PhD position in Breast Cancer and Evolutionary Therapy

A temporary PhD position for 3 years is available at the Department of Medical Genetics, Section for Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital.

The position will be associated with the research group ''Cancer Genome Variation'', and will be working on the HSØ-funded research project UndErstandiNg Hormonal Adaptation aNd Clonal sElection supported by single cell DNA sequencing of locally advanced breast tumors using Evolutionary Therapy (ENHANCE). The Department of Medical Genetics at Oslo University Hospital is Norway’s largest medical genetics department with over 200 employees.

The department is responsible for the diagnostics of rare and inherited diseases, and runs a national research infrastructure for high-throughput DNA sequencing at the Norwegian Consortium for Sequencing and Personalized Medicine (www.norseq.org). The research section in the department has 7 research groups (www.ous-research.no/meg/) working in various fields of medical genetics, including breast cancer, the genetics of autoimmune, neurological, cardiovascular, and psychiatric disorders, epigenetics causes of disease, as well as groups focusing on bioinformatics

Job description

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is highly motivated, well-organized, and dynamic, with a high level of independence and creative thinking. The ideal candidate must possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, an interest in breast cancer research, and a willingness to actively engage in and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

The successful candidate, in collaboration with a researcher working on the project, will work and develop the research project UndErstandiNg Hormonal Adaptation aNd Clonal sElection supported by single cell DNA sequencing of locally advanced breast tumors using Evolutionary Therapy (ENHANCE). In addition, the candidate will contribute to the academic environment by supervising a master’s student associated with the project.

The physical work location will be at the Department of Medical Genetics, Section for Research and Development. In early 2027, the Department will move to the Life Science building, providing the applicant the exciting opportunity to work in Norway’s largest and most modern research building.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must hold a Master’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, cancer biology, or a closely related field. Prior experience or technical expertise of the candidate should be relevant to the research project in question, UndErstandiNg Hormonal Adaptation aNd Clonal sElection supported by single cell DNA sequencing of locally advanced breast tumors using Evolutionary Therapy (ENHANCE), particularly in areas such as cancer biology, drug resistance, and evolution.

Experience in the following topics is required:

• Demonstrate experience in laboratory-based “wet-lab” research in breast cancer biology, molecular pharmacology, or related fields:
  • Hands-on experience in cell culture, co-culture, and drug screening
  • Practical experience in fluorescence microscopy methods, image analysis, and quantitative interpretation
  • Working with patient-derived organoids (PDxOs) and tissue processing
  • Molecular biology methods, such as transfection methods (lentiviral, siRNA, etc.), western blot, protein interaction assays (e.g., BRET), PCR, RT-qPCR
  • Flow cytometry for single cell analysis
  • DNA/RNA sequencing
• Proven ability to develop and optimize experimental protocols based on literature
• Experience in performing trans-well interaction/migration assay
• Experience in experimental design and independent laboratory work
• Basic knowledge in scripting language (Python or R, for data visualization)

Experience in the following topics will be considered an advantage:

• Experience in teaching, mentoring, or supervising students at the bachelor’s/master’s level in laboratory settings
• Familiarity with sequencing workflows and downstream genomic analysis
• Experience in pharmacological/toxicology assays and experimental design
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary or international research environment
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to contribute to team-based research projects

Personal qualities

• We are seeking a highly motivated, well-organized, and dynamic PhD candidate with a strong capacity for independent and creative thinking. The ideal candidate will possess a solid foundation in biology, an interest in biological research, and a collaborative mindset with a willingness to actively share knowledge and engage with colleagues.
  You must be able to:
  
  • Understand, plan, and execute the research project in a team
  • Supervise and lead bachelor’s and master’s students
• Ability to present and execute novel ideas in method development, data analysis, and interpretation
• Team player who can work independently in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent oral and written English
• Proactive, flexible, and problem-solving attitude
• Experience in working with deadlines and being involved in multiple projects
• Interest in developing skills required for applying for early-career research grants

We offer

• A full-time contract. A 6-month trial period will be applied.
• Salary in agreement with the current collective agreement, and qualifications.
• Favourable pension arrangements.
• Possibility for extending the contract if funds are available
• A stimulating (international, multidisciplinary) research environment where quality, professionalism, and team spirit are encouraged.
• The possibility of working on scientifically exceptional and high-impact, state-of-the-art projects.
• A productive and motivating research environment. Attractive welfare arrangements.

• Applications only through "Webcruiter" are accepted.
• In the application letter, please include a summary of scientific work and interest
• CV and copies of educational certificates with grades.
• Names, email and telephone number of 3 referees (describe relation to applicant).
• A complete list of publications, highlighting the candidate’s role in main publications relevant to the position. 

Links:
Cancer genome variation: https://ous-research.no/kristensen/

Life Science Building: https://www.uio.no/english/research/strategic-research-areas/life-science/about/building/

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