Job description

A three-year PhD fellowship focusing on the immune response in rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory joint disease is available at the Department of Molecular Medicine (Anatomy), University of Oslo. We seek a highly motivated co-worker who would like to be a part of dynamic and stimulating research environment. Our ambition is that the candidate will thrive and develop as an independent researcher.

The project is located in the newly established research group led by Ass.Prof Asbjørn Christophersen, who has long lab research experience within T cells in inflammatory and autoimmune disease and is a rheumatologist by training. We are interested in the immune response in rheumatic disorders, and those involving joint inflammation in particular.

More about the position

For the right candidate a four-year position, which also includes 25% teaching, supervision and/or administrative duties, may be possible.

Management of acute inflammatory arthritis is a daily challenge at any department rheumatology. The main aim of this project is to study T cells obtained from different forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and to see whether focused cell analyses can be used to stratify these patients early to ensure timely diagnosis and correct initial treatment. Our colleagues at the Diakonhjemmet Hospital (The Department of Rheumatology and their research REMEDY) and Professor Benedicte Lie, Genetics of autoimmunity - Institute of Clinical Medicine (uio.no), are important collaborators in this project.

In general, the research group aims at translating basic understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases to improve disease diagnostics and to identify new therapeutic targets. We will carry out in depth analysis of different types of disease-related cells, where the candidate may also play a central role.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s 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) have worked out a complete project description within three months after employment to be attached to the application for admission to the doctoral program. For more information, please see: Faculty of Medicine (uio.no)

Work tasks

• Immunological techniques, such as advanced flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and molecular biology techniques including RNA sequencing.
• Bioinformatic analysis
• Writing and revising scientific articles

Qualification requirements

The applicant must have a master’s degree (120 ECTS) in the life sciences or similar or be a physician/MD who has interest in translational research. The Master’s thesis and the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must have the grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS.

Training will be provided, but previous experience with laboratory work within molecular biology is an advantage. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are a prerequisite. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given time frame.

Personal skills

• Strong motivation
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as an integrated member of a team
• Good communication skills

We offer

• salary NOK 501 200 – 553 500 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 and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• 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.

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 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. 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

• Associate Professor Asbjørn Christophersen, Department of Molecular Medicine, E-mail a.o.christophersen@medisin.uio.no

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