Postdoctoral Fellow /Researcher in cancer biology and gene regulation

Background

A four year externally-funded position as Researcher or Postdoctoral Fellow is available in the Computational Biology and Systems Medicine group led by Marieke Kuijjer at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Nordic EMBL partner (see https://www.kuijjerlab.org/ for more information). The position is externally funded through two projects: "Large-scale personalized omics networks to model the disruption of gene regulation in cancer" (first two years of the project) and "Precision network medicine for treatment stratification of metastatic breast cancer" (year 3 and 4), funded through the Research Council of Norway and Norwegian Cancer Society, respectively. The position will ideally start as early as possible, but the starting date can be discussed.

The Kuijjer group was established in 2018 and focuses on developing computational and data science approaches to expand our understanding of gene regulation and how rewiring of gene regulatory networks can influence cancer development, progression, and disease heterogeneity. Among others, the group's current projects leverage approaches from network science and machine learning in tool development for (1) modeling of regulatory interactions at bulk and single-cell resolution, (2) integration of regulatory networks with multi-omics data, (3) fine-tuned analysis of genome-wide regulatory networks. 

The group has recently applied these tools to study gene regulatory mechanisms pan-cancer. The project aims to experimentally validate recent findings on transcriptional dysregulation associated with cancer outcome, and use these findings for investigating targeted therapy. This will mainly be done through transcription factor over-expression and knock-down experiments in 2D cell cultures derived from different cancer types (potentially extendable to 3D cultures), in combination with single-cell RNA-Sequencing and drug targeting experiments. The latter will mainly be investigated in breast cancer.

The candidate

We seek a highly motivated candidate with documented lab experience with eukaryotic cell culture, the generation of high-throughput genomics data, and routine molecular biology techniques. The candidate should be excited about validating results obtained with bioinformatics analyses to answer questions in systems cancer medicine. The selected candidate should have strong wet-lab skills, daily lab management skills, independence, and strong collaborative skills. The candidate will be responsible in establishing the wet-lab arm of the research group within NCMM, with support from our local collaborators. A background in translational cancer research is a strong advantage.

The candidate will be embedded in the strong computational and wet-lab environments at NCMM. Should the candidate be interested, there will be an opportunity to learn computational methods and/or contribute to data analysis to further support our findings. The position is open to applicants with a PhD degree in molecular biology, cancer research, cancer genomics, life sciences, or related fields or with equivalent experience. We offer a stimulating environment with excellent working and social benefits.

The appointment is a full-time position for four years.

Qualification requirements

• PhD degree in molecular biology, life sciences, cancer research, cancer genomics, or a related field with equivalent experience. Applicants with a PhD background in bioinformatics are welcome to apply, but should have strong wet-lab skills and motivation to establish the experimental arm of the research group
• Strong publication record (including 1st authorship)
• Day to day lab management skills
• Documented experience in routine molecular biological techniques, incl:
  • Mammalian cell culture and transfections
  • PCR, qPCR
  • Nucleic acidisolation
  • Plasmid preparation 
  • Cloning 
  • Stable cell line generation
  • Buffer preparation, various reagents, and chemical handlings
• Documented lab experience with library preparation and the generation of high-throughput genomics data
• (Basic) bioinformatics experience, experience with omics analysis, cancer research and/or gene regulation will be considered a selective advantage
• Professional proficiency in English
• Enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Willingness to work in a team, share skills and ideas, and collaborate on projects

We offer

• We offer a salary of NOK 575 400 - 657 300 per year, depending on the candidate's qualifications
• Ambitious and interdisciplinary research work place
• A professional, 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, including attachments, must be delivered through the electronic recruiting system. The application must include:

•  A cover letter, stating your motivation, scientific background, and research interests
•  A detailed CV with a list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• 2-3 references (name, institution, e-mail, telephone number, and relation to the candidate)

These should be uploaded in .pdf format. Please submit your application through the web-based recruitment system linked in the announcement. While the recruitment system includes a basic CV, we ask candidates to also include a separate, detailed CV in .pdf format with their application. Applications without a cover letter and/or detailed CV will be rejected.

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

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 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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

Inquiries about the position can be directed to Marieke Kuijjer, but applications should be submitted directly in JobbNorge. 

For questions relating to the administrative aspects of the application, please contact Nina Modahl.