Job description

A three year postdoctoral research fellowship (SKO 1352) is available at the Hybrid Technology Hub – Centre for Organ-on-a-Chip Technology (HTH-CoE) at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at University of Oslo, Norway. The recruited candidate will work on developing advanced embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived gastruloids. The position is part of the newly established Convergence environment ITOM funded by UiO's interdisciplinary strategic area UiO:Life Science.

The recruited postdoctoral fellow will work on the establishment of a new in vitro technology (potentially using microfluidic devices) to enable the vascularization of mouse and human gastruloids already established in the laboratory. The aim of the project is to achieve anastomosis between an in vitro vasculature and the gastruloid vasculature, and also to induce further development of the gastruloids. This could lead to the creation of a new generation of organoid models. The candidate will be supervised by Professor Stefan Krauss. We expect that the candidate work closely with three other early career researchers recruited to the ITOM project, other researchers at HTH-CoE and take part in the collaboration with RITMO and NJORD Centre.

Convergence environment ITOM

More about the position

The position is part of the UiO: Life Science funded convergence environment “Integrated technologies for tracking organoid morphogenesis” (ITOM). ESC technology has allowed the development of gastruloids that feature important aspects of the early-stage embryo development (symmetry breaking, differentiation of the 3 germ layers), but lack maturation and suffer from significant variability. The field therefore calls for a new in vitro technology in order to vascularize gastruloids and induce their further development, i.e.organogenesis. The project unites three different Centres of Excellence in the Oslo area: HTH-CoE, Njord-CoE and RITMO-CoE. As such, the candidate will be part of a large and closely interacting interdisciplinary team of basic scientists, developmental biologists, chemists, physicists and computational scientists.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD degree or equivalent in cell biology (preferably stem cell biology), molecular biology or equal. The applicant is required to document that the degree corresponds to the profile for the position.
• Expertise in handling and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
• Expertise related to vascularization of organoid would be an advantage.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Personal suitability and motivation for the position.

Desired skills:

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. The appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.

In the evaluation of the applications, emphasis will be placed on:

• The applicant’s academic qualifications.
• The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to carry out the project within the allotted time frame and contribute to the research objectives of ITOM.
• Collaboration skills and the ability to successfully join in academic teamwork within and across disciplines.

We offer

• Salary NOK 544 400 – 615 000 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• An inspiring, interdisciplinary and friendly work environment with strong mentoring
• National and international collaborators
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich in 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 at least two reference persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
• Letters of recommendation (optional)

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 (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate 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

• Centre director Prof. Stefan Krauss, Stefan.krauss@medisin.uio.no, tlf. +47 97610063
• Administrative coordinator Dr. Petter A Olsen peteraol@medisin.uio.no, tlf. +47 95163299

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