Senior Researcher and Postdoctoral Researcher in Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Laboratory (Neuroimmunology & Molecular Imaging)

Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Laboratory at Turku PET Centre, Finland is looking for new personnel for our flagship project on advanced imaging of neuroinflammation.

We currently have openings for one Senior Researcher and one Postdoctoral Researcher for fixed term positions starting in Autumn 2026 (starting date negotiable) until 31 May 2029, with a possibility to continue employment also after this.

Our research integrates:

  • Molecular imaging (including TSPO-PET)
  • Advanced MRI
  • Fluid biomarkers
  • Clinical phenotyping

to investigate mechanisms of disease progression and treatment response in MS.

Research focus

Projects will explore:

  • Glial activation and innate immune responses in MS
  • Imaging biomarkers of disease activity and progression
  • Treatment effects on neuroinflammation
  • Multimodal integration of imaging and biological data

Job description

The Senior Researcher will help in leading the research team in designing and conducting MRI-and PET studies in MS, and supervising PhD / masters’ students in analyzing, reporting, and communicating the findings to the scientific community and the public.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for analyzing and reporting the data, and supervising PhD and Masters’ students.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking highly motivated candidates to join a multidisciplinary research group focused on neuroinflammation, glial biology, and advanced imaging in multiple sclerosis.

The candidates should have a background and PhD degree in medical science, biology, neuroscience, neuroimmunology, computational science, or related fields, and skills for working with empirical imaging and biological data. Experience with neuroimaging analysis, PET quantification, or clinical research is an advantage.

Good command of the English language (written and oral) as well as skills for teamwork in a multidisciplinary research group are essential. The applicants are expected to have an excellent track record in carrying out high-quality research.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

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Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

  • Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
  • Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
  • We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. 
  • An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

Salary is determined in accordance with levels OV05-OV06, the Finnish Universities Salary System for Research and Teaching Personnel. The task-specific salary is 3 366,36 - 3 925,63 EUR per month. In addition to task-specific salary, personal performance based salary is paid.

A trial period of six (6) months is applied.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 3.8.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • A letter of intent including a brief description of the applicant's past and current research interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Degree certificates
  • Complete list of publications with 10 most significant publications highlighted
  • Letters of recommendation (with contact information) for the applicant for this position from two prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with the applicant and his work.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: prof. Laura Airas at Turku PET Centre (laura.airas@utu.fi).

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Ms. Mirjami Jaakkola (mirjami.a.jaakkola@utu.fi).

Turku PET Centre

The National PET Centre is a joint institution of University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and Turku University hospital, which is concentrated in research of positron emission tomography and offers imaging services for example to academic research, clinical diagnostics, and drug development.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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Senior Researcher and Postdoctoral Researcher in Multiple Sclerosis Imaging Laboratory (Neuroimmunology & Molecular Imaging)

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