Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate in Molecular Nutrition to be based at the Department of Nutrition, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out the project, “Targeting immune cell-specific PKA to enhance immune checkpoint therapeutics”. For the right candidate a four-year position, which also includes 25% teaching, supervision and/or administrative duties, may be possible

This is a preclinical drug development project in cancer immunology. The project involves laboratory work in biochemistry, cell biology and organ on a chip technology. Work with animal models (mice) is required.

The student will be associated with the Department of Nutrition University of Oslo (UiO) and collaborate with researchers at UiO, Oslo University Hospital (OUS) the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and University of Kassel in Germany.

Despite the success of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) less than 30 % of patients with established solid tumors benefit from this treatment suggesting that there are additional mechanisms regulating tumor immune evasion. It is now evident that immune suppressive protein kinase A (PKA) triggers tumor immune rejection and promotes T cell dysfunction and ICT failure in solid tumors. We have identified a unique PKA in immune cells, and shown that tumor-bearing mice genetically ablated for this PKA form have increased numbers of proinflammatory immune cells in their solid tumors and that these animals are protected from tumor growth and metastatic potential. Based on these facts we wish to «Target immune cell-specific PKA in order to enhance immune checkpoint therapeutics”.

More about the position

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The applicant must, in collaboration with her/his supervisor, within three months after employment, have worked out a complete project description to be attached to the application for admission to the doctoral program. For more information, please see our web site.

Qualification requirements

• applicants must hold a Master’s degree in molecular/clinical nutrition, biochemistry, molecular biology or equivalent with a minimum grade B (120 ECTS). The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS.
• fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• we wish that the candidate has experience in molecular-, and cellular biology and biochemistry. Not required, experience in working with Seahorse- and flowcytometry technology and preclinical animal models (mice), will be assessed and considered positive.
• having experience in immunological research is an advantage
• previous publications of scientific work is an advantage

Personal skills

The student should be independent but also having good collaborating skills, ethics and capacity.

We offer

• salary NOK 532 200 - 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
• an exciting research project conducted within a stimulating and friendly environment that fosters intellectual growth and collaboration
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• cover letter statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications and academic works
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

Contact information

• Professor: Bjørn Steen Skålhegg, tlf: + 47 99011619, e-post: b.s.skalhegg@medisin.uio.no
• Professor: Marit Inngjerdingen, tlf: +47 95063929, e-post: marit.inngjerdingen@medisin.uio.no

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