Grant available for a Post-Doctoral Researcher, Medicity (Application period 26.2-12.3.2026)

We are seeking two highly motivated post-doctoral researchers to join our multidisciplinary team at Flagship InFLAMES, MediCity, University of Turku. The successful grant holder will do their PhD as part of the project titled “Causal Role, Mechanistic Impact, and Therapeutic Targeting of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in Brain Cancer.” This project integrates both basic and applied research to uncover the underlying causes of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive brain tumour, for which no effective therapy currently exists.

The grant is for up to four years: an initial grant contract of one year and with a potential continuation period or periods thereafter. The one-year grant contract is starting on 1^st April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the Project

Our research has shown that ~99% of glioblastomas are positive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that enhances tumor aggressiveness. High viral activity in GBM correlates with poor patient outcomes. Importantly, our clinical studies indicate that antiviral therapy combined with standard treatment can extend patient survival by 10–12 months. We have also demonstrated that radiotherapy induces reactivation of HCMV in approximately 50% of patients, placing these patients at particularly high risk for early tumour recurrence.

New data now suggest that a previously unrecognized, HCMV-cancer-associated virus may explain the strong link between HCMV and glioblastoma—and potentially its association with other tumor types. This project aims to characterise this virus, understand its biology, and explore its therapeutic vulnerability.

The primary focus of this project is to characterize this HCMV-cancer-associated virus and understand:

• How it replicates and spreads between cells
• In which tumours and tissues it is active
• How it depends on the rewiring of host cell metabolism
• How it contributes to oncogenic transformation

The project combines experimental models, patient material, antiviral strategies, metabolic targeting, and AI-based drug discovery to identify novel therapeutic approaches.

The Grant Holder:

• The post-doctoral level candidate will choose their topic independently; however, the topic must suit the wider area of the project.
• The grant holder will have the opportunity to conduct studies utilizing cell and molecular biology techniques as well as virology approaches and methods assessing mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic changes in immune cells and cancer cells.
• The grant holder will have the possibility to perform experiments to identify intracellular signalling pathways that trigger metabolic rewiring in normal cells.
• The post-doctoral grant holder has a valuable opportunity to collaborate with consortium partners, through which then can for instance develop and implement methods addressing mitochondrial functions and metabolic changes in stressed cells.
• The post-doctoral grant holder will be encouraged to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present their data at scientific conferences.
• The post-doctoral grant holder will also be encouraged to be active in applying for external research funding.

What We Expect that a Successful Candidate Will Have:

• A PhD in cell biology, virology, metabolic research, medicine, life sciences or a related field
• The PhD must have been completed before starting on the grant
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication in English
• Ability to pursue research and act collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal grant applicant will have a strong background in virology, cell or molecular biology, epigenetics, immunology or metabolic research, of which the latter two competences have the highest priority for the grant
• Hands-on experience in methods related to virology, intracellular signalling, mitochondrial biology, or cellular metabolism would be advantageous
• Particular attention will be paid to applicants’ international research experience
• Other academic achievements in addition to the doctoral degree will be an advantage in the selection

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to do research on a cutting-edge project with leading scientists and institutions
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies
• A dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment.

Grant amount: 2800 euros per month

• This is a stipend-based grant position for up to 4 years, with an initial grant period of one year.
• The grant holder will be required to write an initial progress report after 6 months and must also submit substantial annual progress reports as a condition for the continuation of the grant.
• The successful applicant is expected to begin as soon as possible.
• The grant holder must register with the Finnish Mela insurance organization as they start in order to have suitable insurance for themselves as a grant holder.

How to Apply:

• Applications must be submitted by March 12, 2026 at the latest (by 16:00 Finnish time) via the University of Turku electronic grant application form.
• In your application, please include a personal statement or motivation letter containing a description of your scientific background including qualifications and how this relates to the focus of the research project (max. 2 pages) as well as a CV (max. 2 pages), degree certificates and a list of publications if any (with impact factors).
• Contact information for 2–3 professional references.
• The top candidates for the grant will be interviewed.

Link to the application form: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/C9FEA03C2B5B0A6A

Further Information:

For inquiries, please contact:
Prof. Cecilia Naucler, MediCity, University of Turku
Email: cesona@utu.fi

For questions regarding the grant process, please contact:
HR Specialist Anne Jackson
Email: anne.jackson@utu.fi

About MediCity:

The MediCity Research Laboratory, part of the Medical Faculty of the University of Turku, is located in the BioCity building. MediCity provides laboratory, infrastructure, and office space for approximately 100 scientists and technicians. It is situated near the Turku Bioscience Center, which offers cutting-edge core facilities, including:

• Flow cytometry: LSR Fortessa, BD FACSAria IIu cell sorter, CyTOF
• Imaging: Zeiss LSM780, 3i CSU-W1 spinning disk, Zeiss LSM510 META, Leica TCS SP5 Multiphoton
• RNA sequencing: HiSeq3000
• Animal housing: IVIS

About InFLAMES:

The InFLAMES Research Flagship is a world-class innovation ecosystem focused on immunological research, jointly coordinated by the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, together with the broader Turku-based research and development community. Supported by the Research Council of Finland, InFLAMES brings together top-tier scientists and industry partners to drive discovery, innovation, and clinical application in the field of immunology.

The flagship aims to identify novel drug targets and develop diagnostic tools for personalized therapies involving the immune system. It produces breakthrough knowledge on immune system function and its role in inflammatory diseases, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

InFLAMES is built on a strong foundation of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, cutting-edge innovations, extensive academic–industry collaboration, and a network of internationally recognized scientists.

About the University of Turku:

The University of Turku is a dynamic and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff, located in Southwest Finland. Committed to building a sustainable future, the University advances multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration across regional, national, and international levels.

As one of Finland’s leading universities, it is known for its strong research profile, particularly in the fields of health, diagnostics, and drug development. The University offers a vibrant, forward-looking environment where doing research means contributing to real change in a constantly evolving world.