Job description

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Department of Biosciences.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of three years, and devoted to carrying out a project entitled URGE-3D, funded by the Norwegian Research Council.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

We are looking for individuals who are motivated to develop computational tools and simulations to understand the three-dimensional (3D) organization of genomes.

The DNA in the nucleus is folded in 3D, a structure critical for the orchestration of gene expression during development, differentiation and tissue homeostasis, and for the balance between healthy and pathological states. However, most genomic information is only represented linearly on the chromosomes, limiting our ability to understand and ultimately treat diseases like cancer.

The URGE-3D project aims at unraveling new links between 3D genome reorganization and cancer development and progression. Specifically, the successful candidate will develop new computational/simulation tools to study 3D genome alterations in cancer. This includes utilizing Hi-C and related high-throughput genomics datasets and imaging data to shed new light on how the 3D genome is altered and reorganized in cancer cells.

The candidate will join the recently established research group of Associate Professor Jonas Paulsen. The group currently consists of a postdoc, three PhD students, and three master students. The group collaborates with experimental groups nationally and internationally. The focus of the group is to understand how the 3D organization of DNA inside the nucleus relates to critical functions in the eukaryotic cell, such as gene expression regulation and the cell cycle. We use computational- and biophysics modeling, statistical analyses and machine learning to elucidate evolutionary trajectories and functional relationships across cell-types, tissues and species.

The Department of Biosciences has access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a High-throughput sequencing facility (Norwegian Sequencing Centre), as well as an imaging facility (NorMIC), and dedicated resources for high-performance computing (HPC).

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

We seek a highly imaginative and motivated candidate with a strong drive for interdisciplinary and collaborative science, and with the following formal qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in bioinformatics, bioscience, biophysics, or similar. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defense are eligible for appointment.
• Experience with development of biophysics- and/or computational genomics models and tools
• Proficiency in UNIX/Linux and Bash/Shell scripting
• Experience with the use of high-performance computing (HPC) systems
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will be considered desirable:

• Proficiency in programming (preferably Python and/or C++)
• Experience with analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, including Hi-C, ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq (or similar)
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis and/or machine learning, including the use of R

Personal suitability and motivation for the position will be emphasized.

We offer

• salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• postdoctoral development programmes
• 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)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone 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.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. 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 please contact: Jonas Paulsen, phone: +47 41147241, e-mail: jonas.paulsen@ibv.uio.no.

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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