Department of Pharmachology, Division of Laboratory Medicine,Institute of Clinical Medicine

Job description

Applicants are invited for a 2 year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in antibody biology and design to be based at the Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity and Homeostasis, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo.

The position is part of a project funded by the Research Council of Norway through its Young Research Talents program awarded Researcher Stian Foss and located within the research group of Professor Jan Terje Andersen, who is the head of the Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity and Homeostasis at Department of Immunology and Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine.

More about the position

The successful candidate will join a highly integrated and motivated team with diverse skills and expertise across molecular biology and immunology. We seek a motivated, creative and energetic candidate that is expected to take active part in the research cooperation within the project. The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

The project relates to studies of antibody biology and engineering in the context of approaches that aim to combat Neurodegenerative diseases and will provide a unique opportunity to pursue basic research combined with development of innovative approaches that may translate into new treatment strategies. The candidate will be part of a collaborative project between the Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity and Homeostasis and international partners.

The Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity and Homeostasis uses multi-disciplinary approaches to address fundamental questions in health. One particular focus is studies of the cellular processes and molecular interplay underlying the functions of the two most abundant proteins in blood, albumin and antibodies. Such knowledge offers opportunities for development of novel concepts for tailored design of antibody and albumin based biomedical technologies with altered pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. The laboratory has an eye on translational research, is highly innovative and is collaborating extensively with academic partners as well as biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

The laboratory is part of the new Centre of Excellence called Precision Immunotherapy Alliance (PRIMA), and is part of UiO FOCIS Centre of Excellence, which aims to develop and support research activities on clinical immunology in Oslo and has a Visiting Professor Program and a Guest Lecturer Program.

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 A PhD degree in immunology, cancer research or related subjects. (or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree) and have a strong background in biomedicine or immunology. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Proven knowledge of molecular and cell biology techniques, such as techniques for production of recombinant proteins and assays for evaluation of antibody binding and transport properties.
• Candidates must have strong proficiency in verbal and written English.
• Knowledge in cellular biology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and antibody biology are advantageous..
• The successful Candidate is expected to actively contribute to obtain funding to support research stay abroad (6-12 months) in the lab of collaborators.

Personal skills

• Highly motivated and structured candidate with background in molecular biology or immunology.
• Candidates should have strong collaborative skills and is expected to contribute to supervision of students.

We offer

• salary NOK 575 400 - 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (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)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• Academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• 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, 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.

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