University of 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.

Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in human pluripotent stem cell-based in vitro disease modeling to be based at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo.

The candidate will engage in an ongoing project, initiated in 2016, that has the aim of establishing multiple-cell-type in vitro models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), combining human iPS cell technology, gene editing, and microfluidic culture systems. The position is financed by the Medical Faculty at the University of Oslo, and will involve collaborations both with Norwegian and international colleagues. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate advanced competence in one of more of the following areas: human ES or iPS cell culture and characterization, CRISPR-Cas or other platforms for gene editing, 3D cell culture techniques, fabrication of advanced cell culture systems including microfluidics. The candidate will join a team focused on developing in vitro ALS models, but will be able to interact with other researchers at the Glover laboratory and the Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research who are working on the development of motor systems, spinal cord injury, other in vitro neurological disease models, epigenetics and neuroscience, including high throughput optical recording techniques and optogenetics.

More about the position

The main purpose of the fellowship is to provide an opportunity to contribute to internationally competitive research and to qualify researchers for advancement to higher academic positions.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is for a period of up to three years. There will be an initial trial period of 6 months during which the candidate will be evaluated on project progress and motivation.

Position start is as early as possible during the fall of 2018.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in stem cell biology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or another field with obvious relevance for the project. PhD must be included.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

Research skills/experience:

• Human ES or iPS cell culture and characterization
• CRISPR-Cas or other platforms for gene editing
• 3D cell culture techniques
• Fabrication of advanced cell culture systems including microfluidics
• Dedicated laboratory work ethic
• Strong motivation to obtain internationally competitive research results

Personal skills

• Focus and determination to carry through on research plans
• Ability to work in a team
• Good communication skills
• Positive outlook and social responsibility in a laboratory setting

We offer

• salary NOK 515 200 – 576 100 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• 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, teaching experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• list of 2-3 references (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 (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the candidate´s documented, academic qualifications, motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed as Postdoctoral Fellow for more than one specified period at the same institution.

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

• Professor Joel C. Glover, e-mail: joel.glover@medisin.uio.no

Homepage: University of Oslo

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