PhD Research Fellow in (Pharmaceutical) analytical chemistry
Deadline: 12.05.2026
Publisert
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 26 500 students and 7 200 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Pharmacy has 130 employees. We have an active research and innovation environment based on independent research in pharmaceutical topics. The Department of Pharmacy is responsible for the popular master's degree program in pharmacy and has 350 competent and committed students.Pharmaceutical related research and education forms the base of all activities at the Department of Pharmacy. The science of pharmacy lies in the interface between the natural sciences, pharmaceutical technology, health related topics and social sciences. This interdisciplinarity is reflected both in our study programmes and in our research.
In the planned life science building at the University of Oslo, closer collaboration with health enterprises, local government and the business sector will enhance quality and relevance in research and education of the future labour force. The building will be the heart of the first innovation district in Norway – Oslo Science City. The Department of Pharmacy will move into the new Life Science building in 2026.
About the position
We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in (Pharmaceutical) analytical chemistry, available at the name of Department of Pharmacy.
Starting date no later than October 1, 2026.The fellowship period is three years.
A fourth year maybe considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career-promoting work. Other career-promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Place of work is Department of Pharmacy at Blindern, Oslo.
Job description
The position is within the field of pharmaceutical analytical chemistry. The aim of our research is to develop new technologies for sample preparation and extraction from biological samples, which is essential for accurate measurements of drugs and endogenous compounds. More specifically, we work on developing novel concepts and strategies for sampling and analysis of diagnostic and therapeutic proteins in biological matrices, for example from a single drop of blood. Our goal is to bring advanced protein analysis closer to clinical practice through innovative solutions for sample handling and preparation, ultimately benefiting both clinicians and patients.
In recent years, we have explored the use of paper and other materials, such as VAMS, as sampling devices for complex biological samples like blood and serum. We have specialized in the determination of peptides and proteins in dried form from these devices. Furthermore, we have successfully modified the sampling devices so that they can perform parts of the conventional sample preparation procedures in protein analysis (such as tryptic digestion and antibody-based purification). This efficiently creates a small "laboratory" that prepares the sample for analysis before it reaches the central laboratory, saving both time and labour. This project will build on this line of research within the so-called "smart sampling" concept, with the aim of further methodological development and clinical implementation. The research will combine basic and applied aspects. For further information, publications and our research environment, please visit our website SmartProteinAnalysis@UiO.
What skills are important in this role?
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 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.
Required qualifications:
Master’s degree or equivalent in pharmacy (pharmaceutical analytical chemistry) or analytical chemistry
Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
Experience with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
Experience with sample preparation for subsequent LC-MS analysis (e.g. SPE or immuno-based affinity extractions) preferable from biological samples
Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
Candidates without a master’s degree have until July 31, 2026 to complete the final exam.
Desired qualifications:
Experience with peptide and protein analysis using mass spectrometry
Experience with nano-flow LC-MS systems
Experience with chemical surface modification is an asset, but not a requirement
Language requirement:
Good oral and written communication skills in English
All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.
What are we looking for in you?
Personal skills:
Curious, analytical, patient and creative
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot analytical instruments (like LC-MS)
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to work precisely in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks
Good communication and collaboration skills
Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods
Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.
Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund
We need different perspectives in our work
UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no.
We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one?
We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures.
If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian).
The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here. We hope you will apply for the position with us.
How to apply
The application must include:
Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
List of publications and academic work 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)
Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for this job".Foreign applicants should attach an official explanation of their University's grading system.
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. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
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 can't, you will hear from us.