Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Pharmaceutics available at the Department of Pharmacy.

The fellowship period is 4 years with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Starting date no later than October 1, 2023.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

More about the position

The proposed research aims to advance two complimentary approaches of improving current sustainability status in drug discovery and preformulation:

i. Develop a novel in vitro biopharmaceutical method for drug R&D ii. Support its implementation into industrial drug ability pipelines

In this project, the candidate will work on the validation of a new microfluidic dissolution-permeation assay for biowaivers, i.e., a regulatory drug approval process when the application, i.e., the dossier, is approved on the basis of in vitro evidence rather than in vivo. During the project the candidate will prepare and test prototypes of solid dosage formulations, e.g., but not limited to, powder mixtures, granules and micro tablets, SEDDS, with the new microfluidic system and compare the data with the in vivo literature available. The candidate will work on optimization of the dissolution conditions, e.g., pH, temperature, ion strength, additives, fluid flow conditions and use of biorelevant dissolution media.

The project will be carried out in partnership with the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Department of Pharmacy, and Evotec SE, a world-leading drug discovery and development company. The candidate is expected to spend a period of 3 months (minimum) at UCPH and at Evotec’s research facilities in Verona (Italy).The candidate will have the chance to become an active member of the NordicPop network, a unique Nordic University hub.With this project we aim to promote the implementation of the 3Rs principle (Refine, Reduce and Replace) in animal testing which is a key goal of the European Union.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in pharmacy.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system and in the academic fields mentioned above may be accepted.
• The candidate must be able to teach within the galenic/biopharmaceutics subjects
• The candidate must be able to teach in a Scandinavian language

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.

Desired qualifications

• A master thesis project within biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutics, drug development, nanomedicine or similar is an advantage
• Norwegian language proficiency (both written and oral)
• Experience with teaching could be an advantage

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and in a Scandinavian language.
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

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

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

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

Personal skills

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a problem-solving attitude, which is interested in contributing to the sustainable change of our times. The ideal candidate should also have an international-oriented mind set and with willingness and interest in travelling abroad.

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for cul-ture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone 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.

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 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

For further information please contact:

• Ass. Professor Massimiliano Pio di Cagno, phone: +47 228 56598 e-mail: m.p.d.cagno@farmasi.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no.

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