PhD Candidate in Proton Radiobiology/Cancer Biology

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and talented candidate to pursue a PhD in the Department of Radiation Biology at the Institute for Cancer Research. The PhD project focuses on identifying and investigating combinations of proton irradiation and radiosensitizing drugs to enhance brain tumor treatment. The position is fully funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and is available for three years within the research group led by Dr. Randi G. Syljuåsen.

Project overview:

Proton therapy for cancer patients has now been established for the first time in Norway with the opening of a brand-new center at our hospital. Our team is excited to launch preclinical research projects aimed at fully utilizing the potential of proton therapy. As a PhD candidate, you will play a central role in this cutting-edge research.
Compared to conventional X-ray radiotherapy, proton beams create higher ionization density, resulting in more clustered and complex DNA damage particularly at the so-called Bragg peak. We hypothesize that these differences can be exploited to identify drugs that are especially effective in combination with proton therapy. To investigate this, the PhD candidate will conduct high-throughput drug screening in combination with proton and X-ray irradiation, with key screening endpoints including cell viability and DNA repair efficiency. This project will focus on glioblastoma, an aggressive and radioresistant brain tumor with poor patient survival rates, where improved treatment options are urgently needed. Promising drug-radiation combinations will be validated in human glioblastoma cell models. Additionally, the PhD candidate will conduct in-depth molecular investigations to uncover the mechanisms driving these radiosensitizing effects. DNA repair, cell death and immune signaling events will be addressed. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of proton irradiation’s biological effects and contribute to the development of novel combination therapies for glioblastoma treatment.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

Arbeidsoppgaver

As a PhD candidate, your main responsibilities will include:

• Planning and conducting experiments, including data analysis and interpretation
• Performing high-throughput drug screening with drug libraries in combination with proton and X-ray irradiation
• Carrying out follow-up studies to validate screening results and investigate the molecular mechanisms behind selected drug-radiation combinations
• Staying up to date with relevant literature in the field
• Writing scientific publications and presenting research findings at seminars and conferences
• Completing required PhD courses as part of the university’s doctoral program
• Writing and defending your PhD thesis

Kvalifikasjoner (overskrift)

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biophysics or equivalent field, or medical degree with interest in laboratory research. (Students who will complete their master's degree during spring/summer 2025 are also welcome to apply.)
• A strong academic background with an average grade of B or better in Master’s degree coursework, and a grade of B or better on the Master’s thesis. Candidates with lower grade may be considered if they can document that they are particularly suitable for the PhD position.
• Previous laboratory experience and knowledge of radiation biology/cancer biology would be an advantage.

Personal characteristics:

• Highly motivated with a genuine interest in research
• Reliable and structured
• Capability to tackle challenges with a problem-solving mindset
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• A collaborative research environment with unique opportunities for translational cancer research
• A stimulating and friendly working atmosphere
• Dedicated supervision, including weekly project meetings
• Salary starting at 554.000 NOK
• Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted via Webcruiter and should include:

• Cover letter (1/2-1 page) outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
• A complete CV, listing education, previous positions, and other qualifying activities, including previous research if applicable
• Copies of University transcripts
• Contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)
• Foreign applicants should attach an explanation of their University’s grading system if needed
• All documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language