PhD Research Fellow in Ophthalmology

A 3-year full-time position as PhD Research Fellow in Ophthalmology is available at the Centre for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics (CERID), Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo (UiO), Norway.

The position is financed by the Research Council of Norway-funded SpotMEL project, which addresses the urgent need for improved research and diagnostic tools for uveal melanoma, the most common primary malignancy of the eye and a cancer type with high metastatic potential and limited treatment options once it spreads. SpotMEL combines biologically relevant 3D tumour modelling with advanced bioimaging and data-driven analysis to generate new insight into tumour architecture and tumour–healthy tissue interactions. Most of the work will be carried out at the Centre for Eye Research within the research environment led by Professor Goran Petrovski and at the Department of Biomaterials, UiO (led by Samara), in close collaboration with Professor Hanne Scholz, and additional project partners in the Netherlands and Canada who will contribute expertise in cell biology, omics, biomaterials, bioimaging, and research data infrastructure.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply! 

Job description

The fellowship will be for 3 years and will include some administrative duties related to the CERID project. The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The research fellow must take part in the University's/Faculty's/Department's approved PhD programme and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Medicine, and the PhD programme application must be submitted to the department no later than 2 months after taking up the position.
For more information, see: https://www.med.uio.no/english/research/phd/index.html

The PhD candidate will develop and validate an ex vivo 3D model of uveal melanoma that better reflects the in vivo tumour microenvironment than conventional 2D cell culture. The work will focus on establishing robust 3D spheroid culture systems for uveal melanoma cells and normal choroidal melanocytes (as a biologically relevant control), and then on creating a co-culture setting that enables systematic study of the interface between tumour and healthy tissue. A central aim is to ensure the model is reproducible, well-characterised, and suitable for downstream research questions, including the evaluation of tumour–stroma interactions and features relevant to therapy development. To support biological validation and future translational use, the model will be assessed using advanced molecular biology approaches, including benchmarking of reproducibility across batches and, where applicable, testing with patient-derived material in close collaboration with clinical partners. The candidate will also be expected to document protocols and datasets in a structured way and contribute to open science practices aligned with FAIR data principles.

Qualifications

The CERID has a strategic ambition to be a leader in eye- and vision-related research in Norway and internationally. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and they are expected to be in the upper segment of their class in terms of academic credentials.

• Master's degree or equivalent in biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, molecular/cellular biology, tissue engineering, biomaterials, medical engineering, medicine or related fields
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• You should have solid practical, preferably documented, experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory work.

Grade requirements:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor's degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master's degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master's thesis must have a grade of B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be placed on the applicant's academic and personal prerequisites for carrying out the project. The top-ranked applicants will be invited to an interview.

Formal regulations
Please see the information for 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, even if 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 a policy for all employees that aims to secure rights to research results and related materials.

The application must include

• Application letter
• CV (summarising education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Master's degree diploma, transcripts of records and letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• A brief account (one page, as a separate file) of the applicant's interest and motivation for applying for the position
• Publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

We are offering

• Salary depending on qualifications, in a position as PhD Research fellow
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo's family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

Kontaktinformasjon

Øystein Kalsnes Jørstad, Head of R&D Section, Professor, +4793205439, oeyjoe@ous-hf.no
Goran Petrovski, Head of Research Group, Professor, +4792226158, gopetr@ous-hf.no

Arbeidssted

Kirkeveien 166
0450 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Oslo universitetssykehus HF

Referansenr.: 5125736882
Stillingsprosent: 100%
Engasjement
Startdato: 31.08.2026
Sluttdato: 31.08.2029
Søknadsfrist: 31.05.2026