Job description

Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoctoral position examining cardiac disease in Atlantic salmon to be based at the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMR), University of Oslo. Funding is provided from the Norwegian Research Council. The project will be conducted in the group of Professor William Louch and lead by Dr. Michael Frisk.

More about the position

Cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) is a severe cardiac disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Over the last decade, it has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the salmon aquaculture industry. Yet, there is currently no cure or treatment for this condition.

Using advanced methodology from human medicine, the present project is aimed at understanding the cause and mechanisms of CMS from a physiological, morphological and molecular perspective. These examinations will involve the use of advanced imaging techniques and molecular methods. In addition, the potential of non‐mortal prognostic and diagnostic tools, known from mammalian heart diseases, will be evaluated in farmed salmon. The gathered knowledge will ultimately form the basis for developing CMS therapies by utilizing disease models.

Some fieldwork must be anticipated.

The interdisciplinary approach of the project, spanning human and piscine medicine, is expected to qualify the successful applicant for a range of higher academic positions.

Qualification requirements

We seek talented and highly motivated candidates of all nationalities who have a keen interest in piscine cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

The applicants are expected to hold a PhD degree in comparative biology, field biology, physiology, cell biology or a related field and have a good command of English. Value will be placed on compatibility of the applicant’s professional and personal disposition.

Experience in working with fish, techniques for field sampling and imaging, microscopy, cell biology, or molecular biology are considered an asset.

We offer

• a stimulating, challenging and friendly international working environment with broad expertise.
• salary of 532 300-594 400 NOK/year depending on qualifications and according to position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow.
• 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.
• skilful, experienced and creative research colleagues.

How to apply

The application must include

• cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project 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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

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

• Dr. Michael Frisk, email michael.frisk@medisin.uio.no

Apply for position