Job description

A 2-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, postition code 1352 to study tuberculosis (TB) and the search for novel drug targets is available in the Genome Dynamics group, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo (UiO).

More about the position

The Genome Dynamics group at the UiO has performed frontline research in molecular microbiology for the past 25 years and is currently part of the research network Turning the Tide of Antimicrobial resistance (TTA). The group collaborates intimately with clinicians and scientists at Oslo University Hospital where the PI is the head of the clinical tuberculosis (TB) lab and has unique access to clinical materials. The group studies bacterial protein structure and function in health and disease, such as TB.

GD studies include delineating evolution and genome maintenance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of TB. Our discoveries on short-term and long-term evolution in M. tuberculosis have impact on the emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and is highly relevant for vaccine development. Recently, we have addressed the impact of genome dynamics on bioenergetics and dormancy.

In the current project, the consortium aims to tackle the challenge of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis. The background of the project is the discovery of a new class of potential drugs (ringfused 2-pyridones, named Mycobacterial Tolerance Inhibitors, MTIs) that sensitize M. tuberculosis to host cellular stress that is induced under infection and improve the function of the front-line drug Isoniazid (INH) and even re-sensitize INH-resistant isolates to become INH-sensitive. We aim to demonstrate pre-clinical proof of concept for MTIs, optimizing the current lead and in the long term develop the leads into new oral treatments for TB. We also want to reveal insights on the pathways of drug tolerance and resistance and discover how the MTIs work.

The GD group has recently demonstrated that Mtb cells are decorated with post-translational PTMs (see Birhanu AG J Proteome Res. 2017; Sci Rep 2018). The new discoveries represent represent a paradigm shift in our understanding of the abundance and impact of Mtb PTMs. By directly building on that information, this part of the project aims to identify the mechanism of action of MTIs and search for the presence and impact of PTMs on MTI-related components and pathways.

For more information on the GD group, please follow this link.

The postdoctoral research fellowship candidate will be working at the University of Oslo and collaborate closely with fellow postdocs in mycobacteriology at Umeå University, Institut Pasteur, CSIC, and Washington University. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Tone Tønjum (UiO).

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

Qualification requirements and skills

• The candidate holds a PhD in molecular biology, microbiology or related subjects.
• Candidates ust have a strong background in mass spectrometry (MS). Detailed knowledge and hands-on experience in protein sample preparation, using and maintaining MS equipment and MS-generated data analysis is required.
• Experience in analyzing TB cells by mass spectrometry
• Hands-on experience in protein sample preparation from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and clinical samples
• Hands-on experience in using MS equipment
• Hands-on experience in maintaining MS equipment
• Detailed experience in analyzing MS-generated data, including MS data processing, qulity control and statistical analysis
• Advanced skills in bioinformatics analysis of MS data
• High level report writing and presentational skills in Norwegian and English

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 - NOK 583 900 (pay grade 59-65) 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, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)

• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)

• A complete list of publications with brief statements of candidate contributions

• 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 Jobbnorge. 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 documented qualifications, as well as the candidate’s 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 for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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 Tone Tønjum, phone number : +47 23079018 / +47 90152936, e-mail: tone.tonjum@medisin.uio.no
• HR Adviser Karoline Berg-Eriksen (questions regarding the online application form), e-mail: Karoline.berg-eriksen@medisin.uio.no

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