Researcher

The iCell (Immune Cell Therapy Research Group) at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, invites applications for a one-year fixed-term position as a Researcher. Our laboratory is located at the Biomedicum 1, Helsinki. The iCell research group at Finnish Red Cross Blood Service is a dynamic research group dedicated to advancing novel immunotherapies against cancer. Our primary interest lies in the research and development of CAR-NK and CAR-T cell therapies, aiming at addressing current clinical needs through innovative product development. Our research focuses on NK cell modifications, expansion, persistence, and killing efficacy. We employ various techniques, including primary cell culture, base editing, flow cytometry, lentiviral transduction, cytotoxic assays, and in vivo models. We have now an opening for a motivated Researcher to work on genetic modifications and gene editing of CAR-NK cells to enhance their efficacy against cancer. Main responsibilities - Designing and conducting laboratory experiments related to immune cell engineering - Performing cell culture, gene editing, and molecular biology techniques - Analyzing and interpreting experimental data - Maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation - Contributing to research planning, reporting, and scientific dissemination - Collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams Qualifications The successful candidate preferably holds a PhD in a relevant field, such as immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related discipline, and has substantial hands-on experience with cell culture techniques. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage: - Immunology - Molecular biology - Gene editing technologies - GLP/GMP-compliant laboratory work Bioinformatics expertise is considered an additional asset when combined with experience in one or more of the areas listed above. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated and proactive researcher with a strong interest in research and development and a willingness to learn new methods and technologies. Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills are essential. What we offer At the Blood Service, you will become part of a unique chain of helping with voluntary donors and healthcare staff. We offer you an interesting and meaningful task as part of a motivated and professional team. Comprehensive orientation and support from your supervisor and team will help you get started in your work and develop in your own role. We also support your learning and development opportunities so that your skills remain up-to-date. The well-being of our employees is particularly important to us: we support the well-being of our personnel by offering a wide range of exercise and well-being benefits (see the list of benefits below). Developing the well-being of supervisors and work teams is also important to us. In addition, we invest in ensuring that everyone at the Blood Service has the opportunity to participate and influence the continuous improvement of our operations. Read more about Blood Service as a workplace [here.](https://www.veripalvelu.fi/en/work-with-us/) Our laboratory is located at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Biomedicum 1, Helsinki. The position has a fixed term of one year with the possibility of extension subject to project funding. The salary is based on the contract salary system of the Blood Service. This position is placed in level 4, where the minimum salary is 3 722,68 euros. The salary is the minimum salary + 0-40 % depending on the person's skills, experience and the special characteristics of the position. In this position, lentiviruses are handled, which might cause a health risk to an HIV-positive person. Therefore, this position is not suitable for an HIV-positive person, and the selected individual must regularly present an acceptable statement from occupational health services regarding their medical fitness. How to apply and inquiries In your application, please detail your experimental skills in cell culture, immunology, molecular biology, gene editing, GMP-work, and bioinformatics that you master, the duration of your experience with these techniques and your motivation for research, development and lab work. Include preferably two possible references. For more information on the position, please contact iCell group leader Helka Göös ([email protected]). Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered. Benefits - Culture, sports, well-being and commuting benefits (Epassi) - Extended occupational health care - Lunch benefit - Commuting exercise incentive - Long vacations - Employee sports benefits Finnish Red Cross Blood Service The Finnish Red Cross Blood Service provides hospitals with safe and effective blood products and labo