Background

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of 2 years. Funding will be provided from a grant from the Norwegian Research Council to Professor Ilangko Balasingham at the Intervention Centre, Oslo University Hospital.

This project is a transdisciplinary collaboration between Judith Staerk (NCMM), Ilangko Balasingham (NTNU / Oslo University Hospital (OUH)), Dr. Christopher H. Contag (Michigan State University, USA), and William Louch (OUH) on synthetic and stem cell biology with the aim to develop cellular communication and control systems in the heart.

The Staerk group studies pluripotency and derivation of somatic cell types from pluripotent stem cells. The project available focuses on genetic manipulation of pluripotent stem cells and their subsequent differentiation to cardiomyocytes and heart organoids to study inter-cell electrical connectivity of cardiomyocytes.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Job description

Inter-cellular connectivity is essential to the complex signaling of excitable cells. While these systems are robustly established in adult cells, reproducing such organization remains challenging in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The researcher / postdoctoral project is aimed at optimizing protocols to derive cardiomyocytes and heart organoids from pluripotent stem cells. The project also aims to manipulate stem cells and cellular communication to enable exogenous pacemaking. We seek a highly motivated individual holding a PhD or M.D.-PhD degree that appreciates working in an international and interactive environment. Previous experience with human embryonic stem cells, stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes and heart organoids will be considered an advantage. The research tasks will require extensive knowledge with state-of-the-art methods within the fields of stem cell biology and molecular biology, and will involve in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Candidates are expected to have published several peer-reviewed scientific articles in high-impact journals.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in natural sciences or biology. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• A stimulating, challenging and friendly international working environment with broad expertise
• Technical assistance
• 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 3 reference persons (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.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project 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 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 University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

Inquiries about the position can be directed to:

• Group leader Judith Staerk: judith.staerk@ncmm.uio.no

Inquiries about application/how to apply can be directed to:

• HR-adviser Ragni Indahl: ragni.indahl@ncmm.uio.no or
• Nina Modahl: ninam@ncmm.uio.no

Apply for position