Job description

Applications are invited for 1-2 positions in a Research Fellowship as a PhD Candidate in Antimicrobial Peptide Nanoparticles to be based at the Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo.

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

The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out a project entitled Assembling against Resistance: Antimicrobial Nanoparticles through Molecular Self-assembly.

More about the position

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in many species throughout nature to fight pathogens such as bacteria or even by bacteria themselves to fight other bacteria. Human saliva and sweat contains AMPs as a part of the innate immune system to fight infections. Some AMPs act against fungi, viruses and even tumors. These molecules have been around for hundreds of millions of years and have largely been able to avoid bacterial resistance. Yet, they are surprisingly little used in treatments – mainly because they are rather unstable towards serum proteins and may be toxic to other cells. Here we will focus on the use of peptides assemblies as a modular antimicrobial system with tuneable interactions and release profiles.

In this project we look to employ two PhD-students to investigate antimicrobial peptides/polymer complexes and self-assembling peptides/peptoids. We will investigate their basic structure and dynamics which will be related to their pharmaceutical and biological performance. A particular focus will be towards the relationship between the structural and dynamic properties of self-assembled systems, release of cargo and the resulting interactions with model membranes. Depending on interest and qualifications, we may offer subprojects focussed on i), in depth physico-chemical studies using advanced scattering techniques (based on X-ray, neutron and light) or ii), formulations of antibiotic nanocarriers, studies of drug release profiles and biological performance.

The candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary project that will be carried out in collaboration with several research groups including the University of Roskilde, University of Liége, University of Gdansk, Stanford university, University of Saõ Paolo.

The project is financed by the Norwegian Research Council (RCN)

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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.

The candidate must have:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacy or relevant fields.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Excellent command of english (written and oral) and good writing skills.

It is desirable that the candidate has:

• Previous experience and acquired skills in polymer science, soft matter, peptide science and related fields.
• Previous expertise in nanostructural characterization tools, in particular scattering techniques.
• Previous knowledge and experience of studies of drug relase and relevant biochemical assays.

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 31.08.2021 to complete the final exam.

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
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries

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

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

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 the link.

Personal skills

We are looking for motivated, self-driven and ambitious PhD-candidates with good communication skills, problem solving skills, ability to work both independently and in a interdisciplinary team.

We offer

• salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position 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 culture 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 and letters of recommendation
• 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.

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Associate Professor Reidar Lund, phone: +47 228 555 08, e-mail: Reidar.lund@kjemi.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Ørjan Pretorius, e-mail: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no.

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