Job description

Position as Researcher is available at Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo.

Starting date no later than September 1st 2022. The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of 3 years

The Researcher position in Pharmacology and Microbiomics (Pharmacomicrobiomics) is a part of the project: “Optimization of drug therapy based on considerations of host-microbiome interplay” funded by the Research Council of Norway. The Researcher will be a part of the “Pharmacokinetics Research Group” which consists of 2 fulltime academic positions, 3 PhD students, 1 engineer and master students.

Project description:

Drug treatment is the most common therapeutic intervention. However, there is large interindividual variability in drug response, affecting both efficacy and toxicity. Emerging evidence implies an extensive role of gut microbiota in determining the systemic exposure of drugs. However, despite their important consequences for human biology, the gut microbes' involvement in drug metabolism and transport is poorly understood and data from human subjects are lacking. In this project, rich samples and clinical data from a previously conducted clinical trial designed to shed light on the impact of gut microbiota composition on key drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters will be utilized.

The main objectives in the project are to investigate the impact of gut microbiota on drug disposition, i.e. key drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, and to our ability to predict the effect of the host-microbiome interplay on an individual’s drug response using an integrated approach combining in vitro and clinical data with mechanistic modeling. Both local gastrointestinal and systemic effects of the microbiome on drug disposition will be investigated. The project will be performed in collaboration with University of Manchester (Professor Fredrik Bäckhed) and University of Gothenburg (Professor Aleksandra Galetin).

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 this position 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 pharmacy/medicine/biology. 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.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience in either pharmacokinetics/ADME or experience with microbiome work are required.

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

• General laboratory skills and experience.
• Knowledge in programming language such as R.
• Experience with any of the following methods: liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and physiology-based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK).
• Experience related to drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters.

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research
• Motivation and dedication
• Well organized
• Strong collaboration skills

Personal suitability and motivation for the position will be emphasized.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 650 300 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

How to apply

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 transcript of records
• 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.

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. 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

For further information please contact:

• Associate Professor Ida Robertsen, phone: +47 22857519/+47 99227569, e-mail: ida.robertsen@farmasi.uio.no

For questions regarding JobbNorge please contact: Torunn Standal Guttormsen, phone: +47 22854272, e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no.

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