Researcher at the Department of Biomedicine

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Researcher at K.G. Jebsen Center for Parkinson's disease

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, a full-time temporary position as researcher is available. The position is external financed by Stiftelse K.G. Jebsen and for the time being a part of the K.G. Jebsen Center for Parkinson's disease. The position has a temporary financing for 2 years, and with starting date 1 March 2026 or as soon as possible.

About the project/work tasks:

The candidate will be involved in a multidisciplinary workflow that integrates cutting-edge activities in drug discovery and development, molecular and cellular biology, proteomics and genomics to support clinical trials for therapeutic repurposing and discovery of new promising small-molecule drugs. Key responsibilities include: 

• Selection and characterization of optimal target proteins and complexes, involving their recombinant expression and purification in bacterial and eukaryotic systems. 
• Characterization of best dopaminergic cell models (e.g., SH-SY5Y, iDopa, iPSC-derived neurons) for selection of mitochondrial and dopaminergic markers and evaluation of cellular responses to drug treatment. 
• Completing target-based and phenotypic compound screening assays for elucidation of mechanisms underlying drug-induced modulation of mitochondrial function, target engagement, and further optimization of hit compounds and dose-response. 
• Identification of biomarkers, as well as proteomic and genomic signatures associated with drug response relevant to clinical trials. 
• Preparing scientific manuscripts and contributing to publications and patenting in collaboration with the research team.
• Presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences. 
• Co-supervising PhD and Master’s students within the research team. 
• Applying for research grants

Qualification and personal qualities

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular and cell biology, and neurochemistry or related fields.
• The successful applicant must have documented experience in both target-based (e.g. differential scanning fluorimetry) and phenotypic drug screening, including assay development, throughput optimization, and validation. 
• The applicant must be proficient in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• The applicant must have hands-on experience with Western blot, In-Cell Western, flow cytometry and more specific mitochondrial functional assays, such as Seahorse XF and Resipher platforms. 
• The applicant must document experience with culture and differentiation of dopaminergic neuronal models, including SH-SY5Y, iDopa, or iPSC-derived neurons. 
• Experience in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, particularly in the context of neuronal or tissue-based studies. 
• The successful applicant must have familiarity with super-resolution and high-content imaging and microscopy-based analysis for drug response validation. 
• Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, transcriptomic and other omics-based workflows, including sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation, is an added advantage. 
• Strong scientific writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications. 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to supervise and mentor junior researchers. 
• A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute to a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team. 

The applicant’s personal suitability for the position is a significant factor in the evaluation.

We can offer:

• A good and challenging work environment in research front of drug discoery and translational research 
• Salary NOK 660 000 (code 1109), specialist NOK 680 000 gross p.a. for a fulltime position. In the case of a highly qualified applicant, a higher salary may be considered. 
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief letter of application stating your motivation for the position, why you are applying and why this position is perfect for you 
• An overview of your education and work experience (CV) 
• Witnessed copies of diplomas and relevant certificates (applicants with education from other countries than Norway must enclose diplomas in both the original language and authorized translations) 
• Publications and academic work (max 10 in PDF) and a list of these 
• Your PhD thesis (in PDF)
•  Two references (name and contact information)

It is very important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis, is attached in its entirety.The following premise forms the basis for the post as researcher:

• The researcher will be a member of the research group of which the topic/project belongs to 
• The salary shall if possible be 100 % covered by external financing 
• The researcher shall actively contribute to attract external funding to the research project, both for her/his own position and other positions, from the Research Council of Norway, EU and other sources 
• The researcher is expected to have her/his research activity financed by the project of the researcher and the projects of the associated research group 
• The Head of Department may allocate work for the Researcher related to specific research projects 
• The researcher may participate in committee work and other administrative tasks within the University of Bergen 
• The researcher has no teaching duties, but is expected to supervise master students and PhD candidates when this is a natural part of the research activity of the research group 
• The researcher may apply for competence promotion according to the regulations for promotions 
• The basis for the position ceases if no further project funding and new law on state officials etc. on dismissal and preferential rights will be applied to permanent employees

General information:

Further information about the position can be obtained from: Yamila Torres Cleuren, phone: +47 55585431 or e-mail: yamila.cleuren@uib.no

«UiB must follow Norway’s export control regulations when processing applications for this position.» 

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

 

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions. 

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met. 

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favorable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. 

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.