We have an open Postdoctoral Researcher position in hyperspectral imaging at the Science Service Center in Kuopio University Hospital, The wellbeing services county of North Savo. The position will be filled from
September 2nd 2024 (or starting date as agreed).

We are seeking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a Research Council of Finland funded research project entitled: Hyperspectral investigation of articular cartilage for elucidating cartilage degeneration mechanism at molecular, cellular and tissue levels.

The project will be conducted at Kuopio University Hospital in collaboration with the Biomedical Spectroscopy Laboratory (BSL) and Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage (BBC) research group, Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, under the supervision of Professor Juha Töyräs and other senior members of the research team. BSL is a highly multidisciplinary team of researchers with background in engineering, physics, mathematics and the biosciences, applying biospectroscopy and photonics principles for tissue characterization. The BBC group is a global leader in the biophysics of bone and cartilage, and consists of more than 50 researchers applying experimental, computational and clinical approaches for understanding and development of innovative techniques for diagnosis of joint diseases.

The research project involves applying experimental and computational approaches for understanding the mechanism involved in the development and progression of osteoarthritis using novel optical techniques. The primary aim of this project is to adapt hyperspectral imaging in the near-infrared, mid-infrared, and terahertz spectral ranges for detailed understanding of molecular changes in cell micro(nano)-environment and depth-wise tissue structure at the earliest stages of cartilage degeneration.

This project will be achieved via active national and international collaboration with University of Eastern Finland, University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia. The primary tasks of the Postdoctoral Researcher will include, but not limited to, planning and execution of laboratory experiments involving hyperspectral imaging measurement of articular cartilage, extensive tissue reference analysis of articular cartilage and data analysis, including spectral pre-processing and machine learning analysis. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also assist in the supervision of PhD researchers and will also be actively involved in preparation of personal grant applications, and other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Candidates who are currently completing or have recently completed a PhD degree are invited to apply, provided that they will have completed their degree before the starting date.

Our requirements and expectations
- The person to be appointed in the position shall hold a PhD degree in biomedical engineering, medical physics, biophysics, or related engineering and physics fields. The doctoral degree may not have been completed more than five years ago at the time of accepting the position (a net period of time, which does not include parental leaves, military service etc.),
- Potential candidates should have a good command of the English language.

Experience and Skills
Minimum:
- Background in spectroscopy or optical imaging
- Previous experience working with biological samples, with good knowledge of sample handling.
- Fluency in spoken and (especially) written English for technical communication.
Desirable:
- Prior experience in biological tissue characterisation, e.g., histopathological evaluation
- Good publication track record
- Strong experience in statistical analysis, e.g., using in Python, R, MATLAB etc. (the more the better)
- Comfortable working in a highly multi-disciplinary group

Your benefits
You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting and diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community. Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. This position will involve research visits to The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. The University of Queensland is a world top level university often ranked to world top 50. The base salary of the position is approximately 3 900 €/month.

How to apply?
Submit your electronic application form via Kuntarekry (https://www.kuntarekry.fi/en/), no later than August 5th 2024 (by 12.00 CET).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:
- CV (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae, but also other styles will be accepted)
- A list of publications https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/
- Motivation letter (max two pages). In the letter, please indicate your motivation for this position and your earlier research experience
- Copies of your academic degree certificates/diplomas, and copies of certificates/diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas

The position will be filled for a 2-year term from September 2nd 2024 (or starting date as agreed). The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.