Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IMB), Medical Faculty, University of Oslo (UiO).

The position is related to an interdisciplinary project at Department of Nutrition called «Dietary prevention of cholesterol-induced trained immunity in early atherosclerosis”, financed by ‘Throne Holsts Stiftelse’ and coordinated by Professor Kirsten B. Holven.

The successful candidate will join the lipid droplet group at UiO lead by Associate Professor Knut Tomas Dalen and work on one pillar of this research project. The overall goal of the work will be to study the role of lipid droplet organelles in development of atherosclerosis. The work will be centered on characterization of genetically modified mouse models with defective lipid droplet storage (perilipin/Plin null mouse models).

More about the position

The recruited person will perform PCSK9-viral injections in mouse models and breed relevant Plin null models with ApoE-/- (or Ldpr-/-) mice to increase circulating LDL levels and provoke atherosclerosis development. The candidate will further follow up dietary interventions in the mouse models (e.g. be responsible for conducted animal experiments, oversee the overall health of the animals, measure body weight, body composition, food intake, collect relevant organs and tissues etc.). In addition, an important part of the work will be to perform various molecular analysis of collected biological samples; with a strong focus on generating organ and tissue sections and image such sections with confocal or other high resolution microscopic techniques. Thus, we seek a candidate with solid prior research experience in both animal studies and microscopic techniques.

Besides the duties described above, the recruited person will be expected to train and supervise master students at the Department and will be involved in other research projects in the lipid droplet group. The person will be encouraged to secure independent funding and will be allowed to dedicate some time to administer self-initiated research activities. It is expected that the requited person will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

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

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum PhD degree in nutrition, medicine or biology or have equivalent relevant record with animal studies in mice. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.

We seek a candidate that is flexible and open minded with interest to learn and set up new techniques, with the following qualifications:

• Must be well experienced with handling of mice (alternatively rats), and should preferably have research experience in relevant fields such as nutrition, physiology, lipid metabolism and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Must have official approval for conducting animal research (FELASA-C / EU-functions A and B certificate, approved for work in a Norwegian animal facility).
• Must be experienced in confocal microscopy or similar high resolution imaging of tissues.
• Must be experienced with surgical procedures in mice. Knowledge in techniques relevant for assessment of plaque development (atherosclerosis studies) in mice will be considered a plus.
• Should preferably be experienced in various molecular techniques (e.g. RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, cryo-tissue sectioning and histology, ELISA).
• Should be experienced with statistical analysis.
• Excellent command of written and oral English, and preferable Norwegian.

When assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the candidate’s expertise in microscopic techniques, surgical procedures dissection in mice.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as postdoctor (position code 1352)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• 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, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• A complete list of publications.
• PhD Diploma and copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
• A complete list of publications
• 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. 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 as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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. 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

For further information regarding the position and the research environment, please contact:

• Associate Professor Knut Tomas Dalen. E-mail: k.t.dalen@medisin.uio.no, Phone: +47-22 85 15 15

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