PhD - fellow

PhD Position Investigating Mechanisms Controlling the Heartbeat
Using Super-Resolution Microscopy

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position evaluating the tiny mechanisms that control cardiomyocyte contraction, and thus the heartbeat. The position will be based at the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMR) located at Oslo University Hospital. 

IEMR is an innovative and dynamic medical research environment that conducts research focused on understanding the basic mechanisms of cardiac (patho)physiology. With approximately 60 employees and six research groups, our expertise spans molecular biology, physiology and cardiology. The project will be supervised by Professor William Louch.

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!

Work tasks

The PhD position will be 3 years in duration and, depending on starting date, have latest completion of the end of 2028. Funding will be provided by a grant from the Norwegian Association for Public Health. 

The heartbeat is generated by the contraction of its muscle cells. In each cell, this process is initiated by the release of calcium, which requires that two types of calcium channels work together. Calcium first enters the cell through L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) in the cell’s surface membrane, and this triggers additional calcium release from channels called Ryanodine Receptors (RyRs). However, despite decades of research, it remains unclear how the communication between these two channels actually occurs to control the heartbeat. How close do the two channels need to be to each other? How many of each channel are activated during the heartbeat? Is their communication fine-tuned in times of need, and is it disrupted during disease?

This project will address these questions by using a new type of super-resolution microscopy (MINFLUX), that has the ability to visualize tiny structures like individual ion channels (LTCCs and RyRs). With these experiments, the PhD student’s work will provide critical new understanding of how the heartbeat is triggered at its very basic level, and how this is altered in disease.

Qualifications

We ask all applicants to respond to the qualification requirements. We will not consider applications lacking this information.

• We are looking for talented and highly motivated candidates of all nationalities who have a keen interest in cellular and cardiovascular research
• Applicants must hold a MSc in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Physics or a related field
• Previous experience with light microscopy techniques, rodent models, and/or programming will be considered an asset
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required
  

Value will be placed on compatibility of the applicant’s professional and personal disposition, with
strengths in:

• Systematic approach
• Analysis and assessment
• Implementation
• Self development
• Initiative and accountability

Personal  qualifications

• Enthusiastic, reliable and structured
• Genuine interest in research
• Dedicated and responsible

We offer

• Salary according to agreement  
• A stimulating, challenging and friendly international working environment with broad expertise
• Technical assistance and training
• 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
• We take care of our new employees and support you through teh start-up phase with our central new employee program, read more: https://www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/om-oss/jobb-og-utdanning/arbeidsplassen-var/velkommen-med-pa-laget/
  
• We have welfare offers for our employees, e.g. theater tickets, company choirs, company sport teams etc.

At Oslo University Hospital we provide advanced patient care, research, experimental treatment, teaching and inovation at a high international level. We are therefore the rearguard of all Norway. We need you on the team.
 
Does this sound like a position for you? We look forward to reading your application.

Do you want to know more about us?
Read about or work place here:

https://iemr.no and https://www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/om-oss/jobb-og-utdanning/arbeidsplassen-var

How to apply

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• 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. The attachments should be in the form of one or two pdf files that include all requested items.

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 in regards to the project description, 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.

Kontaktinformasjon

Arbeidssted

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