaging and image analysis of cell migration. The Centre of Excellence focuses on mechanistic understanding in healthy and diseased states and on tool development enabling new biology.

PROFILE AND TASKS

The successful candidate will use engineered in vitro model systems to study how immune cells and cancer cells interact with the lymphatic endothelium and will collaborate closely across the IMMENs consortium.

The tasks performed by a researcher include conducting research independently, contributing to project leadership, and supporting funding activities. The tasks are specified below.

• Conduct high-impact experimental research on interactions among immune cells, cancer cells, and lymphatic endothelial cells, including mechanistic studies of cell–cell communication, cell fate decisions, and tissue function.
• Establish, optimize, and apply engineered multicellular in vitro model systems
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain rigorous documentation, and contribute to dissemination through publications, conferences, and consortium activities.
• Contribute to a vibrant research environment by participating in seminars, collaborations, and mentoring of students/junior researchers as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION

Essential qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, mechanobiology, vascular biology or a relevant field
• Strong hands-on expertise in engineered in vitro models and primary cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience with microscopy, mechanobiology, microfluidics, organ-on-chip platforms and engineered mode systems: ability to design robust experiments and obtain quantitative readouts.
• Fluent communication and writing skills in English

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with functional perturbations (siRNA/CRISPR, blocking antibodies/inhibitors) in cell–cell interaction contexts.
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration spanning biology and bioengineering.

The applications will be assessed as follows:

• Research competence (80%), including academic merits and scholarly publications in the relevant scientific field, previous participation in research projects and requested practical skills.
• Interactive competence (20%), including community activities, administrative experience, co-operative skills, the ability to interact with the surrounding society, as well as international collaboration within the relevant research field.

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s potential for development and competencies and in relation to the necessary qualities to carry out the tasks for the position successfully. The applicants may be invited to an interview.

SALARY AND CONDITIONS

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities, aligning with the research personnel category. The requirement levels of the researcher position are 5-6. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid. The average monthly salary, depending on previous experience and skills, is around 3600 – 4500 euros per month at the beginning of the employment.

Researchers have a total working time of 1,612 hours per year.

A trial period of six months applies to all new employees.

APPLICATION

Please submit your electronic application in Åbo Akademi University’s recruitment system no later than 23.2.2026 at 15:00 (EET, Finnish time zone). Åbo Akademi University uses the Laura recruitment tool for electronic applications, please see guidelines on the electronic application.

The application should include the following enclosures (in English):

1. A cover letter describing your scientific background, research interests, motivation for the assignment, and relevant international collaboration (max 2 pages).
2. A CV (according to Finnish National Board on Research Integrity recommendations, TENK) including a full list of publications.
3. Degree certificate(s).
4. Names and contact details of at least two reference persons.