About the position

Position as Researcher is available at the Section for Physiology and Cell Biology at the Department of Biosciences.

The position is for a period of 2 years, with a tentative start date no later than 01.08.2025.

Job description/project description:

We seek a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a background in intestinal and/or zinc biology to join the group of Dr. Erna Davydova. The successful applicant will work on the project “Zinc transport regulation through histidine methylation” funded by the FRIPRO Researcher Project for Young Talents program of the Norwegian Research Council.

Zinc deficiency is an emerging global health issue, affecting almost two billion people worldwide. An imbalance of zinc levels is particularly detrimental for the intestine, leading to impaired intestinal barrier integrity and increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases and cancer. While precise molecular mechanisms regulating zinc homeostasis are still unclear, our recent discovery of an enzyme that methylates histidine residues in zinc transporter proteins suggests that this novel post-translational modification plays an important regulatory role.

This project aims to unravel how histidine methylation of zinc transporters regulates zinc homeostasis and its functional effects in the intestinal epithelium. This will be examined through in vitro assays in intestinal cells and organoid cultures, as well as through in vivo studies in mouse models.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Cell Biology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• Strong background in intestinal or zinc biology 
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy and image analysis
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English 

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

• Experience with intestinal organoids / enteroids / gut-on-a-chip systems and mouse models of intestinal diseases
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry 
• Certification for laboratory animal research

Personal skills:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

• Team player with good social skills

• Clear communication

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 700 000 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates 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:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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 a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact: Dr. Erna Davydova , email: erna.davydova@ibv.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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