Job description

Applicants are invited for a 3 year position as Postdoctoral Fellow in the project "Protein citrullination by bacterial PPAD in oral cancer"  based at the Institute of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo.

Between 15 and 20% of human malignancies are etiologically linked to infectious agents, and numerous examples of bacteria causing cancers are known. The project focusses on a novel potential mechanism by which the protein-citrullinating enzyme PPAD of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobe of the oral cavity, may contribute to cancer progression in cells of the oral cavity. We have already shown that PPAD can citrullinate intracellularly host proteins in oral squamous cell carcinomas cells. The project entails the evaluation and comparison of total protein citrullination in cells expressing normal and mutated PPAD; evaluation of total protein citrullination in a cell invasion assay with living P. gingivalis and identification and characterization by mass spectrometry of the host proteins modified by PPAD.

Read more: https://www.odont.uio.no/iob/english/research/groups/epigenetic-mechanisms-cancer/

More about the position

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities).

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular medicine, microbiology or similar fields. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Strong research background in cellular and molecular biology.
• Experience with various biochemistry techniques and robust practical skills using transformed/primary cellular models.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Candidates with the following experience and qualifications central for the current project will be preferred: laser scanning confocal microscopy (or other advanced microscopy techniques), mass spectrometry.

Personal skills

• Strong practical and analytical skills.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment.

We offer

• salary NOK 575 400 -  657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• 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 (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
• any academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• 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.

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.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.

Contact information

Professor Thomas Michel Kuntziger, phone number: 22840383, e-mail: [email protected]