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Organization: University of Eastern Finland, UEF

Location: Kuopio, Finland

Field: Biological Sciences

Requirements:

The ideal candidate for the position will be a biochemistry or biotechnology graduate with keen interest on the link between nutrition and health. The applicant should be curious, ambitious and willing to face challenges in order to develop skills in this specific field of science. Excellent English communication skills and willingness to work in a vivid research environment is prerequisite. Earlier experience within mass-spectrometry analysis and bioinformatics/chemometrics is an advantage, as well as good knowledge of routine biochemistry laboratory work.

Abstract:

A PhD student is searched for an Academy of Finland funded project aiming to identify how structural food factors affect the bioavailability of macronutrients and phytochemicals in the GI-tract in relation to modulation of biomarkers relevant for prevention of insulin resistance. The current funding is secured until end of 2012, but a 4-year funding is foreseen

Description:

The PhD project will include analysis of various sample types (cell culture, biofluids, and tissues) from human dietary interventions and animal experiments with specifically bioprocessed test foods. At first the emphasis will be on elucidating effects of enzymatic and fermentative processing on the phenolic metabolites of whole grain foods. Non-targeted LC-MS metabolite profiling will be the key analytical application. The work will include development of analytical protocols for LC-MS profiling, as well as data treatment and biomarker identification procedures.
The project will be hosted at the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Department of Clinical Nutrition. The main research interest of the Department of Clinical Nutrition is to examine the interaction between nutritional and other life style, as well as genetic factors in the development of chronic diseases. The Department has excellent research facilities and access to the clinics at the Kuopio University Hospital. The link between diet and nutrition is investigated in our department by setups extending from human dietary interventions and animal feeding trials to cell culture analyses.

The newly established metabolomics facility is part of the nutritional systems biology platform of UEF. The facility is jointly hosted by the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Clinical Nutrition, and encompasses multidisciplinary state-of-the-art instrumentation (new LC-qTOF and other mass spectrometers) and know-how on biomolecule analysis.
If you are interested, please contact Dr. Kati Hanhineva kati.hanhineva@uef.fi , Tel. +358-40-3553583; or Prof. Kaisa Poutanen kaisa.poutanen@vtt.fi , Tel +358-40-540 3326.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to kati.hanhineva@uef.fi. The position will be open as long as suitable candidate will be found, and can be started immediately

Deadline: 31-05-2011

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