Postdoctoral research fellowship in Bioinformatics and Immunology (3-year, full-time)

We have an exciting three-year postdoctoral research position in bioinformatics and immunology available at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital. The person hired will work in the Immune Responses in Rheumatic Diseases research group, located at the Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo. The position is funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

The postdoc’s primary focus will be on single-cell sequencing and the analysis of high-dimensional data from disease-related immune cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We seek a highly motivated co-worker who would like to be a part of a dynamic and stimulating research environment. Our ambition is also that the candidate will thrive and develop as an independent researcher.

More about the position
This project follows up on our previously published- and preliminary data on the identification of disease-specific T cells in RA. The postdoc will work on single-cell sequencing data, to address characteristics of disease-relevant T cells and B cells, and especially the T -cell receptor repertoires. The nature of the disease-driving T-cell antigens is not known in RA. Together with international collaborators and other members of our group, the postdoc will use the identified cells to discover novel antigens. In general, our research group aims at translating basic understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, such as RA, to improve disease diagnostics and to identify new therapeutic targets.

We are working closely with the Neuroimmunology group focusing on similar research questions in multiple sclerosis, and we share lab facilities and offices with the other four research groups within the Immunobiology Laboratory. Several members of our laboratory employ advanced bioinformatics techniques, including developing new approaches for single-cell analysis. This offers an excellent environment for further developing bioinformatics skills. The postdoc will have opportunities to engage in additional projects, such as analysis workflows for high-dimensional single-cell sequencing and multi-omics data. We cultivate an environment that prizes creative freedom, encouraging our postdocs to pursue innovative ideas and methods.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in bioinformatics, proficiency in programming languages like R and/or Python, and experience with a Linux environment. Any additional wet-lab experience is advantageous. We also welcome applicants with a robust biology background and basic programming skills who are eager to advance their computational expertise. Additionally, we support researchers aiming for higher academic roles within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements and Personal skills

• Candidates must hold a PhD equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree within a relevant field by start date.
• Background in bioinformatics or immunology.
• Preferably experience with transcriptomics, genetics or multi-omics data.
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong motivation.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to use initiative where appropriate.
• Evidence of good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to plan and prioritize workload and track record of being able to work independently and take responsibility for project completion.
• The selection process will also take account of candidate’s overall fit for the position.

We offer

• An exciting and stimulating academic environment
• A great opportunity to get to know research environments both in bioinformatics, immunology and in rheumatology in Norway and internationally
• Salary as a Postdoc according to Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital regulations
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous salary pension scheme through KLP
• A wide range of company sports teams in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• In addition, Norway offers a well-functioning public healthcare system, strong labor rights, several well-established research-supporting institutions, and Oslo along with Norway present highly attractive opportunities for experiencing nature year-round.

How to apply
The application must include:

• Application letter, including motivation statement (why do you apply for this position?) and research interests
• CV, summarizing education, positions held, details of academic work, pedagogical and administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records
• A list of publications and academic works
• 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 the evaluation of applications, significant weight will be placed on the applicants' academic and personal abilities for completing the project. Qualified candidates may be invited for an interview.

About the employer
The vision for research at Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital is that it shall contribute to novel and future-oriented knowledge, strengthen existing competence and improve health care services. We have some of Norway’s leading research groups in medicine, psychology and other health sciences.

Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital is a local hospital for approximately 180.000 citizens in Oslo within medical and mental health services. The hospital is owned by the diaconal foundations Diakonova and Diakonissehuset Lovisenberg, which have an operation agreement with the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. The hospital is based on diaconal values with non-commercial goals.

About the University of Oslo and the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
The research group is located at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo. The overall objective of the institute is to promote basic medical knowledge to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programs of professional study in medicine and the Master's program in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica, close to Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet. The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

Contact information
Please use the electronic recruiting system to apply for the position.
For additional, related questions, contact:
Associate Professor Asbjørn Christophersen, asbjorc@medisin.uio.no
Head of administration, Research Department Haakon Berg Johnsen: haakonberg.johnsen@lds.no Tel: +47 99625717