Bioinformatics postdoc

Full-time 3-year position as bioinformatics postdoc in cancer immunotherapy at Oslo University Hospital.

A bioinformatics postdoc position in cancer immunotherapy is available for 3 years from August 1st 2021, in the research group of Dr. Jon Amund Kyte at Dept. of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital (OUS) Radiumhospitalet. 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.  

The Kyte group aims to develop improved cancer treatment based on two strategies for immunotherapy: 1) Development of tumor-targeting chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for T cell therapy. 2) Development of optimized regimes for combining immunological checkpoint inhibitors with established cancer treatment (immunogenic chemotherapy, radiotherapy). We are conducting three clinical trials, ALICE (NCT03164993), ICON (NCT03409198) and REPORT (NCT03317327).  These trials pioneer the strategy of combining chemo/radio-therapy hypothesised to induce immunological cell death with immune checkpoint blockade. We collect 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 conduct translational studies aimed at identifying biomarkers and exploring mechanisms of response and resistance to treatment.

Tasks

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated postdoc with expertise in bioinformatics and/or statistics for working on the following project: Development of personalised cancer immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors. The project is focused on biomarkers of response, stratification of patients for personalised therapy, neoantigen prediction and discovery of mechanisms for tumor escape. We will make use of data obtained from patients in our clinical trials, exploring novel immunotherapy. Through access to repeated biopsies, we can analyse tumor/immune co-evolution induced by therapy, and correlate this to the clinical response and patient survival. The enrollment of patients in the above mentioned clinical trials have 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 at the Dept. of Cancer Immunology, and collaborate with clinical oncologists at the Department for Experimental Cancer Treatment. The Kyte group has 12 members with research background in immunology and medicine. Dr. Kyte is also Head of the Department for Experimental Cancer Treatment, where the clinical trials on which the present project is based are conducted.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate that is highly motivated, has a relevant PhD degree and a strong research background in bioinformatics and/or statistics.

The candidate should have experience in analysis of large data-sets and a good understanding of biology. Knowledge in immunology, genetics, pathology and cancer research will be important assets. 

Personal qualities

The candidate must also have a good ability to collaborate, and excellent written and oral communication skills (English). 

We can offer:

• Interesting and challenging research projects with huge potential for clinical application
• A productive and motivating research environment
• Full-time three-year position, with an option 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