From: bco-bounces@lists.oulu.fi [mailto:bco-bounces@lists.oulu.fi] On Behalf Of anita.tienhaara@helsinki.fi
Sent: 2. marraskuuta 2009 9:18
To: FinBioNet
Subject: [Bco] Young scientist/PhD student position at the Dept. of Medical microbiology and immunology, University of Turku

Immune system interactions with microbes in the pathogenesis and prevention of inflammatory- and autoimmune diseases

Description on project and work assigned

The project which is suitable for pursuing a Ph.D degree in medicine or biology is part of a research project mainly funded by Academy of Finland. The work is being done at the Dept. of Medical microbiology and immunology in the University of Turku. In addition, equipment and facilities at BioCity in the same campus area are taken advantage of. The project deals with the immune system and its functions on cellular and organ level and as part of the complex pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases on whole animal level. Thus, experimental disease models are also utilized. The main focus is on understanding the mechanisms of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, the interplay between the immune system and microbes in its pathogenesis and in development of preventive therapies for this autoimmune disease.

The project of the applicant will address (at least some of) the following aspects: the role of microbes in induction of autoimmunity in an animal model, microbes as adjuvants of immunological tolerance towards self- antigens, in vitro studies with lymphocytes and dendritic cells, search for new biomarkers and methods of inducing immunologic tolerance, studies on leukocyte receptors and mediators of lymphocyte activation and effector function, and studies on inflammation on the level of target tissue. The surrounding research community provides a wide array of technologies and facilities that can be harnessed for these studies.

A successful applicant should have a genuine interest in this project, basic understanding of cell biology, molecular biology and immunology, and knowledge on common techniques applied in these fields of study, as well as some experience in working with experimental research systems. Also, an academic degree in a suitable field is required, as well as a good capacity to find novel solutions and apply them in the everyday work. In return, the applicant is provided with an inspiring and challenging work with a solid support from the supervisor of a small and cohesive research group.  Also, this project aims constantly at high level of recognition in its field and thus, should provide  opportunities to the applicant to publish his/her results in international mid-to-high-rank journals as part of developing a successful research career as a scientist.

Contact information:

Arno Hänninen, M.D., Ph.D.

http://www.biocity.turku.fi/index.php?id=815

Specialist doctor in clinical microbiology and immunology

Academy of Finland research fellow

University of Turku, Turku, Finland

Dept. of Medical microbiology and immunology

Kiinamyllynkatu 13

FIN-20520 Turku, Finland

arno.hanninen@utu.fi

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Anita Tienhaara

Institute of Biotechnology

P.O. Box 56

FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, finland

tel. +358 9 191 59656

fax +358 9 191 59550

anita.tienhaara@helsinki.fi