Position Overview:

The Department of Molecular Oncology at the Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital–Radiumhospitalet invites applications for a temporary two-year position as postdoc or researcher, with the possibility of extension. The position is part of the research project “Acquired Genetic Alterations in Childhood Cancer” ("Ervervede genetiske forandringer ved barnekreft"), funded by the Norwegian Childhood Cancer Society (Barnekreftforeningen) and supervised by Senior Researcher Ioannis Panagopoulos and group leader Rolf Skotheim.

The successful candidate will join the Genome Biology research group, which focuses on applying advanced genomic technologies to improve cancer diagnostics and treatment. The group is interdisciplinary, with members from diverse backgrounds in biology, informatics, and medicine. Research projects are conducted in close collaboration with clinical scientists and pathologists.

The goals of this project are to:
Identify novel and cryptic fusion genes in pediatric cancers using high-throughput sequencing, primarily whole transcriptome sequencing, together with advanced fusion detection algorithms
Perform computational characterization of fusion gene functions through bioinformatics analysis of gene expression data and prediction of affected cellular pathways
Translate discoveries into diagnostics and treatment by linking fusion genes to potential targeted therapies and understanding mechanisms of treatment failure

In addition to identifying fusion transcripts, the project includes experimental validation of selected fusions using laboratory techniques such as RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Whole transcriptome sequencing and other high-throughput sequencing data will also be used to identify additional acquired genetic alterations, such as copy number variations and point mutations, which may have clinical or biological relevance.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

Kvalifikasjoner:

• Applicants must hold a PhD within a biomedical field, with a project relevant to cancer genomics.
• Candidates should have a strong academic background in cancer research, particularly in biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
• Further, the candidate must have experience in cancer genomics, including bioinformatics processing, analysis and visualization of large-scale genomics data from clinical biobank material. This experience should encompass the identification of fusion transcripts from whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing data and evaluation for their oncogenicity.
• Specifically, the candidate should have hands-on experience with fusion gene detection tools such as Arriba, STAR-Fusion/FusionInspector, and FusionCatcher, as well as familiarity with gene expression quantification and differential expression tools such as DESeq2. Scripting skills in R and/or Python, is also expected.
• The candidate should also have experience working in secure computing environments such as Services for Sensitive Data (Tjenester for Sensitive Data, TSD) at the University of Oslo.
• The candidate should as well have experience in wet-lab work in genomics.

Personlige egenskaper:

• The ideal candidate is highly motivated and committed to interdisciplinary research in molecular cancer biology and precision medicine in pediatric oncology.
• The candidate should demonstrate a high level of scientific curiosity and the ability to work independently, while also contributing actively to a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to scientific challenges are essential. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are expected.

Vi tilbyr:

We offer an exciting opportunity to engage in a strong scientific environment focused on cancer genomics and translational research, within a leading national center for cancer studies. The position is embedded in a collaborative and supportive work culture, reflected in high employee satisfaction and a strong commitment to professional development.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary in line with Norwegian public sector standards and commensurate with qualifications. Employment includes membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (Statens pensjonskasse), access to a comprehensive insurance scheme, and benefits that support a healthy work–life balance, in accordance with Norway’s Inclusive Working Life policy (IA – inkluderende arbeidsliv).

Please submit your application electronically through the Webcruiter portal (ID: 4987580305). Parts of the portal may appear in Norwegian; if you require assistance or have other enquiries, please contact us. Please submit your application electronically through the Webcruiter portal (ID: 4987580305)
 
Contact: Ioannis Panagopoulos, Senior Researcher, ioapan@ous-hf.no
or Rolf Skotheim, Group leader, rolfis@uio.no,  Tel +47 2278 1727