The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 26 500 students and 7 200 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences overall objective is to promote basic medical knowledge in order to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programmes of professional study in medicine and the Master's programme in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica.

Job description

A 3-year Postdoctoral fellow position (SKO1352) is available at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, as part of the Norwegian Cancer Society-funded project “Nuclear stress as a targetable vulnerability in Aggressive brain cancer”. The position is a close collaboration between the labs of Associate Professor Coen Campsteijn  (mechanistic cancer biology), Professor Koen Vervaeke (systems neuroscience), and Associate Professor Hua Hu (synaptic physiology).

More about the position

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor, with very poor prognosis and little progression in treatment despite intensive research. Based on our ongoing research, we hypothesize that biomechanical adaptations that reduce nuclear stress and increase nuclear mechano-resilience are key enablers of GBM invasion, and present tumor-specific vulnerabilities and prime targets for GBM treatment. In this project, you will build on cutting-edge interdisciplinary expertise to integrate experiments ranging from detailed mechanistic cell biology to in vivo imaging of GBM invasion. The aim of the project is to generate novel mechanistic insights into the cell biological processes that drive GBM progression, with direct relevance to prognosis and treatment of GBM.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in mechanistic cancer research, neuroscience, and advanced microscopy. You will:

• Genetically manipulate GBM cancer cell models to identify and targetmolecular mechanisms that control nuclear integrity and mechano-resilience.
• Track, analyze, and manipulate cancer invasion in real-time using live-cell confocal microscopy on ex vivo 3D models (e.g. cancer neurospheres embedded in ECM or in organotypic slice cultures), and in vivo two-photon microscopy in live mouse models.
• Study the interaction between glioblastoma cancer cells and surrounding healthy brain tissue.

Qualification requirements

We are looking for applicants with a PhD degree in molecular or cell biology, neuroscience, or closely related fields. A background in topics directly relevant to the position will be viewed favourably. Requested skills: 

• Experience with advanced light microscopy for 3D ex vivo and in vivo 2-photon live imaging.
• Documented experience with bioimage analysis and relevant software solutions (such as Image J/FIJI, Python, and Matlab).
• Experience with molecular genetics to engineer advanced transgenic cancer cell models.
• You must be comfortable working with rodents and performing delicate surgical procedures. This focused on intracranial injection of cancer cells and intravital imaging, as Scientific Curiosity: You are eager to bridge the gap between mechanistic cancer biology and neuroscience. For you, research is a calling, not just a job. You possess a lifelong, burning curiosity and a genuine need to understand how biological processes work.
• Certifiable competence in animal research (FELASA level B) will be evaluated favourably.
• Experience with ex vivo brain slices and electrophysiology will be considered positively.
• An excellent command of written and spoken English.

We offer

• A 3-year postdoctoral position at a leading mechanistic cancer and neuroscience research environment.
• Access to cutting-edge microscopy infrastructure and a strong collaborative interdisciplinary research network.
• Salary according to UiO regulations, in the range of 595 000 to 700 000 NOK
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment
• Good welfare schemes. 
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours. 
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities. 
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes. 
• Salary in position as Postdoctoral Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK from 595 000 to 700 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

How to apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Application letter outlining your motivation and relevant qualifications.
• CV including education, research experience, and a full publication list.
• Copies of relevant diplomas and academic transcripts.
• Contact information for 2–3 referees.

Apply to this role

Questions about the position

• Coen Campsteijn (Associate Professor), coen.campsteijn@medisin.uio.no