PhD Research Fellow in molecular and cell biology of cancer

About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in molecular and cell biology of cancer available in the Saatcioglu laboratory at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo. 

The fellowship period is 3 years.

Starting date no later than October 1st 2025.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

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

Job description

Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, is seeking a PhD student in molecular and cell biology of cancer for a three-year position.

The candidate will work in a stimulating research environment and study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cellular stress signaling pathways, particularly related to prostate cancer, with potential translational applications in the clinic. The project employs modern genetic, molecular, biochemical, histochemical, and cell biological techniques.

The position is associated with Professor Fahri Saatcioglu's group at the Department of Biosciences, UiO. For more information about the research group, please visit: https://saatcioglulab.org/

Qualifications 

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Qualification requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biosciences
  • Foreign completed degrees (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system

Experience in the following areas are required:

• Work with DNA, RNA, and proteins; gene expression analysis; mammalian cell culture and assays, siRNA-based gene silencing, cell signaling, lentiviral gene expression, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, use of basic bioinformatics tools.

Experience in the following areas are desirable

• Protein proximity assay, experience working with prostate cancer cells, proteomics analysis, co-immunoprecipitation

Candidates with an MSc and a strong background in molecular and cell biology are encouraged to apply.

Language requirement

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system

Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30 June 2025 to complete the final exam.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. For more information see:  http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

What are we looking for in you? 

• Good collaboration skills and likes to work in a team 
• Ability to work independently and goal-oriented 
• Responsible, structured and precise

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

We offer

• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Good welfare schemes.
• Career development programmes
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017, in salary range NOK from 536 200 - 575 400, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

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.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

Application

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. 

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian),  Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.