Postdoc fellow in machine learning and bioinformatics for cancer immunotherapy

Full-time position as postdoc in machine learning and bioinformatics for cancer immunotherapy at Oslo University Hospital

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated postdoc with expertise in bioinformatics, machine learning and/or statistics for working on development of personalised cancer immunotherapy. This postdoc position is available for 2 years from March 1st 2025, with possibility for extension, in the research group of Professor Jon Amund Kyte at Dept. of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital (OUS) Radiumhospitalet. Dr. Kyte is also Head of Department for Clinical Cancer Research (www.phase1.no), from where the below mentioned clinical trials were conducted. OUS is Norway’s largest hospital and medical research institution, and is accredited as Comprehensive Cancer Center by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes. OUS Radiumhospitalet is a dedicated cancer center with a particularly strong research profile in cancer immunotherapy. We have a proven record in bringing novel immunotherapy ideas from preclinical development into clinical studies.

Kyte group aims to develop improved cancer treatment based on two strategies for immunotherapy: 1) Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with immunogenic chemotherapy or radiotherapy. 2) Development of tumor-targeting, multi-functional chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for T cell therapy. We have in 2022-2023 completed three major clinical immunotherapy trials, ALICE (Nature Medicine 2022 doi: 10.1038/s41591-022-02126-1), ICON (J Immunother Cancer 2024 doi: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007990) and REPORT (NCT03317327). These trials have pioneered the strategy of combining selected chemo/radio-therapy hypothesised to induce immunological cell death with immune checkpoint blockade. We have collected biopsies, PBMCs, feces and other samples from the trial patients. Moreover, we have access to large biobanks from other studies, with reliable clinical follow-up. Based on this material, we have started translational studies aimed at identifying biomarkers and exploring mechanisms of response and resistance to treatment.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is a key quality to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity also among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Job description:

The successful applicant will work on the following project: Development of personalised cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors. The project is based on material and data already collected in the above mentioned clinical trials and focus on biomarkers of response, stratification of patients for personalised therapy, neoantigen prediction and discovery of mechanisms for tumor escape. We will employ machine learning and other bioinformatics tools to analyse clinical and biological data obtained from the trial patients. Through access to the repeated biopsies obtained before, during and after experimental therapy, we will analyse tumor/immune co-evolution induced by therapy, and correlate this to the clinical response and patient survival. The biobanking in the clinical trials has been completed, and there are available data obtained through DNA/RNA tumor sequencing and a variety of advanced immunology technologies, including Hyperion, Nanostring, CyTOF and 24-color-flow cytometry. The postdoc will work with these data sets, as well as with large data sets publicly available, or available from collaborators.
The postdoc will work in team with other members of the Kyte group (Dept. of Cancer Immunology), as well as with a co-localised bioinformatics research group and with clinical oncologists at the Department for Clinical Cancer Research. Kyte Group has 14 members with research background in immunology, bioinformatics and medicine. The postdoc will also collaborate with project partners at Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU; Copenhagen, Denmark).

Position requirements:

We are looking for a candidate that is highly motivated, has a relevant PhD degree and a strong research background in bioinformatics/machine learning/biostatistics. The candidate should have experience in analysis of large datasets and a good understanding of biology, as well as bioinformatics and statistics. Knowledge in genomics, immunology, pathology and cancer research will be important assets. The candidate must also have a good ability to collaborate, and excellent written and oral communication skills (English).

We offer:

• Interesting and challenging research projects with huge potential for clinical application
• A productive and motivating research environment
• Full-time two-year position, with possibility for extension
• Salary according to the OUS salary scale
• Favorable pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare arrangements
  
  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)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates with grades, letters of recommendation
• Names, email and telephone number of 3 referees (describe relation to applicant)
• A complete list of publications