The neuroimmunology group led by Adjunct Professor Li Tian in Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland, is inviting applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

To carry out research on immune regulatory functions of neural cell adhesion molecules and neurotrophic factors for a fixed term from 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2014.

The research group focuses on the immune functions of several neuronal molecules and aims to address how neurons regulate immune cell activity both in the central nervous system and in the peripheral immune organs using molecular and cellular biological methods, primary nerve injury and autoimmune disease (such as EAE) animal models. Our selected publications are listed below:

Tian, L., Rauvala, H., Gahmberg, C. G. (2009) Regulation of CNS immune responses by neurons. Trends in Immunol. 30 (2): 91-9.   

Tian, L., Lappalainen, J., Autero, M., Häninen, S., Rauvala, H., Gahmberg, C. G. (2008) Soluble ICAM-5 downregulates TCR-mediated T cell activation. Blood 111(7): 3615-25.

Tian, L., Stefanidakis, M., Ning, L., Van Lint, P., Libert, C., Itohara, S., Masayoshi, M., Rauvala, H., Gahmberg, C. G. (2007) Activation of NMDA receptors promotes dendritic spine development through MMP-mediated cleavage of ICAM-5. J. Cell Biol. 178: 687-700.

The successful candidate will publish peer-reviewed scientific papers on the theme and collaborate closely with both national and international researchers. The position is funded by the Academy Finland. The salary will be based on levels 4–5 for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. Additionally, the appointee will be paid in extra based on personal performance.

Qualified applicants should hold a recently achieved or a to-be-achieved PhD degree in the field of immunology or neuroimmunology. Skills in molecular biology or bioinformatics are an asset. The candidate is expected to have good interpersonal and communication skills, as well as excellent skills in written and spoken English.

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Li Tian: li.tian@helsinki.fi, tel: +358 9 191 57634. Please send your one-page free-form application and a two-page CV to li.tian@helsinki.fi before 31.8.2011. The position will be kept open until filled by a suitable candidate.


In addition, we are also looking for PhD students and can provide projects for exchanging PhD students and scholars from China.