Job description

A full-time position is available from 01.11.2024 for the duration of 3 years in the Core Facility for Chemical Biology and High Throughput Screening (CBP) and the research group of Emma Haapaniemi at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM). NCMM is a centre for molecular biology, biotechnology and bioinformatics within the University of Oslo (UiO), devoted to research and postgraduate training in addition to operating a number of technology platforms. The CBP is a service based UiO core facility for automated high throughput screening of chemical compounds in biological and biochemical systems offering highly specialized assays and services. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art robotics and automated liquid handling, various detection platforms and hosts a comprehensive small molecular compound collection. The CBP is part of the Norwegian national research infrastructure NOR-OPENSCREEN. For more information about the infrastructures please see:

https://www.med.uio.no/english/research/core-facilities/chemical-biology-screening/, www.openscreen.no and www.haapaniemilab.org

NCMM is now seeking candidates for the position of:

Principal engineer for chemical biology and cell editing.

The successful candidate will start working as a maternity cover in the core facility for chemical biology and high throughput screening and then transition to the engineer position in the research group of Dr Haapaniemi.

We are seeking for:

Highly motivated individuals with an excellent track record, that can work both independently and as part of a team are welcome to apply. We encourage newly educated candidates to apply. This is a unique opportunity for a person with the right mind set to develop in a scientific and dynamic environment and the right candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in large chemical biology and high-throughput screening projects as well as the preclinical development personalized medicine pipelines.

Laboratory tasks include:

• Maintaining, programming, and running advanced automated robotic systems for liquid handling.
• Carry out daily operations and provide technical support for automation equipment.
• Ordering of consumables and reagents.
• Participate in transfer of bench top assays to automated, robot controlled high throughput screening formats as well as supporting on-going screening activities running on the platform.
• Participate in compound- and data management using dedicated software packages.
• Responsibility of daily maintenance in the laboratory.
• Cell culture of primary human cells and established human cell lines.
• CRISPR Cas editing of primary human cells and human cell lines.

Depending on background and experience of the candidate other working tasks could also be considered.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or a related area (engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, or biology) is needed, but a Master in a relevant field would be valued. Experience from similar work can replace this formal requirement.
• Work experience with chemical biology, high throughput screening, or CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of primary cells is preferred.
• Experience in managing small molecular compound libraries is of advantage.
• A background in robotic technology, lab automation and automated liquid handling is preferred.
• Good knowledge in data handling and analysis is preferred.
• Good understanding of molecular biology laboratory methods including cell culture, PCR, sequencing, and flow cytometry.
• A reliable, well-organized candidate that has the flexibility needed for working in fast changing field is preferred.
• Knowledge of the UiO purchasing system would be beneficial.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English are required. Basic knowledge in Norwegian, both written and oral, is preferred.
• Ability to operate as a team player in a multi-disciplinary environment is crucial to a successful candidate.

We offer

• Salary NOK 509 300 - 565 900 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as Principal Engineer, position code 1085
• 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:

• Cover letter and CV
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• 2-3 reference persons (name, relation to the candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments is 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. 

Formal regulations

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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

For further information, please contact:

• Researcher Johannes Landskron (johannes.landskron@ncmm.uio.no)

 For technical questions about the application process please contact Nina Modahl (ninam@ncmm.uio.no).

Apply for this job