A 3-year PhD position is available in the Malmberg Lab at the Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital.

The group is part of PRIMA, a new Center of Excellence in Precision Immunotherapy at the University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Medicine, funded by the Research Council of Norway, with Oslo University Hospital as partner. We are now recruiting a candidate to join a team-based alliance and contribute to the next generation immunotherapy strategies. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes for cancer patients. A single injection of gene modified immune cells equipped with a therapeutic receptor that targets cancer cells can cure several cancer types originating from blood cells. However, there are only a few types of cancers where this treatment is effective. In PRIMA, we want to develop new immunotherapies for patient groups for which there are no effective treatment.

The overall aim of the Malmberg lab is to design and implement, through clinical trials, novel strategies for NK-cell based immunotherapy to treat patients with advanced cancer. The Malmberg lab has a strong background in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and diversification of human NK cell repertoires in health and disease. We are also seeking to implement new insights into the adaptive-like behavior of NK cells in the next generation of NK cell-based immunotherapy for patients with refractory or relapsing malignancies. One goal is to implement insights into NK cell biology in off-the-shell cell therapy based on NK cells derived from genetically engineered induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). The group makes extensive use of advanced multicolor flowcytometry, CyTOF, molecular biology methods, cellular assays, advanced imaging and initiates clinical studies with cell therapy towards hematological cancers. Home page: https://www.ous-research.no/malmberg/

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is absolutely crucial to solving the tasks required of us. We therefore want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Kvalifikasjoner:

• We are looking for a motivated student with previous expertise in experimental immunology.
• Suitable candidates must have a medical or master degree in immunology/cell biology/molecular biology or related field.
• The position requires project relevant immunological/medical knowledge and experience with in vivo mouse models. Experience with flow cytometry, cell culturing and immunological assays are considered strong advantages. In this project, previous experience from industry is also a merit.

Personlige egenskaper:

• We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in scientific research and excellent teamwork skills.
• The successful candidate will have an interest in solving biological problems and the ability to design, plan, and interpret original experiments in an independent and innovative manner. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Vi tilbyr:

The application must include:

• A one-page statement of motivation and research interests.
  
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work).
  
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
  
• Transcripts of university diplomas.
  
• Names and contact details of 2 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).