The Takeda Lab at the MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to use genome-wide CRISPR screening to determine how dendritic cells (DCs) control T cell fate.

Because of their central role in regulating T cell responses, DCs are considered promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. DCs do more than activate T cells; they also help decide what those T cells become: effector cells, regulatory cells, or long-lived stem-like TCF1⁺ cells that sustain immunity. How DCs direct these outcomes is still poorly understood. Our lab studies human DC biology and lymph node stromal niches, and we recently found that human lymph node DCs have unique immunoregulatory mechanisms, including secreted factors that promote stem-like T cells. We combine primary human systems with CRISPR engineering, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and mass spectrometry proteomics. Identifying the molecular switches that govern T cell states in humans could transform tumor immunology.

The postdoc will build and lead pooled CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screens in primary human naïve CD4 T cells. T cells transduced with a genome-wide or targeted sgRNA library will be cocultured, then sorted into stem-like and effector fractions by flow cytometry, with integrated sgRNAs sequenced to identify genes required for the effector, regulatory, and stem-like fate. Complementary positive-selection designs will identify genes whose loss enhances this fate. Top hits will be followed up mechanistically with arrayed knockouts and in vivo models. This project is funded by a multi-year Research Council of Finland Academy Project grant 376845. Candidates are also highly recommended to apply with us to the MSCA COFUND IMMUFELLOW program https://immufellow.fi/ (deadline: October 19, 2026).

Representative publications from us: Takeda A et al., Immunity 2019; Takeda A et al., Trends Immunol 2023; Eichin D et al., Nat Commun 2025.

Research activities

Depending on experience and interests, the work may include:

• Designing, running, and analyzing pooled genome-wide and targeted sub-library CRISPR knockout screens in primary human CD4 T cells
• Lentiviral library production and titration, large-scale primary T cell transduction, and maintaining library coverage and representation
• FACS-based fate readouts of DC–T cell cocultures (TCF1⁺ stem-like, effector, and regulatory states), including sorting strategies optimized for screen scale
• Sequencing library preparation and screen analysis, together with computational collaborators
• Validating hits by arrayed knockout in primary T cells, flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, and functional T cell assays
• Following up hits in mouse models and by single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis of lymph node tissue

Learning objectives

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Gain advanced expertise in functional genomics, DC biology, T cell differentiation, and human immunology
• Develop skills in rigorous experimental design, quantitative analysis, and reproducible, translationally relevant research
• Lead manuscripts and conference presentations, and contribute to grant and fellowship applications (e.g. MSCA, Research Council of Finland)
• Mentor PhD students and build the skills needed for an independent research career

Eligibility requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in immunology, cell or molecular biology, genetics, or a closely related field. The degree must be completed by the start date.

Required:

• A strong background in cellular immunology
• The ability to design, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments independently
• A track record of first-author publications or strong manuscripts in preparation
• Excellent written and spoken English, and strong collaborative skills

Desirable (not necessary):

• Experience with T cell engineering (lentiviral-based) and multicolor flow cytometry/FACS
• Hands-on experience with pooled CRISPR screening, including library handling, lentiviral transduction, coverage maintenance, and sequencing-based readouts
• Experience with T cell and DC biology
• Experience with single-cell CRISPR screens (Perturb-seq/CROP-seq) or CRISPRi/a

How to apply

Please send your application by email to akitak@utu.fi, including:

1. A cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your research background and your interest in this position
2. A CV with a full publication list
3. Contact details for two to three referees
4. Your earliest possible start date

Position information

This is a full-time, laboratory-based position at MediCity Research Laboratory, part of the InFLAMES Flagship research community. The lab has access to core facilities for flow cytometry and cell sorting, genomics, single-cell and spatial technologies, proteomics, and animal work.

The University of Turku offers occupational healthcare, generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and parental leave under Finnish law. Finland ranks highly for work–life balance, and Turku is an international, affordable coastal city with good connections to Helsinki and Stockholm.