Job Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to join our new research group to work on the development of analytical methodologies for the isolation and characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and how they can act as long-range signalling molecules in vivo. The work relates to the endocannabinoid system in brain health and disease project funded by Research Council of Finland. The main focus will be on the characterisation of these particles via analytical chemistry techniques and characterising them with molecular biology techniques. Additionally, the candidate will help out at maintain and develop the core facility. The position will be located at the Department of Chemistry, in Turku Centre for Chemical and Molecular Analytics (CCMA) group led by Dr Alex Dickens. Close cooperation will be done with Turku Bioscience Centre. The starting time for the fixed term Postdoctoral Researcher position will be 1.1.2026, or upon mutual agreement and the contract duration will be until 31.12.2026.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Establish key animal models for the study of how the EVs can act as long-range communication in brain disease. Work with PhD students to refine the ultrasensitive mass spectrometry assays for metabolite measures from EVs. Furthermore this candidate will also be required to work in the core facility developing and running mass spectrometry based assays for customers.

Documentation, reporting, preparation of publications

Apply between 10 October 2025 and 23 October 2025 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Who we are looking for

Essential qualifications

• A relevant PhD degree in chemistry or biology or a related field
• Previous experience with LC-MS spectroscopy
• Knowledge of at least one of the following programming languages: R, Python, Matlab
• High level of motivation, self-initiative and independency
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English

The qualification requirements of the position are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure

Desirable qualifications
Licence to work on laboratory animals.

Benefits

We provide you with diverse opportunities to grow as a researcher and to make an impact in your field, including:

• top-level research environment
• access to cutting-edge technologies and unique datasets
• flexible working hours
• support for continuous professional development and excellent networking opportunities both nationally and internationally

Turku – a great place to live and work

Finland is known for its high quality of life, safety, and excellent public services. It’s a country where things just work – from public transport to healthcare and education. Families especially benefit from the generous state support: affordable, high-quality daycare and free schooling that consistently ranks among the best in the world.

If you’re moving with children, the city of Turku is a fantastic choice. It offers English-language “language showers” and pre-schooling to help kids ease into a new language environment. There are also private, state-subsidized daycare centres that operate in English – making it easier for international families to settle in. For school-aged children, the Turku International School provides both basic and upper-secondary education entirely in English.

Health and insurance – we’ve got you covered

We care about the well-being of our staff. That’s why we offer occupational healthcare services, including preventive care and the most general and basic laboratory and imaging services necessary for diagnostics. Furthermore, all employees are covered by University’s occupational accident insurance during commute and working hours. Pension contributions are automatically handled by the University, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork – it’s all taken care of.

Enjoy lunch and at the university restaurants and stay active with CampusSport

There are several staff restaurants around University campus, which leaves you to decide the main dish of the day – try new things and seek out the surprises and trends from around the world, or maybe more delicious classics and fresh flavours. Whatever your choice is, there is a large selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes too in many of the restaurants. As an employee you can enjoy the lunch with a staff discount.

Looking to stay fit and energized? Our staff have access to a wide range of fitness and wellness services. Whether you’re into gym workouts, group classes, or just want to try something new, there’s something for everyone. CampusSport, a joint initiative by all universities in Turku, offers affordable and diverse sports activities right on campus.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee 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:

• 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)

Salary and trial period

Our selection criteria is based on the principle of finding the most qualified and suitable candidate for the work. In practice, this means that not only education, publications and working experience but also personal qualities, communication and motivation factors and other relevant criteria will be taken into account.

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.  Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, an occupational healthcare, affordable sports services and even a holiday allowance. Salary will be determined in a contract. The salary will be – depending on competence and experience – in average 3600 – 3900 eur/month.

There is a trial period of six (6) months.

How to apply

Please submit your application by the online application system latest on 23.10.2025.

In addition, applications must have the following enclosures (in English):

1) motivation letter max 1 page focusing on your strengths related to our research topics
2) CV
3) copy of certificates of degree
4) contact details for at least three referees (name, working place, e-mail address)
5) a list of publications, highlighting the five most relevant ones

For further information on the content of the position, please contact Alex Dickens, alex.dickens(at)utu.fi

Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry educates experts for many fields of industry, research and teaching. The research carried out at the department aims to provide solutions to numerous everyday challenges starting from medicinal molecules designed for people and animals via new intelligent materials all the way to slowing down the climate change using the defense compounds of plants.

In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.

Turku Bioscience Centre is an advanced core facility and research centre hosted jointly by University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. We offer access to a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge research methods and an opportunity to be involved in internationally competitive science in a stimulating, highly networked environment. We are a truly international community, with more than half of the personnel having an international background.

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.