Post-doctoral/researcher position in phylogenetic systems neurosciences at the Universty of Oslo

Job description

Applications are invited for a 2- to 3-year Postdoctoral Fellowship/ Researcher for an interdisciplinary project combining Cell Biology and Systems Neuroscience to study the interplay between sleep and autophagy from a phylogenetic perspective. The selected candidate will join two ERC-funded laboratories at the University of Oslo: Helene Knævelsrud´s group Cell Stress and Cancer at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Charlotte Boccara’s group Systems Neuroscience and Sleep at the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Medicine.

Knævelsrud Lab

Boccara Lab

About the project: Autophagy as a phylogenetically conserved mediator of sleep benefits

Our overarching hypothesis is that some health benefits linked to sleep are dependent on functional autophagy. We propose to (1) elucidate the specific function of autophagy during sleep in order to (2) manipulate autophagy to reverse the neural effects of subpar sleep. The Boccara and Knævelsrud labs are uniquely positioned to tackle this question by combining the advanced sleep recording and sleep modulating tools developed in the Boccara lab with the autophagy tools developed in the Knævelsrud lab. In this joint project, we will develop tools and strategies to study autophagy during sleep in an invertebrate (Drosophila) and a rodent (rat) model of sleep deprivation. Our ambition is to highlight autophagy as a phylogenetically conserved mediator of sleep-benefits at a cellular level – thus opening very concrete new translational avenues for much needed therapeutic applications.

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with either experience in (i) in vivo electrophysiology and/or in (ii) autophagy in a physiological context. The selected candidate will work at the intersection of cell biology, physiology, and systems neuroscience, gaining a unique holistic perspective on autophagy and sleep. Under the supervision of Boccara (Norwegian Centre for Molecular Medicine – ERC 2023 – Nature Comm 2022, Science 2019) and Knævelsrud (Institute for Basic medical sciences – ERC 2022 – iScience 2023, Nature Comm 2016), the postdoc will be introduced to the forefront of promising research fields and cutting-edge techniques, making their profile extremely attractive for future recruitments. Both groups are composed of scientists from diverse backgrounds, allowing exchange of ideas across disciplines. At NCMM the postdoc will be exposed to various methods in molecular and precision medicine, whereas at IMB/OUS they will be part of the membrane dynamics unit within the Division of Biochemistry.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Cell Biology, Neurosciences or a related discipline. If a doctoral degree is not yet awarded, the doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing application date.
• Strong neuroscience background and/or background in in vivo studies of autophagy with accomplishments demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals is wished.
• Experience with in vivo electrophysiology in rodents including device buildings, surgical procedures, freely-behaving recording procedures, signal processing and data analyses or experience with Drosophila activity monitoring and analyses will be viewed positively.
• FELASA certificate (or equivalent personal license to conduct animal experiments) is required or must be obtained within 2 months of starting the position.
• Experience in the following will also count in the assessment of the applicants: optogenetics computational and statistical methods for analysis; rodent behaviour, histology methods, sleep scoring, neurodevelopment as well as rodent genetic editing, viral and neurodevelopment tools, engineering, Drosophila genetics, dissection and immunofluorescence imaging of Drosophila adult brain.

Personal skills

• 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 575 400 - 657 300 NOK per annum depending on qualification in a position as Postdoctoral Fellowship/ Researcher (position code 1352/1109)
• Generous pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare benefits
• A friendly and supportive environment ideal for learning new methods
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

Apply directly on JobNorge.

The application must include

• cover letter describing research experience, interests and statement of motivation
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work including list of publications)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• list of 2-3 professional references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

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.

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.

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

Inquiries about the position can be directed to:

• Dr. Boccara charlotte.boccara@ncmm.uio.no or 
• Dr. Knævelsrud helene.knavelsrud@medisin.uio.no

About the application: ninam@ncmm.uio.no.

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