Research Managers, InFLAMES Flagship (up to two positions)

Overview

Turku University is seeking fixed-term research managers (up to two positions). The InFLAMES flagship at Turku University is looking for motivated and collaborative research managers to support the development of research and innovation activities, competitiveness, and long-term impact. The research managers will support InFLAMES' research funding, partnerships, project management, and innovation activities. The roles can be allocated based on experience and complementary expertise. Turku University is an international and multidisciplinary research and education organization with health, diagnostics, and drug development as strategic areas. The InFLAMES flagship is part of the Academy of Finland’s Flagship Program and collaborates with Turku University, Åbo Akademi University, and a broader ecosystem including over 400 university researchers and a strong research infrastructure (such as Turku Bioscience and Turku PET Centre). The goal of InFLAMES is to advance immunological research and innovations and to strengthen collaboration with healthcare and industry partners. Working within InFLAMES provides access to Finland’s leading immunology research environment. The roles are located within the Faculty of Medicine at Turku University.

Role description

• Identify relevant funding opportunities and support the preparation, coordination, and submission of competitive research proposals, including national and international consortium applications.
• Build relationships with funders and strategic partners, and monitor relevant funding and policy developments.
• Support researchers and projects throughout the research lifecycle, including planning, implementation, reporting, impact assessment, and development of project and portfolio management practices.
• Develop collaboration with academic actors, healthcare, industry, public sector, and international partners, and represent InFLAMES in networks that enhance research visibility, competitiveness, and impact.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer, innovation, commercialization, and stakeholder collaboration to maximize the societal and economic impact of InFLAMES research.

Start and term

The desired start date is as soon as possible. The positions are fixed-term until June 30, 2028, with possible extension beyond this period.

Candidate profile

We expect you to have:

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in immunology or a related field.
• Experience in preparing, coordinating, or supporting competitive research funding applications.
• Understanding of the research funding landscape, especially European and international funding programs.
• Experience in supporting research projects, project management, or research administration.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in complex environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, university leadership, external partners, and other stakeholders to develop competitive research initiatives.
• Excellent oral and written English skills (Finnish language skills are not required).

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Horizon Europe or other major international funding programs.
• Experience or interest in innovation, translational research, commercialization, or industry collaboration.
• Knowledge of research policy, open science, or research impact assessment.
• Experience in mentoring or developing others.

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

What we offer

• An inspiring role within the dedicated impact team of the InFLAMES flagship, which includes two experienced research managers and other professionals such as a project manager, research coordinator, and communication specialist.
• Meaningful work supporting top-level research and innovations in a collaborative and multidisciplinary culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement in research administration and leadership.
• Competitive salary and personnel benefits.
• Opportunities for personal development—training and development opportunities, including many free courses offered by the open university.
• Well-being support—occupational health services and additional well-being services, including CampusSport at staff discounts.
• Work-life balance—flexible working hours and extensive remote work options.
• A friendly and supportive work community—mutual support and valued teamwork.

Learn more about us at the university’s career page and welcome to work with us. The European Commission has awarded Turku University the HR Excellence in Research badge as a mark of the commitment to continuous development of researchers’ working conditions and career development, in accordance with the European Charter for Researchers.