The Simula School for Research and Innovation seeks applicants for a PhD positions offered as part of a larger collaborative PhD programme between Simula, the University of Oslo (UiO), and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). This programme has been named SUURPh (the Simula-UiO-UCSD Research and PhD training programme), and more details can be found on the programme home page, and on the page for SUURPh applicants. These pages should be consulted for general information regarding the programme and descriptions of all applicable projects that will be offered as part of SUURPh.

In particular, the project is titled “Phosphoregulation of the Ryanodine receptor through calcium-CaMKII cardiac t-tubules” and a detailed project description can be found here. The project focuses on developing biophysically accurate spatio-temporal models of calcium-CaMKII through PDE modelling combined with surface and volume meshing based on experimentally determined subcellular imaging data. All SUURPh projects fall within the scope of computational biology and medicine. Thus, Simula is seeking motivated and independent students from a wide range of training backgrounds, but particularly with a strong working knowledge in physiology and mathematics to take up this doctoral fellowship.

The duration of SUURPh doctoral fellowships will be 3 years, and the time of initiation will be Fall 2019. All Simula-based SUURPh fellows will be enrolled as PhD students at the University of Oslo Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty.

As a SUURPh fellow at Simula you will work closely with your primary SUURPh supervisors in Oslo and at UCSD, and undertake coursework and training related to computational biology and medicine. The majority of work will be focused on computational approaches to major questions in biology and medicine. As such, development of mathematical and computational techniques for analysing and reducing complex experimental data will be a common application for SUURPh fellows, as will be development of complex and sometimes large numerical simulations of biological or medical systems.

Teamwork is an important feature of the Simula working environment, and all SUURPh fellows will be expected to conduct themselves in an engaged and participatory way with their peers and colleagues at Simula.

An additional unique feature of the SUURPh programme is that SUURPh fellows will be required to conduct a portion of their doctoral research in San Diego. As such, all applicants should be prepared and eager to spend a portion of their degree (generally 6 months – 1 year) at UCSD.

It is strongly recommended that applicants have a working background in programming and the mathematical/quantitative sciences. Beyond these general recommendations, the following requirements apply:

1. Completion of Masters in an appropriate field for the project/s of interest 2. Suitable academic performance in Masters and undergraduate coursework (academic records are required). 3. Strong quantitative and analytical skills are an advantage4. Experience in developing software or analysis tools for biological or medical applications is an advantage5. Good knowledge of the scientific field addressed by the project/s of interest is desirable6. Good communication and interpersonal skills are necessary

We offer:

• An engaging and interactive working environment with highly competent and motivated researchers
• High-standard facilities and offices located on the Oslo fjord only a 10 minute bus ride or drive from Oslo centre
• Competitive salary, salary range from NOK 449,400 to NOK 497,000

Application requirements:

To apply for this SUURPh doctoral fellowship, please submit the following:

1. A cover letter summarising the candidate’s background, and listing (in ranked order) all SUURPh projects (both UiO and Simula) to which the candidate will apply.
2. Curriculum vitae, listing contact information, education, prior research experience and specific research project involvement, and any publication of conference contributions or scientific papers.
3. Copies of relevant diplomas or graduation certificates.
4. Letters of reference, and contact information (name, current position, relation to the candidate, phone and email) for up to 3 academic and research-oriented referees.
5. For non-native English speakers, proof of competency with English is optional but recommended. Standardized test results or completion of a University degree in an English-speaking country is suitable.

Simula seeks to maintain strong representation of international and female researchers, which makes for a dynamic and well-balanced environment. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

The above documents should be combined into a single pdf document in the order listed above, and submitted via that link at the right side of the page – applications submitted by email will not be considered.

We are accepting applications for these positions as of July 5, 2019.

Application Deadline September 1, 2019

For more information please contact:

• Programme coordinator Kimberly McCabe (kimberly@simula.no)

Simula School of Research and Innovation uses Semac´s background check in our recruitment process. According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.

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