Job description

A three-year PhD research fellowship is available in the group of Dr. Biswajyoti Sahu at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (NCMM), Norway. Our group investigates the role of transcription factors in human diseases using modern genome-wide methods for regulatory genomic features and chromatin architecture and their computational analysis. We utilize a wide range of cutting-edge functional genomics approaches, from ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN and HiChIP to single-nuclei multiome RNA-seq and ATAC-seq assays, epigenetics analysis using single-molecule nanopore sequencing, as well as CRISPR-based approaches for genome editing. The projects require handling of mammalian cell lines, organoids/other co-culture methods and also involve computational analysis of the next-generation sequencing datasets from the relevant assays. We offer a position in an ambitious and inter-disciplinary team and an exciting project focusing on the role of epigenome reprogramming and transcription factors in cancer progression and treatment resistance. The PhD student will also benefit from career development programs offered both at UiO as well as the Nordic EMBL network of the Centre for Molecular Medicine, Norway.

Qualification requirements

We seek highly motivated individuals with an excellent track record and a strong drive for academic research.

Ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics or a related area
• Prior hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, routine molecular biology including cloning, bacterial transformation, plasmid purification, quantitative PCR and lentivirus production methods is required. 
• Prior knowledge and experience in analysis of next-generation sequencing data such as RNA-seq
• Ability to work independently and to operate as a team player in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Prior knowledge and experience in generation and/or analysis of other high-throughput omics datasets such as single-cell RNA-seq analysis is considered desirable if not mandatory.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences or the Faculty of Medicine. The application to the PhD program must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

https://www.med.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 - 584 500 per annum depending on qualifications for a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
• An exciting project utilizing cutting-edge functional genomics methods to understand molecular basis of human cancer
• A position in an ambitious, multi-disciplinary and well-resourced group that is comprised of both wet-lab and computational scientists
• 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

For more information about our current research operations and our latest publications (including Fei et al. Developmental Cell 2023; Karttunen and Patel et al, Nature Communications 2023, Sahu et al, Nature Genetics, 2022; Sahu et al, Oncogene, 2021), see here. The position is offered in our modern fully equipped laboratory in NCMM located in the Oslo Science Park near Blindern campus of University of Oslo. The advertised position will start from beginning of January 2025.

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover Letter stating motivation, research interests and work experience.
• A recent CV with a complete list of scientific publications
• Copies of certificates and grades with explanation of the grading system
• Two–three reference letters with contact details of the referees (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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Inquiries about the positions can be directed to Group Leader Dr. Biswajyoti Sahu: biswajyoti.sahu@helsinki.fi

Inquiries about application can be directed to HR-adviser Nina Modahl: ninam@ncmm.uio.no

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