About research group

Research interests

Our research group studies aspects of mtDNA maintenance in mammalian cells. We aim, using various approaches, to identify new components of the mtDNA maintenance machinery, and to elucidate, both in vitro and in vivo, the functions of especially those  proteins that result in mtDNA instability in human disease.

Projects

Isolation and characterization of proteins involved in mtDNA maintenance
Regulation and mechanisms of mtDNA maintenance
Nucleoid proteins and dynamics

All research of Hans Spelbrink's lab is aimed at understanding the mechanisms and proteins of mitochondrial DNA maintenance.  The research has several different focus-points of which the main are elaborated here.  Research is funded by the Academy of Finland, Tampere University Hospital Medical Research Fund and Juselius Foundation.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

Mitochondrial Research in Tampere

We are keen to attract students and postdocs with a good academic record and total dedication to mitochondrial research. We can offer facilities for project work leading to masters degrees, as well as training projects to those seeking to obtain laboratory experience in the context of more technical studies.

We can accommodate both science graduates and advanced medical students seeking doctoral research places with a basic science flavour.

To potential graduate students and postdocs we offer the lively environment provided by our highly interactive and international research group, opportunities for research and study abroad via our many collaborations, and a broad study programme covering all of the major areas of mitochondrial genetics, biochemistry and pathology, as well as wider issues in molecular biology and medicine. IMT Tampere provides a broader working space which is

• well funded and growing
• internationally connected and competitive
• friendly and stimulating

We especially welcome students and postdocs from outside Finland. Studentships of up to 4 years, plus assistantships and postdoctoral fellowships are frequently available. The Finnish PhD system is rigorous but rewarding: you are expected to produce a substantial body of published, original work, but our programmes are geared to achieving this within a reasonable time frame. Postdocs can be supported by lab funds whilst awaiting the results of fellowship applications or finishing off projects started during the tenure of such fellowships.

For further information or to register your interest in working with us please contact us by email: hans.spelbrink (at) uta.fi