About the position

Applications are invited for a 100% position as a PhD Research Fellow in dental implants for a duration of three years, based at the Department of Biomaterials (BIOMAT) at the Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo (UiO), Norway, 

We are looking for a candidate interested in debridement and the use of infected dental implants. The successful candidate will join MISFAITH, an RCN-funded project that develops radically new, non-antibiotic strategies to prevent and treat peri-implant-related diseases. The candidate should, therefore, have an educational background that enables an understanding of the interplay between peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis, biological pathways of periodontal diseases, and disease mitigation in an occupational setting.

According to a recent Research Council of Norway (RCN) evaluation of medicine and health (EVALMEDHELSE) 2023-2024, the Biomaterials group at the University of Oslo is a dynamic, world-leading research group. It has a strong international presence and is particularly active in securing grant funding and delivering high quality publications. The group can cover several research disciplines, ranging from microbiology and biology (molecular and cell biology) to chemistry and materials science. The group mainly focusses on developing and modifying biomaterials for clinical applications in bone regeneration and integration into hard tissues. It has a clear societal contribution with innovation and patents that have led to translational research benefiting the patients and the society, via establishing spin-off companies and collaborations with industry. Currently, BIOMAT includes three tenured professors and associate professors, five researchers/postdoctoral fellows and 5 PhD students. 

More about the position

The position is part of the project "Multispecies biofilm for investigating non-antibiotic therapies in dentistry (MISFAITH)," led by PI Prof. Håvard J Haugen. The project is funded by the Norwegian Research Council and has several renowned national and international collaborating partners with expertise in biofilm, oral health, microbiology, and material science.

The candidate will participate in in vivo experiments to evaluate different debridement tools for infected implants and subsequently analysis. Throughout the in‑vivo phase you will develop a clinical protocol suitable for first‑in‑human pilot studies, integrating the insights gained from animal work with regulatory, ethical and practical considerations.

We are looking for a motivated and competent candidate interested in periodontal health and implant and biomaterial research. The candidate will join a highly active international research group with PhD students and postdocs at BIOMAT. The candidate is expected to participate, often leading to valuable learning experiences and co-authorships. The extent and type of involvement will be adapted to the candidate’s background and decided on with the supervisory team.

• The duration of appointment is 3 years.

Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for taking up the position. It is expected that the candidate will be able to complete the research project within the duration of the fellowship. The primary purpose of the position is to qualify the candidate for a PhD degree during the employment period.

A final plan for the research training must be approved and formalised no later than three months after the start of the position. For more information, please see our website.

Qualification Requirements

In this role you must have

• A completed Master’s degree in Dentistry or an equivalent qualification by the time of employment.
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master's degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Documented laboratory experience in at least one of the following: biofilm assays, CT analytical software or surface characterisation (e.g. SEM, profilometry).
• Documented experience from dental clinical work and periodontal surgeries

• Strong written and spoken communication skills in English (see English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements)

   

It is an advantage if you have

• Familiarity with statistical methods relevant to biomedical or clinical research.
• Knowledge of one of the Scandinavian languages.
• Background or strong interest in biomaterials, implantology, or infectious disease mechanisms.

 

What are we looking for in you?

• The ability to work independently in a structured and goal-oriented manner.
• Strong practical and analytical skills.
• A solution-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Good collaboration skills and an interest in interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Strong motivation for translational oral health research.
• A high level of scientific curiosity and commitment to advancing clinical knowledge.

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

Why should you choose us?

• Dedicated mentoring and a professionally stimulating working environment.
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment has rich cultural and outdoor opportunities.
• Good welfare schemes.
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities. 
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.

• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK 536 200 - 579 700, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

  Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive work life and diversity at UiO

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.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.

How to apply

Your application must include:

• Cover letter (with a motivation statement, summarising educational background and scientific interests).
• CV (summarizing education, work experiences and other qualifying activity).
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
• Documentation of English proficiency (see Faculty's Supplementary Admission Requirements)
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee

The application, with attachments, must be delivered through our electronic recruiting system, click "Apply for the position". 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. 

Special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications and the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability in assessing the applications. 

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well. 

General Information

The best qualified candidates will invited for interviews. 

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian),  Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc. 

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

It is a prerequisite for being present at and accessible to the institution daily.