Grant for Scientific Research in MediCity Research Laboratory (application period 2.7.-15.8.2025)
MediCity Research Laboratory opens a call for grant applications. The purpose of the grant is scientific research related to a collaborative project on the causal role, mechanistic impact, and therapeutic targeting of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in brain cancer lead by Professor Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér, InFLAMES group leader.
The project integrates both basic and applied research to uncover the underlying causes of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive brain tumor, for which no effective therapy currently exists.
Our research has shown that 99% of glioblastomas (GBMs) are positive for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a virus that can enhance tumor aggressiveness. We have demonstrated that high viral activity in GBM is correlated with poor outcomes and that antiviral therapy, when combined with standard treatment, shows promise in extending survival time by 10–12 months. We found that radiotherapy induced reactivation of HCMV in about 50% of patients who have very high risk for early tumor recurrencies. Preliminary evidence implies that a novel HCMV variant may be associated with glioblastoma.
The research team will study the interplay between viral reactivation and host cell alterations in cell signalling and metabolism, which promote GBM progression. We aim to identify and characterise the HCMV variant that is reactivated in GBM patients. These studies will generate data from metabolomics, proteomics, DNA and RNA sequencing that will require bioinformatic competence to identify relevant cellular pathways activated resulting in metabolic changes to drive HCMV reactivation. In addition, we will reveal the identity of the novel HCMV variant, which will be sequenced with the Nanopore technology; -a project that will require competence in handling unknown DNA/RNA sequences to reveal the genome of an unknown virus.
Key goals of the project
- To identify the HCMV variant with sequencing data and bioinformatic tools.
- With bioinformatic tools, identify key cellular activation signals that triggers metabolic rewiring to the Warburg effect that appears essential for HCMV reactivation.
Successful applicant should have a PhD in Bioinformatics (or in a related field). The researcher will have access to research data that can be handled effectively when experienced in NGS data analysis, metabolomics and proteomics LC-MS data processing and analysis, R and/or Python, and Linux-based environments.
Please submit your application by 15 August 2025 at the latest (23.59.59 Finnish time) via the link: https://link.webropol.com/s/HCMV-grant3
Applications must include a personal statement or a motivation letter, CV (max. 2 pages) a list of publications with impact factors and contact information for 2–3 professional references. The top candidates will be interviewed.
The amount of the grant is 2800€/month. The grant is for one (1) year with a possibility for extension up to four (4) years, and period starts as soon as possible.
The applicant should familiarize with pension insurance and taxation regulations for recipients of scientific grants and scholarships.
For inquiries, please contact Professor Cecilia Naucler by email to cecilia.naucler(at)utu.fi
If you have technical problems with the application form, please contact med-grants(at)utu.fi (4 August 2025 onwards).
The MediCity Research Laboratory, part of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, is located in the BioCity building. MediCity Research Laboratory is a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment, and it provides laboratory, infrastructure, and office space for approximately 100 scientists and technicians. MediCity is situated near the Turku Bioscience Centre, which offers cutting-edge core facilities and the state-of-the-art technologies, 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
InFLAMES Research Flagship is a joint initiative of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Finland. The goal of the Flagship is to integrate the immunological and immunology-related research activities to develop and exploit new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for personalised medicine. InFLAMES is part of Research Council of Finland´s Flagship Programme.
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.