Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Chemistry and Sustainable Materials for Biosensing

The Materials in Health Technology and Flexible Devices Group at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Turku, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, and advanced materials characterization to join our team. The position is funded through the SmartSens project.

About SmartSens

SmartSens – Advanced Materials for Sustainable Nucleic Acid Biosensing is an international M-ERA.NET project focused on developing advanced materials for sustainable, nucleic acid biosensing, with a particular emphasis on point-of-care detection of different mutations from liquid biopsy samples. The project combines biopolymer-based microfluidics, external stimuli-responsive cellulose materials for DNA purification, copper nanomaterial-based printable conductors and heaters, and electrochemical biosensing concepts for next-generation disposable diagnostic platforms.

The consortium includes AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (Austria), Attophotonics Biosciences GmbH (Austria), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (Czech Republic), University of Turku (Finland), Sabancı University (Türkiye), and Łukasiewicz – ŁIT (Poland).

Job Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead and support UTU’s materials-development activities in SmartSens. The selected candidate will work primarily on the design, synthesis, modification, formulation, and characterization of cellulose-based materials for DNA purification in sustainable biosensing platforms. The position will also involve contribution to the development of sustainable conductive nanomaterials for printed heaters and sensing structures.

A strong background in polymer chemistry is particularly desirable, as the role involves synthesis and chemical functionalization of cellulose-based materials, tuning of structure–property relationships, and formulation of screen-printable materials for integration into microfluidic systems. The work also requires robust expertise in polymer and materials characterization, especially NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, while experience with GPC/SEC will be considered a significant advantage.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Researcher will:

  • design, synthesize, and modify functional and stimuli-responsive cellulose-based materials, especially microcrystalline cellulose derivatives and related sustainable polymer systems for DNA purification;
  • carry out advanced chemical and materials characterization, including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and where applicable GPC/SEC, alongside complementary thermal, structural, surface, and rheological methods;
  • investigate structure–property relationships relevant to DNA purification, printability, and materials integration;
  • collaborate closely with international project partners working on printing, coating, electrochemical sensing, microfluidics, and assay integration;
  • publish results in leading peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences;
  • contribute to supervision of students, project reporting, dissemination, and potential intellectual property generation.

Requirements

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. A person selected for the post of Postdoctoral Researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to do independent scientific work.

Candidates who will graduate soon (doctoral students) are also encouraged to apply. In these cases, the title is Project Researcher. Once the relevant degree is obtained, the contract will be upgraded to the correct title with the appropriate change in salary.

Applicants must have:

  • a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field;
  • strong experience in polymer synthesis, modification, and characterization;
  • hands-on expertise in NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry;
  • demonstrated ability to work independently and publish high-quality research;
  • excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

The following will be considered an advantage:

  • experience with cellulose chemistry, biomass-derived materials, or stimuli-responsive polymers;
  • experience with GPC/SEC for polymer molecular-weight analysis;
  • experience in paste/ink formulation, rheology, or screen printing;
  • experience with conductive nanomaterials;
  • familiarity with biosensing, microfluidics, or printed/flexible electronics.

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

The University of Turku offers:

  • an opportunity to work in an ambitious international research project at the intersection of polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, printed electronics, and biosensing;
  • close collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners across Europe;
  • a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment with strong expertise in sustainable materials and flexible devices;
  • opportunities for scientific publishing, international networking, and career development.

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.

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Salary and trial period

  • Title: Postdoctoral Researcher or Project Researcher
  • Location: University of Turku, Finland
  • Duration: 2 years, with respect to project tasks, with possibility of extension.
  • Start date: As soon as possible / upon mutual agreement
  • Salary: The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will be about 3700 €/month for a Postdoctoral Researcher at the beginning of the employment. If a Project Researcher is hired for the position, the salary will be approximately 3200 €/month. There is a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 7th of May 2026 (EEST 16:00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies. The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for the job). Applications should be submitted in English and they should include:

  1. CV
  2. Motivation letter describing research background, relevant expertise, and suitability for the position
  3. List of publications
  4. Contact details of two referees
  5. Copies of degree certificates

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Ass. Prof. Vipul Sharma (vipul.sharma(at)utu.fi) and Prof. Emilia Peltola (emilia.peltola(at)utu.fi)

For questions related to the application process, please contact HR specialist Janna Salminen (jansaly(at)utu.fi).

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a unique combination of mechanical engineering, materials engineering and industrial engineering and management with contemporary research and teaching. Our vision is to create trends. We take the needs of the community, business, society and the environment into account when actively guiding our activities in teaching, research and collaboration.

The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.

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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