Researcher in immunology

Job description

Applicants are invited for a two-year position as Researcher in immunology to be based at the Department of molecular medicine, University of Oslo.

The announced position will be attached to the molecular immunology group, led by Professor Anne Spurkland. The group is focusing on genes controlling T cell activation (https://www.med.uio.no/imb/english/research/groups/immunobiolab/tcell-autoimmune-disease/index.html). The current project will examine how the Lck adapter TSAd (SH2D2A) affects signaling in activated and experienced T cells. The successful candidate will investigate the interactome of TSAd and explore how TSAd’s interaction with other molecules affect signaling in T cells. The work will involve affinity purification mass-spectrometry analysis, gene editing of immune cells using CRISPR-Cas9, biochemical analysis of intracellular signaling in immune cells and phenotyping of immune cells using immunohistochemistry and multispectral flowcytometri including phosphoflowcytometry. The research project is thus within the field of immunology and cellular signaling, and candidates with background in these areas will have an advantage. The project may lead to improved cancer immunotherapy, including therapies based on CAR-T cells.

More about the position

We are looking for highly motivated and competent candidates with expertise in cellular and molecular immunology with the personal prerequisites to carry out the project within the given timeframe.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in cellular or molecular immunology. Successful candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis prior to the application closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.

The following qualifications are required (candidates lacking these will not be considered for the position):

• Background (PhD) in cellular or molecular immunology
• Experience with various biochemistry techniques to study cellular signalling
• Excellent command of written and oral English

Candidates with the following qualifications will be preferred:

• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of primary immune cells.
• Experience in cell analysis by flow cytometry including phosphoflow cytometry.
• Experience with handling transgenic animals and in isolating and analysing immune cells from mice.
• Good knowledge of basic gene technology methods, such as PCR, gene cloning and plasmid handling.
• Experience with CAR T cells.
• FELASA C accreditation

Personal skills

Personal suitability and co-operation skills will receive special attention in the selection process.

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 679 700 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109) 
• 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 list of reference persons: 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 documented, academic qualifications, and the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. 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

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

Professor Anne Spurkland email: anne.spurkland@medisin.uio.no