Ledig stilling på Universitetet i Oslo

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PhD Research Fellowship in Translational Neuroscience

Deadline: 26.05.2019

Job description

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.


The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences overall objective is to promote basic medical knowledge in order to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programmes of professional study in medicine and the Master's programme in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica.

Flere stillinger fra Universitetet i Oslo

A PhD fellowship position is available for 3 years at the Neurotransporter Group at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, Division of Anatomy. The laboratory is led by Professor Niels Chr. Danbolt and studies basic and translational aspects of membrane proteins involved in metabolite transport and cell signaling. Emphasis is placed on the role of these proteins in epilepsy, neurodegeneration, brain inflammation and diabetes. The project is a collaboration with Professor Tore Eid (Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA). The candidate is expected to work both in Oslo and at Yale during the fellowship period.

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with no compulsory work, or for a period of 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department.

More about the position

The candidate will primarily work on a project related to the consequences of chronically elevated extracellular glutamate in the brain and the glutamate-glutamine metabolism, using genetically modified mice as well as biological samples from patients with epilepsy and other neurodegenerative disorders. The overall goal of the project is to uncover novel links between the glutamate-glutamine homeostasis and neurological disease, particularly epilepsy. The work will involve studies of relevant enzymes, transporters and metabolites/signaling molecules.

The methods include breeding and genotyping of genetically modified mice, behavioral examinations, immunocytochemistry, analysis of metabolites by mass spectrometry, in vivo EEG analysis, neuroimaging (magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography), confocal and two-photon microscopy, and other methods as relevant. Even though the candidate will have their own project, it is expected that they are open to collaboration and willing to help other members of the laboratory with research projects as well as with the daily operation of the lab.

Qualification requirements

The IMB has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. The candidate will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

  • The applicants must document the following qualifications: either a medical degree (M.D. or equivalent such as cand. med.) or a master’s degree (120 ECTS; minimum grade B ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. Candidates with a medical degree must show that they have had an interest in and a talent for basic sciences relevant for this project. The master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS and be in a subject relevant to the positions, such as biology, medicine, molecular biology, electrophysiology, chemistry or biochemistry. Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English.
  • Eligibility to enter the United States on a research/exchange visa (J-1).

Personal skills

  • We are seeking highly motivated individuals with basic understanding of biology, chemistry, scientific research and the use of computers.
  • Equally important to the above qualifications is the desire, perseverance and ability to find the correct answers to biological questions.
  • The candidate must be able to acquire relevant new skills as required during the progression of the project by actively seeking out training opportunities and learning from others.
  • Excellent fine-motor skills and willingness to work with laboratory animals are required.

We offer

  • Salary NOK 449 400 – 505 800 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017
  • A dynamic, stimulating and collegial working environment
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with rich opportunities for cultural experiences and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

  • Application letter including a personal statement explaining the desire to pursue a PhD
  • CV that summarizes education, positions and relevant work experience
  • Optional: List of publications (please do NOT append the publications)
  • Copies of educational certificates and transcript records
  • List of 3 references stating relation to the candidate, with contact information
  • Application material should be in English or Scandinavian

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 eventuelt “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. 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

  • Professor Niels Chr. Danbolt, Phone number: +47-22851083; E-mail: n.c.danbolt@medisin.uio.no

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