Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in adipose tissue metabolism and molecular biology in the research group of Dr. Nolwenn Briand and Prof. Philippe Collas at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo (collaslab.org).

The position is part of the SmartSense consortium funded by the Research Council of Norway and the University of Oslo. The consortium aims to investigate, in mouse models, how adolescence sleep deprivation elicits long-term metabolic imbalance, by deciphering molecular mechanisms of the brain-adipose tissue crosstalk. The consortium integrates local expertise in epigenetics (Philippe Collas; Genome Biol 2022, Nat Genet 2019, J Cell Biol 2017), adipose tissue biology (Nolwenn Briand: Genome Biol 2020, J Cell Biol 2017, Diabetes 2017), and rodent neurophysiology (Charlotte Boccara: www.boccaralab.com; Nature Comm 2022, Science 2019, Science 2017). A state-of-the-art animal facility, the largest in Norway, is localized in the Institute.

For information on the SmartSense consortium see:

SmartSense – Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (uio.no)

More about the position

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to undertake in vivo metabolic studies, with the aim to investigate the effect of adolescence sleep deprivation on adipose tissue maturation and metabolic homeostasis in the young and the adult.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

  • Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in life science.
  • If a doctoral degree is not yet awarded, the doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing application date.
  • Experience with in vivo mouse experimentation
  • Experience in tissue dissection, cell fractionation and analyses thereof, preferentially adipose tissue
  • Experience in metabolic phenotyping
  • Competence in advanced microscopy will be an advantage
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Personal skills

The following qualifications will also count in the assessment of the applicants:

  • Strong motivation
  • Ability to integrate and collaborate within a cross-disciplinary environment
  • Organization skills
  • Ability to work independently and take initiatives
  • Clarity in communication

We offer

  • Salary NOK 544 400 – 615 000 per year depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
  • A professionally stimulating working environment
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

  • Application letter including statements of previous research accomplishments and of motivation for the position
  • CV summarizing education, positions and relevant work experience including research, pedagogical and administrative experience
  • Copies of educational certificates and transcript records
  • A complete list of publications; do not include the publications.
  • A list of 3 references stating relation to the candidate, with contact information

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing applications, emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best-qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed twice as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow financed with funds from The Research Council of Norway (NFR).

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

  • Dr. Nolwenn Briand, email: nolwenn.briand@medisin.uio.no.

About the University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences overall objective is to promote basic medical knowledge in order to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programmes of professional study in medicine and the Master’s programme in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica.

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