Dear all,

I have just received a small grant towards development of a commercial application for some of our research. The final details have to be sorted out over the next two weeks, but there is currently 5 months full time work for a technician, which I would like to use to offer up to 10 months half-time work for full-time students from this department.

There is flexibility in timing, but I am looking for people able to work 50% time for at least 1 month (preferably at least 2 months) - this can include some weekends and some evenings. The grant will start in a couple of weeks and run through until June. Depending on demand, I would be looking to share the 10 months half-time work between 3-5 students

The work CANNOT be counted towards orientation to research work and SHOULD NOT be seen as job experience, it is mainly repetative, maybe even boring, analytical work. Successful applicants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

The salary still needs to be sorted out, but I think it is somewhere in the range 1200-1400 euros per month equivalent i.e. if working 50% time it is probably 600-700 euros per month before tax (it is probably at the lower end of this scale). I hope to confirm the exact details early next week.

The work will involve molecular biology, microbiology, protein purification and protein analysis (though at different stages so do not expect to do all of these i.e. it is not a self contained project and should not been seen as experience of research). Some previous experience in a real research environment is essential i.e. summer placements or orientation to research work.

While there is flexibility in the hours worked this grant has a strict deadline to get results. Furthermore, applicants should consider VERY carefully the potential impact on their studies, 50% working time is 20 hours per week, which is a very significant burden if you are already studying full time. If you are having any problems with studying or getting good grades already please concentrate on your studies and do not apply.

If you are interested in the positions please send an email to Kirsi Salo (kirsi.salo@oulu.fi) briefly outlining why you want the job, what experience you have, when you would be available and how you would fit this work around your studies without compromising either. The deadline is 4pm on Friday 6th February.

Best wishes,

Lloyd

Lloyd Ruddock
Professor of Protein Science
Department of Biochemistry
University of Oulu
Finland