Job description

Position as Researcher available at the Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

The position is for a period of 3 years.

The candidate will generate and analyze new, cutting-edge high-throughput sequencing data of three-dimensional (3D) genome reorganization during nuclear deformations. The goal is to unravel new mechanotransduction pathways linked to 3D genome reorganization in cancer.

The candidate for this position will work on a project funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society. The work will be carried out in a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the research groups of Associate Professor Jonas Paulsen and Prof. Cinzia Progida. Building on bioinformatics software developed in Paulsen research group [Nature Protoc. 2018; Nature Genetics 2019], the data will be used to generate predictive computational models of 3D genome deformation and gene expression changes during different types of nuclear deformations. Imaging techniques, including super-resolution imaging, will be used to validate the models.

The Department of Biosciences has access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a High-throughput sequencing facility (Norwegian Sequencing Centre), as well as an imaging facility (NorMIC).

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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.

We seek a highly motivated and competent candidate, with the following formal qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics or a similar field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Competitive publication track record.
• Extensive relevant hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetics or cell biology in mammalian cell lines or primary cells

• Extensive documented hands-on experience with using high-throughput sequencing and -omics approaches to study epigenetic and/or transcriptomic mechanisms (e.g. ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, Hi-C, RNA-seq, or similar)

The following qualifications will be considered desirable

• Experience with bioinformatics analyses of high-throughput sequencing data
• Previous experience with advanced imaging techniques and image analysis is an advantage

Personal skills

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working candidate with the ambition to gain new insights and publish papers in leading, international journals. Applicants must show good interpersonal skills and be willing to work in close collaboration with the project PI and other members of the project team, as well as have the ability to work independently.

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

We offer

• Salary NOK minimum 534 400 – 615 800 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

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest and describing how your background and previous experience relate to the project in general, and how your skills fit into the research framework outlined)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, 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. 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 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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Jonas Paulsen, e-mail: jonas.paulsen@ibv.uio.no, phone: +47 41147241 or
• Cinzia Progida, e-mail: c.a.m.progida@ibv.uio.no, phone: +47 22854441

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no, phone: +47 22854424.

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