Job description

A 3-year PhD Fellowship in nuclear organization in breast cancer is available at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, in the project group of Dr. Aurelie Bellanger, hosted by the group of Prof. Philippe Collas. The position is funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society.

More about the position

We are investigating the roles of structural proteins of the cell nucleus, nuclear lamins, in breast cancer, focusing on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). 

The new project aims to uncover the role of nuclear lamin isoforms in EMT and acquisition of breast cancer phenotypes, and their potential prognostic value. The project involves cancer cell culture, various molecular and cell biology techniques, chromatin analysis methods, and microscopy imaging.

We use a broad range of molecular, cell biology and biochemical methods, various cell culture models, sequencing-based chromatin techniques (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, HiC, ATAC-seq) and microscopy. Research infrastructure includes a well-equipped laboratory and access to core facilities including flow cytometry, FACS, confocal microscopy, high-throughput sequencing and proteomics. 

The selected candidate will be able to interact with a cross-disciplinary team of cell biologists and bioinformaticians. The candidate will be expected to draw on the group’s expertise in breast cancer research, epigenetics, advanced microscopy, high-throughput genomics and bioinformatics. 

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty’s approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian master’s degree in cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, or biochemistry. The Master’s degree must have a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) or equivalent. The Master’s degree must include a thesis of at least 30 ECTS
• Documented experience in DNA/protein electrophoresis, immunological techniques such as immunofluorescence and Western blotting, fluorescence microscopy, qPCR, mammalian cell culture. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in a Scandinavian language is beneficial but is not required.

In addition, the following experience will be an advantage:

• DNA cloning, viral transduction and chromatin immunoprecipitation
• Bioinformatics, computational biology, R or python programming

Personal skills

• Enthusiasm and motivation for lab work
• Perseverance and problem-solving abilities
• Organization skills
• Collaboration skills 
• Strong communication skills

We offer

• A challenging, stimulating, and attractive working environment
• Salary NOK 532 200 to 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• 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 and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• List of publications (please do not append the publications)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcript records. Foreign applicants must attach an explanation of the grading system in their university
• List of 3 references stating relation to the candidate, with contact information

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. 

Short listed applicants will be contacted for an on-site or online interview, including a research seminar. 

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

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.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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

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

Dr. Aurelie Bellanger: a.n.p.bellanger@medisin.uio.no

Prof. Philippe Collas: philippe.collas@medisin.uio.no