The iCell (Immune Cell Therapy Research Group) at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, invites applications for a one-year fixed-term position as a Research Assistant. Our laboratory is located at the Biomedicum 1, Helsinki.
The iCell research group at Finnish Red Cross Blood Service is a dynamic research group dedicated to advancing novel immunotherapies against cancer. Our primary interest lies in the research and development of CAR-T and 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 Research Assistant to work on genetic modifications and gene editing of CAR-NK cells to enhance their efficacy against cancer. 

Main responsibilities

•    Performing laboratory experiments related to immune cell engineering and characterization
•    Conducting cell culture, molecular biology, and gene editing procedures
•    Assisting in data collection and documentation
•    Maintaining laboratory records and inventories
•    Supporting laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, and general operations
•    Collaborating with researchers and other team members in ongoing projects

Qualifications

The successful candidate holds a relevant degree in life sciences, biotechnology, biomedicine, or a related field and has practical laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture techniques.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:
•    Immunology
•    Molecular biology
•    Gene editing technologies
•    GLP/GMP-compliant laboratory work

Bioinformatics expertise is considered an additional asset when combined with experience in one or more of the areas listed above.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and proactive individual with a strong interest in laboratory-based research and development. They should be eager to learn new methods and technologies and possess excellent collaboration and communication skills.

What we offer

At the Blood Service, you will become part of a unique chain of help 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. The well-being of our employees is particularly important to us: we invest in the well-being of our personnel e.g. by offering a wide range of sports and well-being benefits (see the list of benefits below). Read more about Blood Service as a workplace here.

The position has a fixed term of one year with the possibility of extension subject to project funding.

The salary for this position is determined in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Terveyspalveluala. The position is classified in Salary Grade 4, with a base salary of EUR 2847,83 per month for a full-time employee. In addition to the base salary, remuneration includes a personal salary component, which incorporates a length-of-service guarantee.

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.

How to apply and inquiries

In your application, please detail your experimental skills in cell culture, immunology, molecular biology, GLP/GMP-work, and gene editing, the duration of your experience with these techniques, and your motivation for research, development and lab work. Include preferably two possible references.

For more information on the position, please contact iCell group leader Helka Göös (helka.goos@bloodservice.fi). 
Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.