Job description

Applications are invited for a 3 year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate in cancer chromatin and epigenetics.

The PhD candidate will be part of Chromatin Biology group at Division of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and the Norwegian Centre of Excellence, Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell) at University of Oslo, Norway.

The candidate will be supervised in strong research environments that will provide a unique opportunity to learn and develop leading solutions in a highly competitive field. The epigenetic environment at the Division of Biochemistry has focus on transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers with cutting-edge research into chromatin organization in health and disease. Co-supervisor Marie Rogne has extensive experience molecular techniques described for the project, specifically with focus on epigenetic regulation in cancer, and co-supervisor Philippe Collas is a world leading scientist in the field of 3D chromatin regulation.

More about the position

Epigenetic driver genes and modifiers have strong effects on development and progression of several types of cancers. These are believed to profoundly alter the cancer cell’s global epigenetic landscape, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Through next-generation sequencing of genomic DNA and RNA, in combination with epigenetic techniques (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, MNase-seq, Hi-C and related), we can generate genome-wide profiles of a number of features of nuclear DNA, such as histone modifications, chromatin openness, chromatin conformations and occupancy of DNA-binding proteins. The recent advancement of different single-cell sequencing technologies allows us to look at cell to cell variations in a population of cells or within a tissue. The goal of this PhD-project is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying chromatin interactions and gene regulation during tumour formation with a specific focus on rare cancers such as osteo- and liposarcomas.

To elucidate these mechanisms the candidate will use genetic, biochemical, and genome-wide approaches such as cultivation of different cancer cells, immunohistochemistry, Cut&Run, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, proteomics, viability and toxicity assays, qRT-PCR, gene knockdown system, genome-engineering using CRISPR-Cas9 system, Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and Hi-C. The candidate will learn and perform the bioinformatics analyses of own data.The PhD student will collaborate with a team of researchers and bioinformaticians to ensure access to data, data analysis, development, and reproducibility.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty of Medicine approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree

The applicant must, in collaboration with her/his supervisor, within 3 months after employment, have worked out a complete project description to be attached to the application for admission to the doctoral program. For more information, please see our web site.

Qualification requirements

Candidates for these fellowships are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields. A Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification, minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or higher. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. Starting date no later than 30.01.2022.

Personal skills

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and skilled candidate with a strong work ethics and background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field. The ideal candidate will have experimental experience with molecular biology techniques such as mammalian tissue culture, CRISPR-Cas editing and transcriptional regulation techniques (q-RT-PCR/RNA-seq). Moreover, we seek a candidate with hands on experience with biochemical analysis such as western blot and pulldown analysis followed by mass spectrometry. Candidates that has experience with bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq and/or proteomics data will be prioritized. The candidate must be able to work independently, but also have good interpersonal skills and desire to contribute to strengthening the research environment. It is expected that the candidate should have strong analytical skills and be motivated by new challenges.

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, 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 and statement of motivation (the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for this position)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• Documentation of English proficiency (if applicable)
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• 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, 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. 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.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Associate Professor Ragnhild Eskeland, tlf.: 22 85 14 57, ragnhild.eskeland@medisin.uio.no, www.chromatome.no , www.med.uio.no/cancell, Twitter:@EskelandLab

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