Kandahar University

The newly established Finnish Centre of Excellence in Immune – Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs) invites applications for a fixed-term (2-years) position of Doctoral Researcher. The successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. Scientific context IMMENs, composed of research groups at the University of Helsinki (director Dr. Taija Mäkinen and Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri) and Åbo Akademi in Turku (Dr. Cecilia Sahlgren and Dr. Guillaume Jacquemet), investigates the role of lymphatic vessel endothelium in controlling immune responses. Current evidence shows that much of immune regulation occurs locally at the site of inflammation. Recent studies have revealed important crosstalk between lymphatic endothelium and immune cells, resulting in phenotypic changes that control immune cell trafficking, fate and function. IMMENs will develop novel experimental approaches to uncover the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of lymphatic endothelial immunomodulation in homeostasis, inflammation and tumorigenesis using in vivo genetic mouse models, advanced live and intravital imaging, engineered microchip models, primary cell co-culture systems and novel microscopy and analysis methods. In this context, Vaahtomeri laboratory addresses fundamental cell biology mechanisms of cell migration/interactions. Who are we looking for We are looking for candidates with a strong background in life sciences (for example, cell biology, biochemistry or mouse models). The candidate should be highly motivated to investigate key open questions in the fields of: Cell Biology Vascular biology Immunology At the pre-doctoral level, previous experience in cell biology, vascular biology, mouse models, immunology or high-end imaging approaches is considered an advantage.  Doctoral Researcher must obtain the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki within the trial period of six months. Candidates should be able to demonstrate abstract thinking as well as the potential to develop and pursue scientific projects in the fields relevant for this call. Furthermore, the candidate should have excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work in an international environment.  What we offer The initial appointment is for 2 years and includes a possibility for extension upon success in doctoral research. The position will be filled immediately upon identification of suitable candidates. The starting date is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University of Helsinki guidelines. The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.  The work is supervised by Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri and takes place in the context of the active research community of IMMENs groups. The research group has prominent international connections and is located at the medical campuses in the University of Helsinki. The immediate research environment provides state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge expertise in vascular-, tumor-, immunological- and stem cell biology, and great synergy with renowned research groups. More information on the IMMENS and Vaahtomeri research group can be found here:  https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/immune-endothelial-interfaces  https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/cell-communication How to apply Please submit your application as a single PDF file through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the “Apply now” button.  Applicants who are already employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the ”Employee Login” button. Please attach the following documents as a single PDF file: A cover letter that details your previous knowledge and research interests and motivation for applying this position CV, including a possible list of publications Transcript of study records Contact details of at least two referees For more information on the position and specific projects, please contact Dr. Kari Vaahtomeri (kari.vaahtomeri@helsinki.fi). If you need technical support with the recruitment system or additional information about the application process, please contact HelsinkiUni Help, uni-help@helsinki.fi.  The closing date for the applications is on Wednesday the 13th of May 2026. Recent relevant publications: Liaqat et al. “Spatially targeted chemokine exocytosis guides transmigration at lymphatic endothelial multicellular junctions”. The EMBO Journal. 2024 Aug;43(15):3141-3174. doi: 10.1038/s44318-024-00129-x. Can Ucar et al. ”Self-organized and directed branching results in space-filling coverage in developing dermal lymphatic networks”. Nat Commun. 2023 Sep 21;14(1):5878. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41456-7.  About us The University of Helsinki (UH), founded in 1640, is a vibrant scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. It is currently investing heavily in life sciences research. UH offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.  The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master's Program in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the Faculty serves as a significant expert organization in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The Faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare.  The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical center together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical center has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.  A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers

Job Description SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY OF VISUAL ARTS Part-time Lecturer (25260664) The Academy of Visual Arts is the first-of-its-kind local institution in delivering Arts and Technology education, which is looking for Part-time Lecturer(s) to teach the course(s) at undergraduate level in the following areas: Unreal VR technology Digital media and fabrication Creative computation Any other related disciplines The ideal candidate should hold a master’s degree or above in related disciplines, with 3 years of experience in creative industries with aspects of content development, budgeting, licensing, administration, marketing, or audience engagement, preferably with teaching experience at the university level. A good command of English and Chinese, excellent communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility are required. Duties may also include supervision of students, marking of examination papers, and any other work as assigned by the Programme Director and Director of the Academy. The initial appointment will be offered on a part-time basis commencing Sep 2026. Re-appointment thereafter will be subject to performance review and course availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Application Procedure: Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for an interview 8 weeks after submission of the application may consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.  Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation. Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.  Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required. Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization. Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development. Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples. Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development. Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation. Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting. Operational Responsibilities Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines. Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables. Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Mentorship Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.  Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group. To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples. Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques. Preferred  Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).  Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects. Key Competencies Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.  Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets. Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Good organizational and project management skills.