Subject: PhD student position in Professor Annamari Ranki’s group to study targeted treatment of autoimmune disorders (Skin and allergy hospital, Helsinki University Hospital)

PhD student position for 4 years is available in the research group led by professor Annamari Ranki to study targeted treatment of autoimmune disorders. The full-time position will start immediately.

Our research group has facilities both at Biomedicum Helsinki and at the Department of Dermatology and allergology, Skin and allergy hospital, Helsinki University Hospital (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine/departments-of-dermatology-al... ).

Our group is funded by the Academy of Finland, Cancer Foundation Finland and Helsinki University Hospital Research Funds. We are part of the Medical Faculty’s Translational Immunology Research Programme as well as participate in multiple collaborations within and outside of Finland.

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic candidates with a Master’s degree in cell/molecular biology, developmental biology, bioengineering, biomedicine, or other appropriate field. The applicant should have practical experience of standard cell biology techniques. Previous experience in molecular biology and gene expression analysis is considered an advantage. We also expect good communication skills (both Finnish and English) and ability to interact efficiently in a team.

Our overall goal is to define and develop a curative cell-based treatment for the severe multi-organ genetic disease autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis- ectodermal dystrophy. APECED is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the AIRE gene which is the master regulator of immune tolerance, operating both in the thymus and in peripheral lymphoid organs. We currently work with iPSCs derived from APECED patients, correct the mutated gene by lentiviral introduction and in collaboration with international partners aim to redifferentiate the gene-corrected cells to the phenotypes that normally express AIRE. The efficiency and engrafting potential of the gene-corrected cells will be tested in vivo in animal models.

We will offer a competitive salary based on previous qualifications, experience and personal performance in the position according to University pay-scale. A six-month trial period will be applied.

We use a wide range of molecular, cellular, and imaging techniques and thus offer a multidisciplinary, international and inspiring research environment with access to state-of-the art technologies.

For informal inquiries, please, contact Annika.Hau@helsinki.fimailto:Annika.Hau@helsinki.fi

The deadline for submitting applications is January 28th, 2019, but review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Send the application to: Annamari.Ranki@hus.fimailto:Annamari.Ranki@hus.fi

The application should include the following documents, either in Finnish or in English 1. A motivation letter describing your research interests (max 1 page) 2. Curriculum vitae and qualifications 3. A complete list of publications. 4. Contact details for two reference persons.