Medical Biotechnology (MBT) is a joint research unit of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and the Turku Centre of Biotechnology. It focuses on molecular oncology, functional genomics, translational research and drug development. The MBT Unit was launched in 2002, and has grown rapidly, now employing almost 50 people. MBT was recently awarded a Marie Curie Centre of Excellence grant on Canceromics from the European Commission and was nominated as a Centre of Excellence on Translational genome-scale biology by the Academy of Finland for the years 2006-2011.

We have 2 new PhD student positions open for 2006, with options for continuation, in the following areas:
1) Development and utilization of novel in vitro model systems for cancer, with a goal of advancing the development of new therapeutic concepts. The work will involve cell culture experiments, biochemical and cellular assays, RNAi and gene transfections. Previous expertise in these technologies is valued, but is not necessary. The candidate will work closely with the high-throughput screening group at MBT, and will benefit from state-of-the-art expertise and capabilities for next-generation biology research and drug development.
2) Identification and characterization of novel genetic rearrangements in cancers. The work will involve molecular biology of cancer, molecular cloning, cell culture and bioinformatics. Previous expertise in these technologies is valued, but is not necessary. The candidate will work closely with the Canceromics and Bioinformatics groups at MBT, and will benefit from state-of-the-art scientific expertise and technology capabilities.

The two positions are funded by academic cancer research grants awarded to Academy Professor Olli Kallioniemi and they are coordinated via the University of Turku. An initial stipend funding for one year will be offered, with options to continue based on the evaluation of performance and available funding. Starting dates are negotiable, with a target of February 1, 2006.

Applications including CV should be sent by email by January 15, 2006.

For further information, please contact by mail Matthias Nees or Kristiina Iljin (email: matthias.nees@vtt.fi OR kristiina.iljin@vtt.fi)