Job description

Applications are invited for a 1,5 year position as Researcher in neuroscience and electrophysiology to be based at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IMB), University of Oslo.

More about the position

The position is linked to a project on unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in glutamine/amino acid transporter function and their roles in brain physiology by using state-of-the-art electrophysiology and imaging. The candidate will be part of Professor Farrukh A. Chaudhry’s group . The group use a multidisciplinary approach to unravel function and regulation of glutamine transporters in health and disease and translate these findings to clinics.

The candidate is expected to unravel mechanistically the function and regulation of glutamine transporters by two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) electrophysiology and ratiometric analyses on Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing transporters of interest. It also involves characterization of the phenotype of genetically modified mice with focus on perturbed neurotransmitter synthesis and synaptic plasticity by patch-clamp electrophysiology. Finally, this project includes simultaneous imaging and electrophysiological investigations.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian PhD doctoral, strong academic background and with practical experience in characterizing proteins.
• It requires prior experience in TEVC and/or patch-clamp electrophysiology.
• It preferably requires experience in ratiometric analyses, time-lapse studies and/or molecular biology.
• It requires motivation to contribute to a strong cooperation between group members.
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English is required.

Personal skills

• Individual suitability for the project
• Good cooperation skills
• Good communication skills
• Other members of the research group should have benefit of the candidate’s expertise

Highly motivated individuals holding a PhD or equivalent and who enjoys working in an international and interactive environment are welcome to apply.

We offer

• A challenging and friendly working environment
• Salary NOK 544 400–615 000 per annum, depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s friendly environment with its 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 activities)
• Copies of educational certificates (including classes attended and grades obtained).
• A complete list of publications
• Letters of recommendation
• Names and contact details of 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 etc.

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

• Professor: Farrukh A. Chaudhry, e-mail: f.a.chaudhry@medisin.uio.no

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