About the position 

A PhD research fellowship is available in the Oral Physiology and Cancer Research Group (OPCG) at the Institute of Oral biology, Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Oslo. One of our group’s major interests is the study of how extracellular vesicles from cancer cells affect various normal cells, both in the immediate vicinity of the tumor and at a distance, changing their phenotype to support the growing tumor mass. In the proposed project, we aim to investigate the effect of extracellular vesicles from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) on the function of normal cells, including endothelial cells. 

The candidate will apply various experimental methods to assess whether the normal phenotype changes towards a tumor-supporting one upon OSCC-derived extracellular vesicle exposure. Such alterations may include increased proliferation, modifications of intracellular Ca2+ signalling pathways, shifts in the metabolic profile and more.     

More about the position

The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. 

Project title: “Tumor-host interaction in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)”

This is a 100% full-time, three-year PhD Research Fellowship position. The successful candidate is expected to produce three scientific papers and a doctoral thesis. The place of work is Oslo, Norway.

More about the fellowship

Admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Dentistry is a prerequisite for taking up the position. The candidate is expected to complete the project within the fellowship period. A final plan for the research training must be approved and formalised no later than three months after the start of the position.

The main supervisor will be Professor Trude Marie Haug - Institute of Oral Biology

Qualification requirements

Mandatory requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, dentistry or in another field relevant to the research project.
• The Master’s thesis must have a grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system.
• A good level of written and oral communication skills in English is required.
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.odont.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/supplementary-rules.html
• Publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals will be advantageous but not required

Experience in the following methods will be advantageous:

• Cell culturing
• Standard molecular biological techniques and immunohistochemistry
• Analysis of -omics data
• Intracellular Ca2+ imaging

Personal skills:

• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition
• Strong practical and analytical skills
• Good social and collaboration skills

We need different perspectives in our work

• UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that aims to provide an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. We fulfil our mission most effectively when we draw on different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.
• We will do our best to accommodate individual needs. Relevant adjustments may include adaptations to working hours, tasks, digital or physical tools, or other practical measures. Applicants with an immigrant background, a disability or gaps in their CV are encouraged to indicate this in the application portal. UiO invites at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups to interview in accordance with applicable state-sector procedures.

Why should you choose us?

• A clearly defined and fully funded three-year PhD project with established core infrastructure.
• Dedicated supervision and research-training.
• An interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment at the Faculty of Dentistry.
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities, good welfare schemes and up to 1.5 hours per week of exercise during working hours.(Good welfare schemes)
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens Pensjonskasse), with beneficial pension, mortgage and insurance arrangements.
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment, with extensive cultural and outdoor opportunities.
• Dedicated mentoring and a professionally stimulating working environment.
• Salary in position as Doctoral Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 551000 - to 605000, 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.

How to apply

Your application must include:

• A cover letter of 1-2 pages describing your motivation for the position, your relevant academic and practical experience, and how your background matches the project.
• A CV summarizing education, work experience, research experience and other qualifying activities.
• Copies of diplomas, academic transcripts and certificates. Applicants should retrieve available results from Vitnemålsportalen; where this is not possible, copies must be uploaded.
• Documentation of English proficiency where required under the Faculty’s supplementary admission rules.
• A complete list of publications and other academic work, if applicable, together with the work the applicant wishes the evaluation committee to consider.
• A copy of your master thesis if possible.
• Contact information for two to three references, including name, position, relationship to the applicant, e-mail address and telephone number.
• The application and all attachments must be submitted through UiO’s electronic recruitment system, Jobbnorge, by clicking “Apply for the position”. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applicants with education from outside Scandinavia should include an explanation of their university’s grading system and a Diploma Supplement where available. A recognition statement from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), if already obtained, may also be attached.
• Particular emphasis will be placed on documented academic qualifications, relevant experimental competence, motivation and personal suitability. The best-qualified candidates will be invited to interview and may be asked to give a brief presentation of previous research or technical work.

General information

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 cannot, 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 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 appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology, and services).