Researcher position in functional genomics and cancer research
Deadline: 25.02.2026
Publisert
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 26 500 students and 7 200 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.
The Norwegian Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMBM) is a national research centre dedicated to cutting-edge research at the intersection of molecular medicine, biosciences, and data science. The centre aims to advance understanding of fundamental biological processes and to provide new insights that enable future medical and biotechnological innovation.
NCMBM is part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, a collaborative network that brings together leading research centres across the Nordic countries and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
Established in 2008 (formerly as the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, NCMM), NCMBM is a joint initiative between the University of Oslo and Health Region South-East. The centre brings together research groups working across molecular and translational biosciences to drive discovery and strengthen the interface between basic and medical research.
Job description
A two-year researcher position is available in the group of Dr. Biswajyoti Sahu at the Centre for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMBM), Norway. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual for working in the field of functional epigenomics in cancer research and transcriptional regulation. We offer a position in an ambitious, multi-disciplinary and well-resourced group that is comprised of both wet-lab and computational scientists. Our group investigates the interplay between transcription factors and oncogenes using a rationale multi-cancer approach and modern genome-wide methods for regulatory genomic features and chromatin architecture. We utilize a wide range of cell-based models, organoid systems together with cutting-edge functional genomics approaches routinely like ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, PRO-seq, HiChIP, HiC, whole genome methylation analysis to advanced CRISPR-based approaches for genome editing, single-nuclei multiome RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) for unbiased genome-wide analysis for understanding the phenotypic plasticity in different cancer cell states.
Work tasks
The work tasks will generally include one or more of the following:
Designing and performing genome-wide functional genomics experiments in mammalian cells using modern methods such as ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, PRO-seq, massively parallel reporter assays (STARR-seq and lentiMPRA) as well as CRISPR-based genome editing approaches.
Developing and adapting cutting-edge functional epigenomics assays based on Illumina and/or long-read nanopore sequencing.
Computational analysis and integration of functional genomics datasets from next-generation sequencing methods.
Supervision and teaching of students and technicians in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.
Writing own grant applications
Qualification requirements
A PhD degree in any relevant field of life sciences with experience in advanced molecular biology and computational analysis
Successfully completed post-doctoral period with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
Documented research experience in the following fields: transcriptional regulation, cancer biology, and epigenomics both in experimental and computational functional genomics.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Ability and willingness to supervise students and staff
Ability to work independently as well as operating as a team player in multi-disciplinary projects is a must. Prior experience in the following is essential and required for the ongoing project: mammalian cell-based assays, functional genomics experiments (ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, PRO-seq, RNA-seq, MPRAs), generating next-generation sequencing libraries for Illumina and Oxford nanopore platforms, and computational analysis of high-throughput functional genomics datasets as mentioned above and in the analysis of repetitive elements in human genome. Experience on working in high-performance computing clusters is needed and knowledge of relevant programming languages (Python, Perl, R) is considered an advantage. A in-depth understanding of biochemistry, genomics experiments and bioinformatics is expected. Candidates with proven track record in the mentioned technical skills and terms of publications will be given preference.
We offer
Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
Committed colleagues in a good working environment.
A workplace with good development and career opportunities.
Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
Salary in position as Researcher, position code 1109 in salary range NOK from 584 500 - 615 700, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.
For more information about our current research operations and our latest publications (including Patel et al, 2025, Fei et al, 2023; Karttunen et al, 2023; Sahu et al, 2022; Sahu et al, 2021), see here.
The position is available to start from 01 August 2026.
How to apply
Your application should include:
Cover Letter stating motivation, research interests and experience in the required relevant skills.
A recent CV with a complete list of scientific publications
Copies of certificates and grades with explanation of the grading system
Contact details of two–three referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".
When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English and incomplete applications will not be processed.
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
General information
The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.
Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we cannot, you will hear from us.
