Job description
Applications are invited for a 4-year Research Fellowship position as a PhD Candidate in Molecular Cell Biology to be based at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo.
The position is part of an interdisciplinary research environment focusing on the role of autophagy in healthy aging (AUTORHYTHM) funded by the Life Science Initiative at UiO https://www.uio.no/english/research/strategic-research-areas/life-science/research/convergence-environments/autorhythm/
The PhD candidate will be part of the Autophagy research group led by Prof. Anne Simonsen (https://www.med.uio.no/imb/english/research/groups/autophagy/), which is also part of the Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell) (Home – CanCell – Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (uio.no). The work will be conducted in close collaboration with other project participants from the interdisciplinary network.
More about the position
The primary objective of AUTORHYTHM is to build a strong interdisciplinary research environment to decipher the spatiotemporal nature of autophagy and make predictions for improving a healthy lifespan. To achieve this, we will take advantage of existing autophagy datasets and develop machine learning and sonification strategies to discover spatiotemporal autophagy patterns. We will also develop, analyze and calibrate predictive mathematical models for the mechanisms of selective autophagy. The PhD candidate will experimentally test the data and predictions made from such in silico models, in cells and study effects on aging in model organisms.
The project will involve a range of methods, including CRISPR genome editing, molecular cloning and lentivirus production, mammalian cell culture, generation of stable cell lines, live and confocal microscopy, protein interaction assays, Western blot analysis and work with model organisms. The successful candidate should have experience from experimental laboratory work in biochemistry/molecular biology and previous research experience with interdisciplinary work will be considered an advantage.
We are looking for highly motivated individuals with the personal prerequisites to carry out the project within the given timeframe.
The fellowship period is 4 years, with 25% devoted to compulsory work. Duration: Start: 01.09.2022 – End: 31.08.2026.
The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The applicant must, in collaboration with her/his supervisor, within 2 months after employment, have worked out a complete project description to be attached to the application for admission to the doctoral program. For more information, please see our web site (Doctoral degree: PhD in medicine and health sciences – Faculty of Medicine (uio.no).
Qualification requirements
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular cell biology, or equivalent, with a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale).
- Practical experience from relevant laboratory work within molecular cell biology and ability to plan, perform and analyze experiments.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
Personal skills
- Scientifically curious and proactive, with drive and commitment to work on an interdisciplinary project.
- Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
- Good presentation skills.
- High working capacity and productivity.
- Is motivated and solution-oriented.
- Is flexible and effective.
We offer
- Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
- An ambitious and exciting research project in a stimulating and friendly scientific environment with good national and international connections and excellent opportunities for academic development
- attractive welfare benefits and a favorable 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
- Cover letter statement of motivation and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
- Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
- Documentation of English proficiency
- A complete list of publications and academic works
- List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link: “Apply for this job”. 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).
When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to applicant’s academic and personal abilities to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
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.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
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
Professor Anne Simonsen, professor, Phone: (+47) 22 85 11 10, E-mail: anne.simonsen@medsisin.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.