About the position

Applications are invited for a 3 year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate in the CRISPR gene therapy group led by Emma Haapaniemi. We are located in Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo.

The aim of the Haapaniemi group (www.haapaniemilab.org) is to build a gene editing platform that can be used to correct patient-specific mutations in ex vivo cell therapies for genetic immune and other rare childhood diseases. We use high-throughput biology techniques to optimize, develop and understand the CRISPR-Cas9 system that forms the base of the platform, and develop and implement methods to evaluate its safety in a clinical setting. We will use the gene editing technologies for the benefit of the patients in the Nordic hospitals.

Work tasks

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

• Design and conduct custom CRISPR experiments and screens
• Design and optimize high-throughput biology experiments in robotics platforms
• Set up custom Next Generation Sequencing libraries and technologies
• Set up flow cytometry – based immunological assays
• Set up functional assays for immune cells

Qualification requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hard-working scientist with a Master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences. We prioritize candidates with experience in multiple academic or private research environments and expertise in immunology, primary cell culture or Next Generation Sequencing library design. The research fellow will take part in an approved PhD program at the University of Oslo 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.

Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory.

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 (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV summarizing education, positions, and other qualifying activity
• List of publications
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of 3 reference persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

Please deliver the application with attachments 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.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. We will arrange interviews with the best qualified candidates. We expect that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project during the period of employment.

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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

Inquiries about the positions can be directed to group leader Dr. Emma Haapaniemi, emma.haapaniemi@ncmm.uio.no

Inquiries about application can be directed to HR-adviser Nina Modahl: ninam@ncmm.uio.no.

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