About the position

Applicants are invited for a 2-year fulltime position as Researcher in Fish Immunology to be based at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo. 

This role contributes to the NFR-funded project “New advances in fish immunology: NELO”, which aims to unravel the functions of a recently discovered lymphoid organ in fish and to decipher its importance for the fish defense against infectious diseases in aquaculture.

Job description/project description:

The successful applicant will join Julien Resseguier’s “Spatial Immunology & Nanomedicines” group and become a key member of the Comparative Immunology team at the Department of Biosciences.

The project “New advances in fish immunology: NELO” builds on the recent discovery of a lymphoid organ in the branchial cavity of fish that is reminiscent of mammalian tonsils: the Nemausean Lymphoid organ (NELO) 

The sustainability of aquaculture, an important food source for human, is severely challenged by infectious diseases. The goal of the project is to determine the function of this newly discovered lymphoid organ in order to harness it for disease management in aquaculture. For this, the zebrafish will be used as a complementary model before initiating a comparative study in Atlantic salmon with collaborators from NMBU. Key aspects of the project will involve the characterization of NELO’s immune functions using infection models and Nanotechnologies, including mRNA vaccine material, in collaboration with research groups from France and Norway.

We seek a highly motivated researcher with experience in Transcriptomic Analysis (e.g. Single-Cell RNA sequencing), Molecular Biology, and Microscopy, that will mainly study markers of immune functions at the spatial and transcriptomic levels. The selected candidate will benefit from a rich interdisciplinary environment at the interface between fundamental and applied sciences, and will have the access to modern core research infrastructures such as the NorMIC imaging plateform.

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 Fish Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Expertise in transcriptomic analysis, specifically Single-cell RNA Sequencing
• Proficiency in Confocal Microscopy and image analysis
• Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills

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

• Molecular Biology methods, Bioinformatics, Immunofluorescence, Flow Cytometry, Immunology, Fish Biology, Histology methods, Statistics
• Previous experience with research in fish or immunology is not a requirement
• A previous postdoctoral experience, good communication/representation skills, and grant writing skills are desirable but not required

Personal skills:

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

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 657 300 per annum 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, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• 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:

Inquiries about the position can be directed to:

• Dr. Julien Resseguier julien.resseguier@ibv.uio.no

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

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