PhD research fellow

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate for a PhD research fellow at our Department of Radiation Biology. The position is funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and is available for three years. The overall aim of the PhD project is to explore light-based drug delivery methods to enhance the efficacies of drugs intended to treat cholangiocarcinoma (CCA, also known as bile duct cancer). In addition, the candidate will study mechanisms of cell death and survival. CCA is a dismal type of cancer with a high need for better treatments. The tentative project title is "Novel photochemical strategies for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma."

Work tasks

• The PhD research fellow will be associated with the research project "Light-controlled delivery of cancer immunotherapeutics"
• The PhD candidate will be supervised by senior researcher Pål Kristian Selbo and will involve the establishment of photochemical methods to enhance the efficacy of nanomedicines or chemotherapy for the treatment of CCA
• The PhD work is dependent on methods including cancer cell cultures, light/lasers, characterization of nanomaterials, advanced fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, western blotting, RNA-sequencing data analysis, qPCR and cell death/survival assays.
• It is preferable that the candidate have experience with at least 3 of the methods mentioned above
• The project involves collaboration with PCI Biotech, Oslo University Hospital Cancer Clinic and international partners
  

Qualifications

• Master's degree in molecular cell biology, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, nanomedicine or biophysics
• Applicants must be fluent in oral and written English (Norwegian is an advantage)
• Research experience with at least 3 of the methods pointed out above is desirable
• Digital competence is an advantage
  

Personal skills

• Strong teamwork skills
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently and take initiatives       

We offer

• Participation in an internationally recognized research and innovation lab
• An interesting and inspiring environment
• Photobiology School in Brixen/Bressanone Italy (one week)
• Competitive salary within the framework of PhD fellows