Job description

Two positions as Researchers are available at the Section for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Department of Biosciences.

Each position is for a period of 3 years, and is available from 1.5.2020 (if desirable, the starting date may be postponed until no later than 1.10.2020).

The candidates will work in the group of prof. Pål Falnes on a project funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society. The group focuses on unravelling the function of human methyltransferases, and on understanding the functional consequence of methylation in processes such as gene regulation, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism.

The current project is based on our discovery of a novel methyltransferase that targets the cellular protein synthesis machinery (PMID: 30143613), and has been strongly implicated in cancer growth and metastasis (PMID: 30612740). The project is a collaborative effort between several leading groups nationally and internationally. It will be studied how the novel methyltransferase modulates protein synthesis and cancer growth, and it will be investigated how the corresponding methylations vary in tumour samples. Also, it will be sought to identify compounds that specifically inhibit the methyltransferase (and thus may have potential as future anti-cancer drugs).

We are seeking two highly motivated and skilled researchers with broad and extensive experience.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology. If not, doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• The candidates should have extensive experience with practical laboratory work, including more than one of the following methods/topics: enzyme assays on recombinant proteins, recombinant DNA technology, CRISPR-mediated gene targeting of mammalian cells, mouse xeonograft studies, protein mass spectrometry, methods for assessing protein synthesis (e.g. ribosomal profiling), and protein structure/function studies. Ideally, the two hired researchers will have complementary skills that cover most of these methods.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Personal skills

• Motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working
• Self-driven, but also with good teamwork and social skills
• Creative, accurate and well-organized

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 563 700 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (including a statement of motivation for this position, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 2 academic works that the applicant wishes to be particularly considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Professor Pål Falnes; phone: +47 22854840 or +47 91151935; e-mail: pal.falnes@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan; phone: +47 22854424; e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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