Researcher positions in Drugs targeting plasma cells in B cell malignancy and autoimmunity

Job description

Two two-year full time researcher positions (SKO 1109) are available at the KG Jebsen Centre for B cell malignancies, at the Department of Immunology, Institute of Clincal Medicine, University of Oslo.

The research group is headed by professor Ludvig A Munthe in collaboration with the research group of professor Hesso Farhan (IMB, UiO), professor Kjetil Taskén and researchers Sigrid Skånland, ICR UiO/Oslo University Hospital, and Waleed Ghanima, Sykehuset Østfold (Østfold Medical Trust), Kalnes.

More about the position

The Centre studies how dysregulated interactions between Th cells and other microenvironmental components play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of B cell malignancies and autoimmune B cells in human patients. We 1) define how the tumor microenvironment supports malignant B cells, 2) we establish the drug sensitivity of primary cancer cells in a personalized medicine setting, 3) we study the role and significance of transcriptional regulation and altered transcriptomes, 4) we develop novel biologics together with biotech partners, and 5) we study pathogenesis of B cell malignancies and autoimmunity in mice.

The positions are two-year researcher positions on human B cell plasma cells both malignant (multiple myeloma) and non-malignant autoimmune plasma cells with focus on patent filed drug action that cause cell stress and apoptosis.

The researchers will continue utilizing our technical breakthroughs that include in vitro culture of primary human cells, mimicking the microenvironment and xenografting into NSG mice, advanced flow cytometry with bar coding and multi-parameter (20-plexed) phosphoflow, RNAseq, and work with mouse models.The researchers will work in our 19 person group. We have ongoing collaborative projects both locally in Oslo and internationally.

Position 1 will study how a newly patented drug mechanism causes apoptosis of primary multiple myeloma from patients.

Position 2 will study drug sensitivity of autoimmune B cells that develop into plasmablasts and autoimmune plasma cells in vitro and in vivo. Focus will be on established biobank from adult autoimmune patients that suffer from Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

An important objective for the University for Appointments such as these is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their respective area of study.

Qualification requirements

• Completed PhD and experience within the field of molecular biology, cancer biology, hematology, tumor immunology, translational medicine or related fields
• Experience in flow cytometry and cell culture techniques is required
• Experience with mass spectrometer flow cytometry (CyTOF 2), mouse research and/or bioinformatics/NGS sequencing is an advantage
• The candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English

We are looking for highly motivated and structured candidates with excellent laboratory skills and good collaborative qualities.Candidates should appreciate working in an international and interactive environment.

We offer

• Salary 523 200 NOK – 640 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as researcher (position code 1109)
• A challenging and friendly working environment. The successful applicants will work in an interactive multidisciplinary Centre of scientists, in a strong academic environment, focusing on specific novel drug effects, immune dysregulation, crosstalk with the microenvironment, signaling pathways and their outcomes in B cell malignancy and autoimmunity
• 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:

• Application letter, summarizing the applicant’s motivation, career, past research accomplishments and that describes how the applicant would fit the call (1-2 pages).
• CV (summarizing education, positions, academic work-scientific publications and other relevant activity)
• Copies of educational PhD-certificates certificates and letters of recommendation
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee. Note: Applicants are advised not to attach the publications themselves. They should only provide a list.
• Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).
• Please also indicate the preferred position 1 or 2.

The application with the required attachments should preferably constitute as few files as possible, preferably 1-2 files.

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The application with attachments is to be registered in the UiO electronic recruiting system Jobbnorge.

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

• Centre Director, professor Ludvig A Munthe, E-mail: ludvig@medisin.uio.no
• HR advisor Karoline Berg-Eriksen (questions regarding the inline application form), email: Karoline.berg-eriksen@medisin.uio.no

Apply for position