About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellowship in bioanalysis available at Department of Pharmacy. The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out a project within the European Training Network (ETN), Biocapture. Starting date as soon as possible.

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

Job description

The candidate will work with implementing Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) in the sample preparation workflow of bottom-up liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of established disease biomarkers. Novel MIP-assays developed in the project will be validated against conventional assays (including both immunoassays (where available) and MS-based assays). The project will mainly be conducted at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo (UiO), but will include secondments (total approximately 10 months) to Proteome Sciences, Frankfurt (Germany). At UiO the candidate will focus on the determination of biomarkers for Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which is an aggressive form of lung cancer with a short survival after diagnosis (few months). Since SCLC is sensitive for treatment, early diagnosis or proper monitoring is of high interest. Our research focuses on design of the sample preparation and the possibility to determine and differentiate multiple SCLC markers simultaneously at ultra low concentrations which might allow a more robust and personalized diagnostic profile in the future.

The candidate will initially gain experience in preparation and analysis of complex proteomic samples using bottom-up approaches. At Proteome Sciences, Frankfurt (Germany) the candidate will gain experience in isobaric quantification of complex proteomic samples, as well as how to design, qualify and routinely perform targeted assays. Working within a team of specialist proteomics scientists the candidate will also learn methods of database searching and bioinformatics appropriate for their tasks. As MIPs become available from other partners in the project, the candidate will be responsible for developing and qualifying targeted mass spectrometry assays against the selected biomarkers.

The combination of an academic and an industrial work environment will allow the candidate to work with and oversee the implementation of the materials and to gain insight into both kinds of work environments.

Research network description

BioCapture is a European Training Network (ETN) funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action. 15 research groups, spread across 11 universities and institutes and 4 industrial partners in 6 different countries have come together to train a new generation of chemists/phycisists/biologists through an EU-wide PhD training network. (https://www.mah.se/biocapture).

The candidate will work in the Bioanalysis group at the University of Oslo. The Bioanalysis gourp carries out research in the field of targeted protein analysis using LC-MS/MS. The main focus is on the sample preparation and clean-up step to allow determination of extreme low amounts of biomarkers in complex biological samples like plasma and blood.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in (bio)analytical chemistry at the moment of appointment, minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS.

• Hands-on experience in analysis of proteins from biological matrices this includes experience in HPLC, LC-MS/MS, tryptic digestion of proteins, and sample preparation of biological samples (both SPE and immunobased techniques)
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry in general and molecular imprinting technology in special is advantageous

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English;

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

To be eligible, each researcher must simultaneously fulfill the following criteria at the time of recruitment by the beneficiary concerned in the frame of this project.

(a) Nationality: The researcher may be a national of a Member State of the Union, of an Associated Country or of any other third country.

(b) Mobility: At the time of selection by the host organization, the researcher may not have resided or carried out his/her main activity in the country of the beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her appointment. Short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. As far as international European interest organizations or international organizations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers, however the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the selection by the host organization in the same appointing organization.

(c) Work permit: The researcher must hold a valid work permit for Norway or be a citizen of a country within the EU/EEC area at the time of appointment.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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. The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see here http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/ and http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

We offer

• Salary NOK 449 400 – 505 800 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter. Statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work 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, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. 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). Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Contact information

For further information please contact Associated Professor Trine Grønhaug Halvorsen, phone: +47 228 55735, e-mail: trinegha@farmasi.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Officer Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no, phone: +47 22 85 16 06.

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