Job description

We have an open Doctoral Research Fellow position in Systems Immunology at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, Institute for Cancer Research.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in computational science, bioinformatics and translational medical research. The position is for a fixed term of three years on the Research Council of Norway’s (RCN) “Toppforsk” program. The Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital (OUH), and University of Oslo, Norway (http://ous-research.no/institute/) hosts core facilities for multiparameter flow cytometery, next generation sequencing, imaging and bioinformatics. The Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) of OUH Radiumhospitalet, is one of the largest Cancer Centers in Europe.

More about the position

The “Natural Killer Cell Biology and Cell Therapy” group is led by Professor Karl-Johan Malmberg. The group is highly international and is part of the K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy https://www.med.uio.no/klinmed/english/research/centres/kgj-cancer-immunotherapy/. A small node of the group is at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. The group makes extensive use of advanced multicolor flowcytometry, CyTOF, molecular biology methods, cellular assays, and initiates clinical studies with cell therapy towards hematological cancers. Home page: https://www.ous-research.no/malmberg/

The group studies the molecular and cellular basis for NK cell differentiation and repertoire formation in health and disease. A key focus is to gain insights into how killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) influence the function of human NK cells. KIR are HLA class I binding receptors with important functions in reproduction, immunity to infections, and in cell therapy against cancer. We examine the dynamic shaping of human NK cell repertoires at homeostasis, during viral infection, tumor transformation and following stem cell transplantation. We are also seeking to implement new insights into the adaptive-like behavior of NK cells in the next generation of NK cell-based immunotherapy for patients with refractory or relapsing malignancies.

The overall objective of the current PhD program is to gain new insights into natural killer cell differentiation and functional specialization with the purpose of refining our cell therapy strategies. This will be achieved through development of new bioinformatics tools for integrated analysis of single cell data of human NK cells generated by mass cytometry, RNA-seq, SITE-Seq, and subcellular proteomics approaches.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine. The purpose of the PhD Research Fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The fellow must fulfill the requirements of and take part in the PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo and is expected to complete the degree within the set fellowship period. The application to the PhD program must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For information about the application process and requirements, see the following website:

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

The grade requirements do not apply for applicants with a Norwegian cand.med. degree or any other Norwegian higher education degree where only grades pass or fail are given.

Qualification requirements

• The candidate should hold a master/diploma level degree or an MD. Suitable applicants have a master’s degree in Informatics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatic tools, expertise in developing and maintaining code handling large amounts of transcriptomics and proteomics data, and immunological/medical knowledge, are considered strong advantages.
• Previous experience with analysis of single cell RNA sequencing data is an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe and write a PhD thesis under supervision.

Personal skills

• High working capacity
• Strong motivation
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Interest in solving biological problems
• Ability to design, plan, interpret original experiments in an independent and innovative manner

We offer

• Excellent working conditions
• An exciting and stimulating academic environment
• Salary NOK 479 600 - NOK 523 200 per year depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
• 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:

• A one-page statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Transcripts of university diplomas
• Names and contact details of 2 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Interviews with the best-qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

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

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period 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

Further details can be requested from:

• Professor Karl-Johan Malmberg, k.j.malmberg@medisin.uio.no

Questions regarding the electronic application form can be adressed to HR Adviser Thoril Kristiansen, thoril.kristiansen@medisin.uio.no

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