Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biochemistry (ref no 2015/13827)

A position as postdoc is available at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo from 1.1.16. The position is associated with the research group of professor Heidi Kiil Blomhoff on the project “Vitamin A and DNA damage responses in normal and CVID-derived B cells”. The project is financed by The Norwegian Cancer Society for a period of three years.

The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences consists of academic departments and units that pursue research and education within basic medical science. The institute has approximately 340 employees and is located in the Domus Medica.

Job description

The postdoc will take part in a basic project with strong clinical implications. The aim of the project is to understand the mechanisms whereby vitamin A regulates DNA damage responses in normal B cells and B cells isolated from patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID). By this we wish to increase our understanding of why these patients have a higher risk of developing cancers like B cell lymphomas, and to provide new targets for prevention and treatment of these cancers.  A detailed project description will be available on request. Previous experience with research within B cell physiology and relevant methods will be considered an advantage.

Qualifications and personal skills

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of the candidate background, both when it comes to the research field and the experimental methods. Due to the complexity of the cell system, we are particularly looking for candidates who have ample experience with isolation of B cells from small volumes of blood and to perform functional assays linked both to DNA damage responses, autophagy and B cell differentiation on such small cell populations. The assumed academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given time frame will also be considered.  

Short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview. A research seminar can be expected as part of the interview.

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in cell biology, molecular biology or equal
• We are looking for a motivated individual with the personal prerequisite to carry out the project. The candidate must be able to work independently, take initiatives and be responsible for own progress.
• The applicant should be experienced in molecular/cell biological- and immunological techniques, such as isolation and culturing normal- and patient-derived B cells, ELISA, ELISPOT-analysis, cell transfections/siRNA techniques, Western blot analysis, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry analysis. Experience with methodology relevant for analysis of DNA damage responses and autophagy will also be considered as an advantage.
• The applicant must speak and write English fluently
• Emphasis will be attributed to team-working and personal skills

We offer

• A challenging and friendly working environment
• Salary based on salary level 57-62 from 482 800 to 528 800 NOK/year.
• Favourable pension arrangements
• attractive welfare benefits

The application must include:

• The application letter (including a summary of applicant’s scientific work and interest and describing how she/he fits the description of the person we seek)
• Project description (can be submitted later)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience,  administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
• Copies of educational certificates with grades, letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and all academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• List of 3 references with contact information

The application with attachments is to be delivered in our electronic recruiting system EasyCruit. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English.

Guidelines for appointments to post-doctoral research fellowships at the University of Oslo may be obtained at http://www.uio.no/om/regelverk/personal/vitenskapelig/retningslinjerpostdokogstip.html

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo has a goal of recruiting more women in academic positions. Women are encouraged to apply.

The University of Oslo also has a goal of recruiting ethnic minorities to Norway in academic positions.  Ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.

Important: Applications must be delivered in EasyCruit. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.