Ledig stilling på Universitetet i Oslo

Blindern og Urbygningen (Foto: Wikimedia og Colourbox)

Postdoctoral Fellow in Biomedicine

Deadline: 09.12.2019

Job description

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.


The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences overall objective is to promote basic medical knowledge in order to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programmes of professional study in medicine and the Master's programme in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica.

Flere stillinger fra Universitetet i Oslo

Applicants are invited for a 2 year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in biomedicine to be based at the Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo.

One position as postdoctoral fellow is available at the University of Oslo associated with the activities of Professor Bjørn Steen Skålhegg on the project “MOLECULAR SIGNATURES AND NOVEL DRUGS FOR THE PERSONALIZED TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARHTRITIS”. The project is financed by the Norwegian Research Council. This is a research project in translational medicine and the research tasks will be within the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, as well as molecular and cellular immunology and immunology in animal models. A detailed project description will be handed out on request.

More about the position

The principle goal of the present project is to develop a diagnostic method and highly specific metabolic drugs for the personalized early treatments of patients suffering from the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Autoimmunity is, with cancer and cardiovascular disease, ranked as the most common causes of morbidity in the world today. RA is a chronic, systemic inflammatory autoimmune disorder associated with harmful activity and proliferation of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that attacks and destroys flexible (synovial) joints. The etiology of RA is not known and there is no known cure. However, early detection and aggressive therapy have proven effective in dampening RA symptoms. At an early stage methotrexate (MTX), a potent an anti-cancer drug is prescribed. The use of MTX which inhibits all forms of cell proliferation is associated with severe side effects and markedly reduced life quality for many of the RA patients. We will develop drugs that specifically target lymphocyte proliferation and in this way more precisely treat and dampen RA symptoms.

The present project is a collaboration between research groups at Queens University, Belfast and Cambridge (UK), University of Dundee (UK), University of Kassel (Germany), Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the University of Oslo (Norway).

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period two years.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

  • Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in immunology with experience from experimental laboratory work in biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience with work on animal models (the mouse) is wanted. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
  • The post doctor must be able to work independently, take initiative and to be responsible for own progress
  • The applicant must be willing to spend up to 2 months abroad visiting collaborating laboratories during the 2 years period
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

We offer

  • salary NOK 523 200 – 594 400 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
  • 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, as well as the candidates 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

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 and 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.

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

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

  • Professor Bjørn Steen Skålhegg, phone number: +47 99011610, e-mail: b.s.skalhegg@medisin.uio.no

Apply for position

Powered by Labrador CMS