Doctoral researcher (Food Sciences Unit) in Turku University
The Food Sciences Unit is inviting applications for a fixed-term position in the PhenolLAB project funded by the Research Council of Finland. The position starts on 1 January 2025, or by mutual agreement. The duration of the position is 18 months and the continuation will be discussed later.
The PhenolLAB project aims at improving impaired protein digestibility of plant foods in the human body by bio-converting plant-derived bioactive compounds. The project researcher/doctoral researcher will investigate the mechanism of lactic acid bacteria metabolizing phenolic compounds and the effect of the metabolites on protein digestion. The position is in the research group of Docent Ye Tian who will also supervise the work together with Assistant Professor Maaria Kortesniemi, and Professor Baoru Yang. More information about the project and research environment can be found: https://research.fi/en/results/funding/81155 and https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-technology/life-technologies/research/food-chemistry-and-food-development.
Who we are looking for
- Master’s degree in food science, food chemistry, food microbiology, or other relevant fields
- High level of motivation, curiosity, and learning attitude
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Previous experience in applying fundings or working in fields of microbiology, chemical analysis (liquid/gas chromatography or mass spectrometry), or statistical analysis is considered an advantage
- Eligibility and willingness for pursuing a doctoral degree as stipulated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure
The position requires working in Finland. The place of work is Turku (the Food Sciences Unit, Department of Life Technologies. Applying additional funding from different sources is also needed for this position.
Benefits
- 18 months of salary and a possibility for a continuation
- An exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research
- A dynamic and supportive environment
- Exceptional scope for international collaboration
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Excellent support for learning and professional development
- High-quality doctoral training and supervision
The duties of a doctoral researcher include conducting one’s own dissertation research and completing courses related to doctoral studies.
If the selected person does not yet have a study right in a doctoral programme, the title will initially be Project Researcher, and the person needs to apply to a Doctoral Programme in Technology (DPT) during the next possible application period (spring 2025). Read more about University of Turku’s Graduate school UTUGS) and its programmes (https://www.utu.fi/en/research/utugs).
Our selection criteria are based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the job. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication, motivation, and other relevant criteria will be considered.
Period of employment and salary
The start date of employment will be on 1.1.2025, but is negotiable. The contract is fixed-term for 18 with possibility for an extension. The position is subject to a six-month trial period.
The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. The position belongs to our research personnel and the salary for a Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher is in the range of 2,400–2,550 €/month. In case the Master degree is not yet quite finalized, the person can first be hired for a short period as a Research Assistant and the salary will be in the range of 2,200–2,300 €/month on average.
How to reply
Please include the following documents in English:
- A cover letter (max 1 page, in English) detailing the applicant’s experience, research interests and motivation
- CV showing the applicant's education, completed qualifications, work experience, and possible list of publications (up to 3 pages)
- Contact details of three referees, e.g. prior academic supervisors or persons acquainted with you and your work (name, work place, and email)
- Copies of Master's degree certificates and official transcripts of the records. If the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, please provide their translation
Please remember to include all the above-mentioned annexes with your application. Applicants will be selected for interviews based on their applications. A preliminary schedule for the interviews is Wed 9.10.2024, however changes are possible.
For further information about the position, please contact the Principal Investigator Dr. Ye Tian ye.tian(at)utu.fi. If you need help with the application process, please contact HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi.
