The Faculty of Medicine invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position in the research group “Leukocyte Traffic and the Immune Response”, led by Professor Marko Salmi. The position is funded through a project supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.

The research group investigates the initiation of immune responses in inflammation, cancer, and vaccination (Salmilab). Major research interests include: Transport of antigens from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels, the role of lymph node stromal cells in immune responses, differentiation and function of myeloid leukocytes, and immunological biomarkers of inflammation and cancer. The group extensively employs advanced microscopy-based imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell omics technologies, and functional immunological analyses.

The research group is located in the MediCity Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku and is part of the Research Council of Finland Flagship Programme InFLAMES.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study the regulation of immune responses in lymph nodes.

The project focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the transfer of lymph-borne antigens from lymphatic vessels into lymph nodes and the effects of antigens on lymph node lymphatic endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and resident myeloid cells. Our long-term goal is to develop novel approaches for locally modulating immune responses within specific lymph nodes during cancer, inflammatory diseases, and vaccination.

The successful candidate performs laboratory experiments, including in vivo models, analyzes tissue and cell samples using imaging and omics technologies, develops new experimental methods, supervises doctoral researchers and other students, and prepares scientific publications. They will also have opportunities to develop independent projects and novel research approaches, as well as participate in teaching activities that support career progression beyond the postdoctoral stage.

Most work will be conducted on-site at the University of Turku campus.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, or another relevant life science field
• Significant research experience in immunology, vascular biology, and/or cancer biology
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• A strong scientific publication record
• Great quality interaction and communication skills.

Additional merits

.Experience with one or more of the following is considered as an advantage: single-cell omics, bioinformatics, bioimaging, flow cytometry, in vivo inflammation models.

Eligibility requirements are defined in the University’s Rules of Procedures.

The University values equality and diversity in its community and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Benefits

We offer responsible and interesting research tasks and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. You will work as a member of a skilled and inspiring research team. You will participate in the multidisciplinary and international InFLAMES Flagship, comprising approximately 60 research groups. You will also have access to training and networking opportunities provided by other immunology-focused programs at the University of Turku, including IMMUFELLOW MSCA COFUND Postdoctoral Programme and Immudocs National Doctoral Training Pilot.

Researchers benefit from modern, state-of-the-art research infrastructure located within the same building, including Turku Bioscience and Turku BioImaging.

Health, diagnostics, drug development, and immunology are profiling areas of the University of Turku. High-quality basic research combined with close collaboration with the university hospital provides an excellent foundation for internationally competitive research.

The University is committed to supporting employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Learn more on our Welcome to Work with Us page.

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:

• City of Turku
• Welcome visitor
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

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 according to the Finnish Universities Collective Agreement. The position belongs to the category of teaching and research personnel. The typical starting salary for a postdoctoral researcher is approximately 3,700–4,000 € per month, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

The position will begin in autumn 2026 and the exact date is negotiable. The duration of the position is 2–3 years (by agreement),, and a probationary period of 6 months applies. There is a possibility to negotiate continuation beyond the initial term.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 17.08.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.

Applicants must submit:

• Degree certificates (in Finnish or English, or officially translated into one of these languages)
• Cover letter / motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages)
• Publication list
• Separate list of up to five most important publications, including a description of the applicant's own contribution to each
• Contact information for two referees

Please note that the online application form also includes one mandatory video question at the end.

Further information

For scientific inquiries regarding the position, please contact Professor Marko Salmi (marko.salmi(at)utu.fi).

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact: Anne Jackson, HR Specialist (anne.jackson(at)utu.fi) until Fri 3 July 2026 and again from Monday 10 August 2026 onwards. At other times, you can send a message to HR-Kupittaa@utu.fi regarding technical questions concerning the application process; however, technical assistance is available to a limited extent in July.

As regards MediCity, this is a  research laboratory offers a diverse and modern environment for the research groups of the University of Turku. Our working community is international, as many of our researchers come from abroad. MediCity is home to clinical, biomedical, Turku Pet Center and InFLAMES flagship research groups (a total of approximately 130 researchers and support staff).

The InFLAMES Flagship (Innovation Ecosystem based on the Immune System) is a joint organization of the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University aiming at being an internationally recognized, top-level, immunological research and development cluster that will be globally attractive both for researchers and business partners. We are part of the Academy of Finland's Flagship Programme.

The Faculty of Medicine is a high level, international and innovative research and education unit in biomedicine, clinical medicine, dentistry and health and nursing sciences, as well as a major social contributor to health promotion, disease genesis, in the research of diagnostics and treatment and in the development of the health service and education system. The faculty provides research-based multidisciplinary undergraduate education in educational programs that educate diverse and critically minded specialists. The research is multidisciplinary and results in new information aimed at promoting the health of the population and better patient care.

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.

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