redirePost-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Professor Jukka Westermarck at the Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (https://bioscience.fi/research/cancer-cell-signaling/profile/). The project is focused on evaluating therapeutic potential of targeting of PP2A inhibitor protein CIP2A that has central pathogenic role in certain uncurable cancer types (PMID: 37793965, 37829116), but also in other diseases. Recent advancements by us have revealed very exciting opportunities for direct targeting of CIP2A (PMID: 36854761). We are now searching for a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow with solid previous experience on protein chemistry, structural biology and/or small molecule targeting to explore therapeutic potential of these novel findings.

Turku Bioscience is a top-quality research center harboring several distinguished research groups and excellent core facilities (https://bioscience.fi/services/). The entire biomedical campus harbors more than 100 research groups including a strong cancer research community. The working language is English, and University of Turku has comprehensive welcome services for the newcomers: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/for-visitors. Turku is a charming medieval city in South-West coast of the world´s happiest country Finland with good connections to Helsinki and Stockholm. 

Candidate requirements

Absolute candidate requirements:

• PhD (or soon-to-be)
• Solid hands-on experience on protein chemistry and protein interaction technologies
• First author publication directly related to the field of this application

Preferrable technical competencies and other qualities

• Experience on small molecule development
• Experience on high throughput screening
• Experience on structural biology methods and computational structural analysis
• Good team-working and communication skills

The eligibility requirements are defined in the guidelines of the University of Turku: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation.

This is a fixed-term  position and it begins on 1.1.2027 or as agreed. It then continues until end of project on 31.12.2029.

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and is based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed at job requirement level OV05, while the salary for a Project Researcher is placed at job requirement level OV04. In addition, a personal performance-based salary component is paid. At the beginning of the employment, the gross monthly salary of a Postdoctoral Researcher is typically approximately EUR 3 700– 4 000, depending on previous experience and expertise. The final salary will be determined when the employment contract is prepared. If the selected candidate has not yet officially completed their doctoral degree (original certificate required), they may initially be appointed as a Project Researcher for a fixed term of one year. In this case, the gross monthly salary will typically be approximately EUR 3,200–3,300.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.

Applicants should enclose with their application:

• 1 page application letter clearly describing how your profile matches to the candidate requirements listed above. If you are soon-to-be PhD, describe clearly your expected PhD graduation time (preferably before 6/2027).
• CV
• complete list of publications
• names and contact information of three referees

Please ensure that you submit all requested attachments.

If you have inquiries regarding this post before sending application, please contact Jukka Westermarck by e-mail: jukwes@utu.fi.