Job description

Applicants are invited for a 3-year position as postdoctoral research position with the possibility for further engagement at the Faculty of Medicine, The University of Oslo, Norway.

The candidate will devote to carrying out a project on the mechanism of altered mitophagy/autophagy in AD initiation and progression, which entilted ‘Defective mitophagy in Alzheimer Tau pathology: Mechanistic studies and AI-based drug development’ (‘AM-AI’) which funded by Research Council of Norway (NFR). In this project, we will combine novel artificial intelligence techniques with classical cross-species research models including C. elegans, mice, and human cell culture, and postmortem human brain tissues to screen drug candidates in an efficient and effective way. The main aim of the project is to assess small compounds with CNS-like drug properties with a likely high success rate. 

The candidate will be having a unique opportunity to work in the leading autophagy/mitophagy and AD laboratory, the Fang Laboratory, which consists around 15 trainees from over 8 countries, and physically located at EpiGen, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway (https://evandrofanglab.com). The department and institution provide state-of-the-art equipment to enable the performance of broad scientific studies in the highest quality. In addition, the Fang group collaborates with many national and international research group in Europe, Asia and the US, with emphasis on ageing and AD mechanism studies and drug developments. 

More about the position

Duties and responsibilities

The project capitalizes on multiple wet lab research models and novel artificial intelligence techniques counter-validation for CNS-like drug development. In collaboration with our research team and collaborators, the postdoctoral candidate’s main responsibility will be to screening drug candidates with following tasks:

• design and carry out mechanistic studies in C. elegans, mice, human cells, and human postmortem tissue as well as to collect and analyze the data in high quality and diligence;
• collaborate with AI teams to screen novel mitophagy inducers;
• assist the PI in training and mentoring students in the laboratory; and
• write research papers and take care other tasks related to this project

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities).

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in clinical biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular medicine, neuroscience or similar fields. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved
• Strong research background in molecular biology with robust practical skills in cellular and animal models including methods relevant for neuronal mitophagy detection
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications are mandatory in the assessment of the applicants:

• previous experiences in working with C. elegans, for at least one year, is essential as C. elegans is the major model system for this project
• skills in techniques critical for the performance of the current project, including LC-MS/GC-MS analysis as well as Western blot and immunostaining for human postmortem tissue
• at least two first-authored papers in English in mainstream scientific journals

Personal skills

• strong motivation with multi-task working capacity
• ability to take initiatives and work independently, as well as in collaborative research efforts 
• prior knowledge on ageing and neuroscience is an advantage, but not necessary

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• A high-impact research project in a professionally stimulating working environment
• Good opportunities for career and personal development
• 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, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and academic work)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• 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. 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, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project 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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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

• Evandro Fei Fang, Ph.D (PI), phone number: +47 92230968, email: e.f.fang@medisin.uio.no 
• Maren Retterstøl Olaisen (HR adviser), phone number: +47 22850545, email: marenol@medisin.uio.no

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