About the position

We announce 1-2 two-year extendable postdoctoral fellow positions. We welcome applications both from recent PhD graduates and more experienced scientists. Researchers aiming for academic careers are encouraged to apply for independent funding during their first year of employment. The aim of the Saarela group is to provide new knowledge on mechanisms of inherited errors of immunity and immunodysregulatory disorders to improve the diagnostics and treatment of the diseases and understanding on normal immune functions. We use high-throughput omics technologies to identify novel disease genes and variants, and functional genomics methods and functional assays of immune cells to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of the identified genetic defects. We also use genetic and bioinformatics tools for omics data analysis. In addition to cell models, we will analyze patient samples from Nordic and European hospitals for direct benefit of the patients.

Work tasks

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

• Set up of whole molecule RNA sequencing on Nanopore platform and other NGS based methods
• Exome, genome, RNA sequencing (bulk and single cell)
• Creation of CRISPR edited primary cell and cell line models
• Flow cytometry and live cell imaging - based immune cell assays
• Supervision of students in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments

Qualification requirements

• PhD or equivalent (expected PhD graduation date within 6 months of application closing date)
• Documented research experience in one or more of the following fields: immunology or stem/iPS cell biology, high-throughput biology and/or Next Generation Sequencing methods
• At least one published first-author paper
• Fluent oral and written English communication skills

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

Experience with any of the following techniques: multi-color flow cytometry, live cell imaging, Next Generation Sequencing library preparation, immune cell culture and transfection, iPS cell culture and transfection, cell based assays, CRISPR editing.

Personal skills

• Organized, meticulous and independent
• Good problem solving skills
• Ability to communicate and work in shared multidisciplinary projects
• Willing to supervise students

We offer

• salary NOK 544 400 - 626 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• An exciting, translational project where your strong basic science or clinical background can directly benefit our sickest patients
• Upon mutual agreement, the possibility to transition into a researcher position (position code 1109) after the postdoctoral period
• 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
• Positive, multicultural, multidisciplinary working environment

How to apply

The application must include:

The application must include

1) Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)

2) CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity),

3) Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only),

4) List of publications,

5) List of 3 reference persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered 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.

It is expected that the successful candidate(s) will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

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

Contact information Inquiries about the positions can be directed to group leader Prof. Janna Saarela, janna.saarela@ncmm.uio.no.

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

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