We have two (2) open Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) positions in the field of musculoskeletal diseases, specifically experimental and computational assessment of mineralized joint tissues in osteoarthritis, at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH), the Wellbeing Services county of North Savo, and the University of Eastern Finland (UEF). The positions will be filled from February 3rd, 2025 (or as agreed). The research project is led by Associate Professor, Senior Specialist Mikael Turunen, Ph.D. (KUH) and University Teacher Anne-Mari Mustonen, Ph.D. (UEF).

The project aims to identify mechanisms of the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis focusing on the mineralized tissues in the joint, namely calcified cartilage and subchondral bone. The tissue properties will be characterized extensively using micro- and nano-scale technologies. The project will be conducted at Kuopio University Hospital and the University Eastern Finland (Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences). The project runs in close collaboration with other projects in the Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage research group and is complemented by several experts in the field of advanced experimental techniques and computational modeling, as well as osteoarthritis research. The 4-year project is funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The primary tasks of the PhD students will/may include sample preparation, bioreactor development and building, conducting for example bioreactor, spectroscopy, x-ray scattering experiments, computational modeling and data and statistical analyses. The focus for both recruited PhD students will be set in the research plans. In addition, the primary tasks include writing three first-author articles to be incorporated into their PhD thesis, attending conferences, and applying for additional funding to strengthen and expand the project and the CV of the PhD student.

Candidates currently completing, who have recently completed, or are about to complete an MSc degree (or equivalent) are invited to apply, provided they will have completed their degree before the start date of the doctoral researcher position.

Requirements and Expectations:
The candidate should hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in medical physics, physics, engineering, biomechanics, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, mechanobiology, or a related field.
The candidate must be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies. This means the selected candidate will need to apply to and be eligible for the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology (LUMETO) at UEF.
The candidate should have a strong command of the English language.
The candidate is expected to participate in meetings and research visits abroad.

Experience and Skills:
Skills in experimental and/or computational research
Fluency in spoken and written English, especially for scientific communication
Willingness and enthusiasm for international mobility during the project
Good social skills
Comfortable working in a highly multi-disciplinary group
Proficiency in using programming languages such as Matlab or Python
Proficiency in the following software is considered a plus: Comsol Multiphysics, ABAQUS

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, which is known for its cleanliness with four seasons, welfare know-how, modern technology, and superb education system. Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. The starting salary for a PhD student will be approximately €2,581 per month.

How to Apply: Submit your electronic application form via Kuntarekry (https://www.kuntarekry.fi/en/) no later than December 31st 2024 (by 12.00 CET).

Please include the following documents in your application:
CV (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae, but also other styles will be accepted)
A list of publications, if available.
Motivation letter (maximum two pages). In the letter, please indicate your motivation for this position and your previous research experience.
Copies of your academic degree certificates/diplomas, and copies of certificates/diplomas related to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas.
The position will be filled for three years, ending latest with the project (August 31st, 2028), starting February 3rd, 2025 (or as agreed). The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a specific project. A probationary period of 6 months will be applied to all new staff members.

Starting Salary: Approximately €2,581 per month

For further information on the position, please contact Associate Professor, Senior Specialist, Mikael Turunen: email: mikael.turunen@pshyvinvointialue.fi.

Kuopio University Hospital is one of the five university hospitals in Finland. We are a part of the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo. Kuopio University Hospital is a comprehensive world class medical center ranked 165th in the world (https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2023). Kuopio University Hospital is scientifically active and home to c. 700 research projects. We are located on the same campus and collaborate actively with the University of Eastern Finland.