Job description

A two-year extendable postdoctoral fellow/researcher position is available in the group of Dr. Biswajyoti Sahu at the Centre for Molecular Medicine (NCMM, Nordic EMBL partnership institute), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral fellow for working in the field of cancer epigenomics and transcriptional regulation.

Our group investigates the role of transcription factors in human diseases using modern genome-wide methods for regulatory genomic features and chromatin architecture. We utilize a wide range of cutting-edge genome-wide 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. We offer a position in an ambitious and inter-disciplinary team and an exciting project focusing on the role of transcription factors and enhancer malfunction in development of enhanceropathies such as cancer.

Work tasks

The tasks will depend on your skills and scientific background and will generally include one or more of the following:

• Designing and performing genome-wide functional genomics experiments in mammalian cells using modern methods such as ATAC-seq, HiChIP, ChIP-seq, MPRAs as well as CRISPR-based approaches.
• Developing and adapting cutting-edge functional epigenomics assays based on Illumina and/or long-read nanopore sequencing.
• Computational analysis and integration of functional genomics datasets from next-generation sequencing methods.
• Supervision of students and researchers in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments.

Qualification requirements

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

Ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD degree in any relevant field of life sciences with at least one published first-author paper
• Proven, documented research experience in one or more of the following fields: transcriptional regulation, cancer research, stem cell biology, functional genomics and/or epigenomics (bulk/single-cell)
• Prior experience in mammalian cell-based assays, genomic methods like chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq techniques is required.
• Working experience with organoid culture system and mouse models is considered desirable
• Generation and/or analysis of high-throughput omics datasets including CRISPR-based methods is considered desirable if not mandatory.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Ability to work independently and to operate as a team player in multi-disciplinary projects is a must, and willingness to supervise students and staff is important. A good understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology, genomics experiments and bioinformatics is expected, and knowledge about relevant programming languages (Python, Perl, R) is considered a plus. Candidates with strong publication record will be given preference.

We offer

• Salary of NOK 575 400 - 667 700 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Fellow (position code 1352)
• An exciting project utilizing cutting-edge genomics methods to understand molecular basis of 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 well-funded and 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 2024.

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 in addition to the 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. PDF copies of published manuscripts (provide this information in the list of publications in your CV) and other course work certificates are not required.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis till a suitable candidate is found and expected to join early next year in 2024.

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

Inquiries about the positions can be directed to Group Leader Dr. Biswajyoti Sahu

Inquiries about application can be directed to HR-adviser Nina Modahl

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