PhD fellow

A PhD position to investigate epigenetic changes in Primary Immunodeficiency is availble from medio August 2023 at the Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM), Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.

We are hereby seeking a suitable candidate for a 3-year PhD position for the project: A new approach to disease prevention and therapy in Immunodeficiency, which is financed by Helse Sør-Öst and led by Senior researcher Silje F. Jørgensen. Herein, we will study immune dysregulation in adults with the primary immunodeficiency disease; Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). We will use cutting-edge methodology to study changes in DNA and RNA in intestinal biopsies and in inflammatory cells in the blood. The study will give new insight into how epigenetics and epitranscriptomics can influence disease development in this patient group. The aim is to uncover novel disease mechanisms, biomarkers and thereby potential new targets for therapy for this patient group. The project is based on collected cells and tissue, but it will also be relevant to collect new samples during the PhD period. The most recent paper from the project:  Kaarbø et al, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2023, PMID: 36220400

The candidate will work at the Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM). RIIM consists of six main research groups with focus on various fields of inflammation in cardiovascular disease, liver disease, infectious disease and hematological disorders. The research profile of the Institute is to combine clinical medicine and molecular biology to establish a bridge between bench and bedside. Our profile includes all phases of this research, ranging from characterization of inflammatory profiles in various patient populations and in vitro experiments in various cells and cell lines to experimental studies in animal models, including gene modified mice, and interventional proof of concept studies in various patient populations. See http:// www.ous-research.no/riim/ for more information about RIIM.

Oslo University Hospital (OUS) is the largest hospital in Norway with 24 000 employees. With its broad range of medical disciplines and internationally recognized scientists, OUS is an important contributor to research and education in Norway.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply.
 
Duties and responsibilities
The candidate will contribute with

• Laboratory work
• Collecting clinical samples
• Statistical analyses
• Data presentation 
• Preparation of manuscripts

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• Medical doctor, (MD) or a molecular biologist or candidates with a similar background, (MSc)
• Fulfill the requirements to be taken up by the UiO doctoral program (evaluation score A or B)
• It is desirable that the candidate either has clinical experience with immunocompromised patients or knowledge in immunology and/or molecular biology
• Candidates with relevant laboratory experience such as cell isolation, RNA analyses, in vitro cell experiments will also be an advantage, but not a necessity. Training will be provided.

Personal qualities

• Highly motivated, goal oriented, and genuine interest in research
• Dedicated and responsible
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary environment
• Is easy to get along with, flexible and structured
• Has good English written and oral communication skills

We can offer

•  A stimulating, challenging, and friendly international working environment with broad expertise.
•  Experienced, creative, and friendly research colleagues.

The application must include:
Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
CV
Copies of educational certificates
A complete list of publications
List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications in regards to the project description, and the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.