Job description

Applications are invited for a PhD candidate position at the Institute of Oral Biology, the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo. The project that the candidate will work on is entitled "Tumor-host interaction in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)".

It is becoming clearer that the development and progression of cancer including OSCC involves not only genetic/epigenetic abnormalities in the cancer cells, but also requires a mutual-interplay between the tumor cells and adjacent stromal cells (tumor-host interactions) such as fibroblasts, muscle cells, immune cells and endothelial cells. The current project aims to understand the underlying molecular profile/mechanisms of tumor cells important for invasion/local breakdown of skeletal muscle in the tongue. The current project will employ high throughput analysis methods for the analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic profile of tumor cells. In addition, 2D and 3D cell culture models will be used.

More about the position

The fellowship period is for three years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualifications of the applicant and the current needs of the institute.

A shorter employment period may be granted if the research fellow has already completed parts of his or her research training program, or when the appointment is based on previous employment in an educational position (research fellow, research assistant etc.), so that the total time spent on research training is three years.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Dentistry.

The research fellow must take part in the 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 final plan for the doctoral education must be approved and contractual no later than three months after commencement. You find more information here. 

Qualification requirements

For the candidate we require:

• Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian Master’s degree in dentistry, molecular biology or in a field relevant to the research project.
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system 
• Candidates with a dental degree or knowledge/experience on cancer biology will be preferred
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English 
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is required for a 4-year fellowship including teaching duties

Experience in the following methods are desirable, but not mandatory:

• Immunohistochemical/immunofluorescence techniques, as well as cell culturing (2D and 3D) techniques
• Molecular biology techniques and digital image analysis
• Analysis of high-throughput (RNA seq, proteomic data) datasets

Publications in international-peer reviewed scientific journals will be advantageous.

Personal skills

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project.

We require: 

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Good social and collaboration skills
• High drive for science

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• A list of publications
• Certified copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records 
• Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• 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. Applicants with foreign diplomas are asked to send the original diploma with a Scandinavian or English translation. Translations must be certified.

Please note that applications are evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

Formal regulations

Please see Rules and regulations regarding the Faculty's PhD program and guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo. 

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology.

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

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period 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.

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 Dipak Sapkota, +4722840331, dipak.sapkota@odont.uio.no

Apply for this job