IMMUFELLOW Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

Intersectoral Research Fellowship Programme for Future Leaders in Immunology IMMUFELLOW is an innovative postdoctoral training initiative of the University of Turku (UTU) and Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) in Turku, Finland, jointly funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska Curie-actions (MSCA) COFUND programme. IMMUFELLOW invites applications for up to eleven (11) fixed-term three-year (36 months) IMMUFELLOW postdoctoral researcher positions (Senior Researcher at UTU and Researcher at ÅAU) starting from April/May 2026. In this Call for Applications, nine (9) positions will be filled at UTU and two (2) at ÅAU. The same eligibility and application criteria apply, and all applications will be evaluated equally. The research must be immunology-related. Applicants may select any research topic and approach to immunology, including basic, translational, and clinical immunology, diagnostics, drug development, and health economics, provided it reflects the core research strengths of UTU or ÅAU. Job description The IMMUFELLOW programme prioritises interdisciplinary and intersectoral research and is in line with the European Charter and Code of Conduct, which is designed to improve the attractiveness and conditions of a research career in Europe by standardising practices and promoting the mobility and career development of researchers. IMMUFELLOW also aims to leverage knowledge and resources outside academia to improve the quality and practical applicability of research and to promote diverse scientific approaches to address challenges in immunology and achieve innovative breakthroughs that provide scientific and societal value. The main task of IMMUFELLOW postdoctoral researchers is to carry out an internationally excellent research project over a threeyear period, during which the project results will be disseminated in a variety of ways. Dedicated intersectoral mentoring teams will guide and support IMMUFELLOW researchers. In addition, they will enjoy a high level of autonomy to pursue their research project and develop and establish their future career plans. The selected applicants will form a community of IMMUFELLOW postdoctoral researchers and will have access to exceptional training opportunities and monthly seminars/networking events.IMMUFELLOW offers a structured postdoctoral programme that integrates science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Moreover, IMMUFELLOW ensures comprehensive research quality and training opportunities beyond academia, and postdoctoral researchers can also explore research, training, and development opportunities in corporate settings, with education on regulatory standards/good practices in diagnostics, drug development, and manufacturing. Who we are looking for?We are looking for qualified, highly motivated, and skilled individuals with outstanding potential and an established record of research excellence with a scientific background in immunology research and/or experience in a relevant field.Qualification requirements and evaluation process Eligible applicants must have completed their doctoral degree by the Call deadline, awarded no longer than 10 years before the Call deadline (excluding any declared career breaks, such as parental leave or military service). Applicants must meet the MSCA Mobility Rule Requirements, that is, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the Call deadline. Therefore, returning residents of Finland may be eligible to apply. The positions are located at a campus of either UTU or ÅAU, and successful applicants are required to reside in Finland. Transparency, objectivity, and equality in the selection process are emphasised, and the Call is open to postdoctoral researchers from anywhere in the world and of all nationalities, ages, or research disciplines, as long as their proposed research is related to immunology. Successful applicants are requested to demonstrate engagement in international academic networks and provide evidence of their ability to work in a research environment of high international standard. Applicants must define an original, autonomous research project of their own design: this must be situated within an existing unit (e.g. research group or department) within UTU or ÅAU and engage with the core research expertise of the respective university. Applicants should request a Letter of Support from one of the potential project supervisors from participating units at UTU or ÅAU. More information about research at UTU and ÅAU can be found on the IMMUFELLOW website: www.immufellow.fi/research.