The Intestinal Signalling and Epigenetics (ISE) group focuses on uncovering the signalling mechanisms that maintain intestinal epithelial homeostasis in both health and disease. Our primary goal is to understand the molecular pathogenesis of celiac disease and to identify novel druggable targets for therapeutic intervention. We collaborate closely with international drug development companies and actively participate in clinical drug trials to assess the efficacy of candidate treatments for celiac disease. In addition, our group leads a work package in EU-funded ENT1DEP consortium, where we are responsible for developing organoid and cell models. These models are used to investigate how enteric viruses may predispose individuals to celiac disease and type 1 diabetes

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the ISE group, as part of the Research Council of Finland funded CELIOMICS research project.

Publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=viiri+k&sort=date

Celiac Disease Research Center (CeliRes): https://research.tuni.fi/celires/

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position – Celiomics Project

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join our multidisciplinary team focused on celiac disease research. The successful candidate will primarily analyze RNA-sequencing and other multiomics data generated in the CELIOMICS project and from celiac disease drug trials. This work will follow the principles of discovery science, aiming to generate novel hypotheses from complex datasets.

Key responsibilities include:

• Performing integrative analysis of multiomics data (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq) to uncover new biological insights.
• Participating in the coordination of a project to establish an intestinal organoid biobank derived from celiac disease patients in the Tampere area.
• Conducting and supervising laboratory experiments, including:
  • Treating intestinal organoids with candidate drugs.
  • Infecting organoids with enteric viruses.
  • Performing gene expression and epigenetic profiling using advanced sequencing methods.

• Providing regular updates on discoveries and data analyses to the PI

• Optionally engaging in in vivo studies using transgenic mouse models of celiac disease pathogenesis.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computational biology, experimental science, and clinical research, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for celiac disease.

Requirements 

We are seeking outstanding candidates who have a track record of internationally significant research in molecular biology.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field, such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with RNA-seq and/or ChIP-seq data analysis, including familiarity with relevant bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques, especially in gene expression and epigenetic analysis.
• Hands-on experience with 3D cell culture systems, such as intestinal organoids.
• Familiarity with multiomics data integration and hypothesis generation using discovery science approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications 

We welcome applicants with a range of experiences. These are considered advantageous, but not all are required

• Experience with coordinating biobank or clinical sample collection projects.

• Knowledge of celiac disease biology or gastrointestinal immunology.
• Experience with enteric virus infection models.
• Familiarity with transgenic mouse models and willingness to perform animal work (with appropriate certification).
• Proficiency in R, Python, or other statistical programming languages used in omics data analysis.
• Prior experience in supervising students or junior researchers.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, forward-thinking and evolving community. Our values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centredness, courage, erudition and responsibility. We hope you can embrace these values and promote them in your role.

We offer 

We invite you to be a part of our research team as well as an active, internationally renowned research community at Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology  and part of the EU-funded ENT1DEP consortium. University and its higher education community offer a unique multidisciplinary environment for research and education. A probationary period of six months applies to all our new employees. The duration of this position is initially for two years (continuation might be possible).

Salaries are based on the job demands level and personal performance appraisal according to the Finnish University Salary System. Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on the job demands level 5 (teaching and research staff category). In addition, salary includes a personal performance component. The start date is negotiable, but should not be later than October 2025

Finland offers one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security benefits in the world, including personal and family health care and a variety of family benefits. The Finnish educational system is renowned worldwide. For more information on Finland, please check InfoFinland and This is Finland.

Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living in Tampere by watching Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below). The closing date and time for applications is 7 September 2025 at 23:59 (UTC +3). 

Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format. Applications should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (according to Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity guidelines)
2. List of publications in international, peer-reviewed and indexed scientific journals  (according to the Academy of Finland guidelines). Please indicate your most important publication/s and include hyperlinks to these publications. If the publications indicated are not found by link, please attach them to application as a separate PDF attachment.
3. Cover letter explaining why you are applying to the position and why you would be particularly suited to it.
4. The names, positions and contact details (institutional email addresses) of two professional references who can support your application.

Candidates may be invited to a video interview during the recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

For more information about the position, please contact:

PI Keijo Viiri, keijo.viiri@tuni.fi; +358 40 5549 648