The iCell (Immune Cell Therapy Research Group) research group, at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Biomedicum Helsinki, invites applications for a one-year fixed term position of Project Researcher.

The iCell research group at Finnish Red Cross Blood Service is a dynamic and young research group dedicated to advancing novel immunotherapies against cancer. Our primary interest lies in the research and development of CAR-NK cell therapies, aiming at addressing current clinical needs through innovative product development.

Our research focuses on NK cell modifications, expansion, persistence, and killing efficacy. We employ various techniques, including primary cell culture, base editing, flow cytometry, lentiviral transduction, cytotoxic assays, and in vivo models.

We have an opening for a motivated Project Researcher to work on genetic modifications and gene editing of CAR-NK cells to enhance their efficacy against cancer.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in a relevant biochemical field and has strong experience in cell culture experiments. Experience in immunology, molecular biology, gene editing, and bioinformatics is desirable. The candidate should demonstrate a self-driven and motivated approach to research, be enthusiastic about scientific research, and eager to learn new techniques. Strong collaboration and communication skills are also essential.

In your application, please detail your experimental skills in cell culture, immunology, molecular biology, gene editing, and bioinformatics that you master, the duration of your experience with these techniques and your motivation for academic research and lab work. Include preferably two possible references.

In this position, lentiviruses are handled, which might cause a health risk to an HIV-positive person. Therefore, this position is not suitable for an HIV-positive person, and the selected individual must regularly present an acceptable statement from occupational health services regarding their medical fitness.

Our research laboratory is located in Biomedicum research center in Meilahti Helsinki.

What we offer

At the Blood Service, you will become part of a unique chain of helping with voluntary donors and healthcare staff. We offer you an interesting and meaningful task as part of a motivated and professional team. Comprehensive orientation and support from your supervisor and team will help you get started in your work and develop in your own role. We also support your learning and development opportunities so that your skills remain up-to-date. The well-being of our employees is particularly important to us: we support the well-being of our personnel by offering a wide range of exercise and well-being benefits (see the list of benefits below). Developing the well-being of supervisors and work teams is also important to us. In addition, we invest in ensuring that everyone at the Blood Service has the opportunity to participate and influence the continuous improvement of our operations. Read more about Blood Service as a workplace here.

The salary is based on the contract salary system of the Blood Service. This position is placed in level 1, where the minimum salary is 2816 euros. The salary is the minimum salary + 0−40 % depending on the person's skills, experience and the special characteristics of the position.

How to apply and inquiries

In your application, please detail your experimental skills in cell culture, immunology, molecular biology, gene editing, and bioinformatics that you master, the duration of your experience with these techniques and your motivation for academic research and lab work. Include preferably two possible references. Submit your application by 30.4.2025 via our application form below. The position has a fixed term of one year and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is selected.

For more information on the position, please contact Dr. Helka Göös (Helka.goos@bloodservice.fi).