A 6-month, full-time temporary position as a research technician is available in the Mitonuclear DNA Maintenance and Transcriptional Control project group, led by Dr. Nicola Pietro Montaldo, at the Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital.

The successful candidate will support an ongoing research programme investigating novel neuroprotective mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived midbrain organoids. The position is funded to complete and extend work on DNA repair as a neuroprotective mechanism and on first-in-class DNA-repair inhibitors as candidate therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the Genome Instability in Ageing and Disease group led by Professor Hilde Loge Nilsen (Head of Research Section, OUS) and with Dr. Tilo Kunath (University of Edinburgh).

The Department of Microbiology comprises 15 research groups and 4 project groups, and is characterised by excellence in enabling technologies within molecular and computational biology and a strong focus on curiosity-driven basic science. The research section hosts a Centre of Excellence — the Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development (CRESCO) — and pursues three strategic pillars: ground-breaking research, development of talent, and innovation.

Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, which are highly dependent on healthy mitochondria. Our group has uncovered a mechanism in which reduced activity of a mitochondrial DNA-repair enzyme triggers a protective cellular stress response and enhances neuronal resilience. Building on this discovery — and on first-in-class DNA-repair inhibitors developed within our innovation programme — the project uses patient-derived hiPSC lines (including an α-synuclein triplication model and isogenic controls) differentiated into 3D midbrain dopaminergic organoids to test the neuroprotective potential of these compounds.
You will join a collaborative, international team working at the interface of DNA repair, mitochondrial biology, stem-cell modelling, and neurodegeneration.

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:

●        Minimum a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field — e.g. biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine, neuroscience, or equivalent
●        Documented hands-on experience with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
●        Documented hands-on experience with midbrain (dopaminergic) organoid generation and culture
●        Proficiency in sterile mammalian cell-culture technique
●        Good written and spoken English

Desirable qualifications

●        Experience with immunocytochemistry and confocal / high-content imaging
●        Experience with RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA
●        Experience working with CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines
●        Familiarity with Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegeneration models
●        Ability to plan and deliver a defined package of work independently within the project timeframe

Personlige egenskaper:

●        Structured, accurate, and reliable in the laboratory
●        Able to work both independently and as part of a team
●        Proactive and solution-oriented
●        Strong collaboration and communication skills

Vi tilbyr:

• A stimulating, international research environment at one of the Nordic region’s leading university hospitals, within a department recognised for its enabling technologies in molecular and computational biology and its Centre of Excellence (CRESCO)
• The opportunity to work with cutting-edge stem-cell and organoid technology on a high-impact disease question
• Salary according to [applicable collective agreement / pay scale and position code — set by HR] and qualifications
• Membership in a good occupational pension scheme and standard employee benefits

How to apply:

Applications must be submitted electronically via [Webcruiter / OUS application portal]. Please include:
       

• A short cover letter describing your relevant experience with hiPSCs and organoids
• CV including publication list
• Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts
• Contact details for two references