Job description

Applicants are invited for two 3 year Postdoctoral Fellow positions to study inter-organ communication and cancer using iPSCs and organoid technology at Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo.

We are looking for two collaborative and self-motivated Postdoctoral Associates to work in the laboratories of Dr. Gareth Sullivan and Dr. Tor Erik Rusten at Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Norway. The Sullivan lab exploits induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids to dissect disease and understand tissue development. The Rusten lab studies mechanisms of tumor-host interactions and cancer cachexia using both Drosophila and human cell culture models.

The successful candidates will be part of an exciting international collaborative and interdisciplinary convergence project “Modeling Human Multi-Organ Interaction in Disease - Cancer Cachexia (MORGI)”, involving the labs of Dr. Yoshiaki Tanaka (bioinformatics, Montreal, Canada), Dr. Anne Kjersti Befring (law, Oslo), Dr. Teresa Zimmers (cancer cachexia, Uni. of Indiana, USA), Dr. Nikolaj Gadegaard (organ on chip, Uni of Glasgow, Scotland). Dr. Anne Hope Jahren (metabolomics), Dr. Anders Strand (ethics), Dr. Tuula Nyman (proteomics) and Dr. Åslaug Helland (cancer clinic) in Oslo.

Cancer Cachexia is a multi-organ disorder that leads to metabolic reprogramming, systemic inflammation, and organ degeneration, resulting in reduced quality of life, prevention of cancer treatment and death.

More about the position

The main objective of the project is to establish a novel human organoid culture system to model the disruptive impact of the tumor on host organs in vitro. This will be achieved by using a combination of cutting-edge technologies including, stem cell biology, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics and reporter-based imaging in collaboration with bioinformaticians and clinicians. This novel platform is the first complex human in vitro system to study mechanisms of cancer cachexia and will serve as an experimental preclinical model with potential for developing a personalized treatment pipeline. Daily duties will include experimental design, bench work, and direct milestone reporting.

Opportunities to take part in teaching and workshops will be decided between the candidate and the consortium.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities, arranging workshops or similar).

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 degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in molecular biology, cell biology or similar directly relevant disciplines for the positions. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date for the advertisment. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Candidates should have extensive experience in organoid culture, genome engineering, human pluripotent stem cell biology and stem cell differentiation.
• Good organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of statistics.
• Candidates with additional experience in cancer cell biology or cachexia research are preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English) are essential.

Personal skills

The candidate should be highly motivated and dedicated, and should have strong collaboration skills.

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
• 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
• 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.

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

• Associate Professor Tor Erik Rusten, t.e.rusten@medisin.uio.no , +47 92231055 ,
• Dr. Gareth Sullivan, gareth.sullivan@medisin.uio.no , +47 97906772

Senior HR Adviser Thoril Kristiansen (questions regarding the online application form), thoril.kristiansen@medisin.uio.no.

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