PhD Position Examining Causes of Disease in Cardiac Muscle Cells 

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position examining causes of disease in cardiac muscle cells. The position will be based at the Institute for Experimental Medical Research (IEMR) located at Oslo University Hospital / University of Oslo.

IEMR is an innovative and dynamic medical research environment that conducts research focused on understanding the molecular basis of heart failure development. With approximately 60 employees and six research groups, our expertise spans molecular biology, physiology and cardiology. The project will be supervised by Dr. Jia Li, in the group of Professor William Louch. The group is part of the KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research which promotes extensive collaboration and provides a fruitful research environment. The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

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 regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Arbeidsoppgaver:

The PhD position will be 3 years in duration and, depending on starting date, have latest completion of the contract by the end of 2025. Funding will be provided from a grant from Helse Sør-Øst.

Contraction of the heart is triggered by the shortening of cardiac muscle cells, called cardiomyocytes. Altered contractile activity of these cardiomyocytes is linked to a variety of diseases such as heart failure, and mutations of the titin gene (TTN) are common causes. This giant elastic protein importantly regulates cardiac mechanosensing and the contraction of individual contractile units, called sarcomeres. However, these roles are poorly defined, and it is unclear how TTN mutations lead to disease, or how they may be treated. The project for the hired PhD student is aimed at examining how TTN mutations alter sarcomere movements, Ca2+ signalling and force measurement in several heart failure models. The student will employ advanced cellular imaging techniques (confocal microscopy), together with experiments focused on cellular and molecular biology. The project has highly qualified national and international collaborators.

Kvalifikasjoner:

We ask all applicants to respond to the qualification requirements. We will not consider applications lacking this information.

• We are looking for talented and highly motivated candidates of all nationalities who have a keen interest in cellular and cardiovascular research
• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian Masters degree in Biology, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences or Medical/Health/Social subjects
• Previous experience with molecular technology, live cell-based experimental and/or microscopy will be viewed as an asset
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Value will be placed on compatibility of the applicant’s professional and personal disposition, with strengths in:

• Systematic approach
• Analysis and assessment
• Implementation
• Self-development
  
• Initiative and accountability

Personlige egenskaper:

• Enthusiastic, reliable and structured
• Genuine interest in research
• Dedicated and responsible
  

Vi tilbyr:

• Salary in the range of pay grade 501,200 – 544,400 NOK/year depending on qualifications
• A stimulating, challenging and friendly international working environment with broad expertise
• Technical assistance and training
• 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 activities)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications
• 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 Webcruiter. The attachments should be in the form of one or two pdf files that include all requested items.
   
  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 in regards to the project description, and the candidate’s 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.