项目介绍

2026年9月18日

DETECTIVE (Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. The network brings together leading academic, public health, clinical, and industrial partners across Europe to train the next generation of researchers in epidemic intelligence, emerging virus surveillance, and pandemic preparedness. Through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, DETECTIVE aims to improve the early detection of emerging pathogens, strengthen risk assessment, and support real-time, evidence-based public health decision-making. For more information, please visit: virusdetective.eu 

From wastewater to data-driven epidemic prediction 

Background of Project DC9 
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how public health measures and changes in population behaviour can influence viral circulation. Following the lifting of restrictions, many viruses showed unusual rebounds and altered seasonal patterns, but these effects remain poorly understood across the broader virome. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), combined with viral enrichment and high-throughput sequencing, provides a powerful approach for monitoring community-level virus circulation across a broad range of pathogens. This doctoral project will integrate wastewater virome data with epidemiological and other population-level data to investigate viral dynamics during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is based on a unique longitudinal dataset of monthly wastewater samples collected from Finnish cities. The project will move from wastewater virome monitoring to data-driven models for epidemic prediction and public health action. By combining comprehensive viral surveillance with advanced data analysis and predictive modelling, the research will provide new insights into viral epidemiology and contribute to the development of wastewater-based early-warning systems for future epidemics and pandemics. 

Job Description and Research Objectives: 
At Tampere University, DETECTIVE is looking for a Doctoral Candidate 9 to work on Work Package 2. 

As Doctoral Candidate 9, you will:
– Build a longitudinal wastewater virome surveillance system
– Apply, qPCR and capture enrichment and high-throughput sequencing to profile all vertebrate-infecting viruses, including human and potential zoonotic pathogens.
– Assess relationships between wastewater viral loads and clinical indicators, including seasonality, early surges, and viral interference.
– Create bioinformatic pipelines for sensitive detection and full-genome recovery
– Develop data-driven models for epidemic prediction, vaccination strategy, and integration of multi-virus WBE into public-health early-warning systems. 

Supervisory Team
The DC will be supervised by:
– Assoc. Prof Sami Oikarinen
– Dr. Ana Da Silva Filipe
Additional scientific mentoring and collaboration will be provided by:
– Assoc. Prof Jaana Jurvansuu from the Tampere University 

Planned Secondments
The doctoral candidate will undertake international secondments within the DETECTIVE network, including:
– UoG-CVR with Dr. Ana Da Silva Filipe
– QCMD with Dr. Elaine McCulloc

These secondments will provide exposure to both academic and industrial research environments and offer opportunities to develop complementary scientific and transferable skills. 

Requirements 

We are looking for a motivated researcher with a relevant Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field. Experience with molecular technologies and bioinformatics will be considered an advantage. The successful candidate should be highly motivated to develop expertise in data science, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, and to apply these approaches to biomedical and epidemiological data. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, an interest in self-development, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment are expected. 

In accordance with the MSCA mobility rule, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding 1 March 2027. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.    

An applicant must have completed a relevant Master’s degree before the starting date of employment.  

We offer

We offer a three-year Doctoral Candidate position placed at Tampere University within the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network DETECTIVE.  A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.   The salary will be set in accordance with MSCA rates. Target degree is PhD degree from Tampere University, Finland.      
The doctoral researcher has the opportunity to work with unique longitudinal biological samples and epidemiological data from the Finnish DIPP study, covering more than three decades of enterovirus circulation.  

In addition, interdisciplinary network-wide training schools (one week each): 

1. foundations in virology, bioinformatics and epidemiology; 
2. advanced integration of scientific, diagnostic and public health virology, and
3. translational virology and connecting academia, clinical practice and public health for pandemic preparedness. 

Also DC will have individually tailored career development plan and personal empowerment program.