Subject: The group of Pia Siljander is seeking enthusiastic and goal-oriented extracellular vesicle (EV) researchers for a research project in the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences research program, University of Helsinki

The group of Pia Siljander is seeking enthusiastic and goal-oriented extracellular vesicle (EV) researchers for 1) an invention/product development project and 2) an academic research project in the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences research program, University of Helsinki, located in Viikki. Part of the project 1 will also be carried out in the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki. Our laboratory, which also hosts a dedicated EV Core facility, specializes in cutting edge EV technologies and research.

RESEARCHER 1 Project 1 and responsibilities In this Business Finland -funded project, we develop innovative EV isolation technologies and study the possibilities for their commercialization. Specifically, the work involves optimization of new technologies to carry out high-throughput or mass-volume isolations and analysis of EVs. The target sample materials are plasma and other body fluids as well as cell culture media. The work consists of testing different isolation conditions, plate formats and automatization in comparison to existing methods. The quality of the isolates will be evaluated by EV-dedicated methodologies and equipment (including flow cytometry), through omics testing and usual molecular biology methods. The results will be published as technical notes, where our technology is compared to existing methods. The project offers a unique opportunity for bioscience-related commercialization for instance due to the project participation in SPARK-Finland, and is therefore especially well-suited for researchers interested in developing contacts outside the university. The project started 15.10.2018 and will end 15.4.2020.

RESEARCHER 2 Project 2 and responsibilities In project 2, the researcher participates in two successive academic EV subprojects. The first Academy of Finland-funded subproject is on-going and focuses on the roles of platelet-derived EVs in cardiovascular disease. The work involves RNA transcriptomics analyses, cytokine assays, cell cultures and EV-flow cytometry (Apogee). The second subproject of EV research standardization that will be started later involves isolation and characterization of urine vesicles and measuring various reference materials with nanoparticle tracking analysis and Apogee flow cytometry. The project duration is currently estimated until 31.12.2019. The results will be published in academic journals.

Qualifications A successful candidate (PhD or MSc) has a curious and innovative mind and holds a good knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. We especially value experience in protein and lipid chemistry and flow cytometry. In addition, experience in different sample materials, EV technologies, cell culture or viral work is advantageous. The successful candidate has good team working and project management skills.

Salary, applications and contact information Salary will be based on the University salary scheme depending on the academic degree/work experience. The start date can be set according to agreement, but preference will be given to candidates who can start immediately.

More information about the EV group and EV Core can be found here: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/extracellular-vesicles https://www.fimm.fi/en/services/technology-centre/extracellular-vesicles

Application and questions for researcher position 1 should be sent to maija.puhka@helsinki.fimailto:maija.puhka@helsinki.fi and pia.siljander@helsinki.fimailto:pia.siljander@helsinki.fi, and for researcher position 2 to mari.palviainen@helsinki.fimailto:mari.palviainen@helsinki.fi and pia.siljander@helsinki.fimailto:pia.siljander@helsinki.fi. For both, please use the subject line "open researcher position".

Applications are invited immediately and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Applications should have a cover letter describing the qualifications of the candidate, CV and two references from past employment.