Researcher position on the roles of mechanical strain in nuclear envelope dynamics and transition from liver steatosis to MASH.

A 2-year Researcher position (postdoctoral level) is available at the Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, and the Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, UiO. The position is affiliated with the research groups of Dr Gareth Sullivan and of Associate Professor Coen Campsteijn.

The position is funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (HSØ) and is available from November 01, 2025, for two years. Start date is negotiable.

We seek a highly motivated Post-doctoral candidate to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drives a healthy liver to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a phenomenon that poses a major societal biomedical challenge. Despite intense research we lack fundamental insight in the molecular processes that underlie the etiology of MASLD and its progression to highly pathological states like MASH and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advances have started to reveal how biomechanical forces and alteration in nuclear structure directly control cell function, identity and fate. In this project, we will explore biomechanics forces, nuclear stress and dysfunction as drives of MASLD and MASH. The project is an ongoing collaboration between the Sullivan and Campsteijn labs. The successful applicant will work in an interdisciplinary team together with an additional postdoctoral scientist hired on this project, and in collaboration with the groups of Associate Professor Frode Norheim and Professor Knut Tomas Dalen.

Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo are workplaces with a great diversity. We believe this to be a crucial advantage for solving biomedical challenges and tasks in the best possible way. We aim for this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply.   

Kvalifikasjoner:

We are looking for a highly motivated, skilled, and independent researcher with extensive hands-on experience in mechanistic cell biology, with a focus on nuclear biomechanics and associated signaling cascades. The candidate should have the following qualifications:
 

• PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or equivalent
• High proficiency in fixed and live cell fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Extensive hands-on experience with proteomics approaches, analysis and validation
• Strong experience in molecular and/cell biology techniques, including cell culture and genetics (cloning, mutagenesis, stable transgenesis, and knockouts)
• Experience with lipid biology and stem cells
  Track record of scientific productivity (e.g., publications in international journals)
• Experience with figure preparation and manuscript writing
• Research integrity, motivation, and willingness to learn new methods
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Fluent in English (oral and written) 
  

Personlige egenskaper:

• Du er opptatt av medarbeiderskapet og kommunikasjon for å bygge gode relasjoner og nettverk i sykehuset.
• Du er en lagspiller og har evnen til å samarbeide på tvers av ulike fagmiljøer.
• Du er bruker- og pasientorientert for å sikre god pasientflyt og arbeidsprosesser.
• Du er utviklingsorientert og endringsvillig i en tid hvor vi bygger nye sykehus.
• Du er initiativrik og trives med endringer i en stor og kompleks organisasjon.
• Du er faglig og personlig trygg, og arbeider selvstendig, strukturert og ansvarsbevisst.
• Du har et ønske om faglig utvikling, og tar initiativ til din egen opplæring og utvikling.

Vi tilbyr:

•  An exciting/innovative research project within a collaborative and supportive team
• A stimulating environment with access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities
• A healthy balance between independent research and close mentorship
• Career development support and guidance
• A full-time two-year employment (2 years)
• Salary according to Oslo University Hospital guidelines
• A flexible, family-friendly workplace that supports work–life balance

How to apply:  
Submit your application through Webcruiter with the following documents:
Application letter (1–2 pages) detailing your motivation and suitability for the position.
Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications and a summary of relevant skills.
Contact information for two references from previous research environments.
   
Incomplete applications (missing any of the above documents) or applications not submitted via Webcruiter will not be considered.
Application deadline: October 8th, 2025
Preferred start date: November, 2025 (negotiable)

Contact information:
Inquiries about the positions can be directed to group leader Dr. Gareth Sullivan garethsully@hotmail.com