Development of cancer requires pre-cancerous cells to evolve ways to circumvent the limited replicative lifespan of human somatic cells. In up to 80–90 % of cancers this is mediated by overexpression of the telomerase multiprotein-RNA complex, which elongates chromosomal ends using an RNA template. We have recently demonstrated that deficiency specific DNA damage proteins leads to defects in RNA quality control, which affects the stability of the telomerase RNA-component, conferring telomere dysfunction and cellular growth arrest. The key knowledge need is to translate this finding into a therapeutic application.
 
We seek a molecular biologists to work on translating this finding into a therapeutic application, a 100 % position for the period 01.06.2024 - 31.08.2024.
 
The main objectives are:
(i)            Optimization of small molecule inhibitors
(ii)           In vitro validation of improved molecules

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:

Required qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have all of the following qualifications:
 

• Master degree in molecular/cell/cancer biology. Grade A will be prioritized
• Well documented hands-on experience in cell culture
• Well documented hands-on experience in CRISPR Cas9 including design and downstream quality control
• Well documented hands-on experience in a good range of molecular biological techniques (PCR, RT-qPCR, WB)
• Well documented hands-on experience in Drug sensitivity assays
• Basic knowledge and some hands-on experience with SeaHorse methods
• Basic knowledge and some hands-on experience with Chromatin immunoprecipitation
• Basic knowledge and some hands-on experience with protein purification

 
Desired qualifications:
The ideal candidate should also have one or more of the following qualifications:
 

• Documented experience from experimental cancer research, ideally related to DNA repair               
• Microscopy
• Crystallography

Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30 June 2024 to complete the final exam.

Personlige egenskaper:

• High motivation
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently

Vi tilbyr:

• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
  
• Vibrant international academic environment at the department of microbiology
  
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply:

• The application must include:
  
• Cover letter - statement of motivation and how their research interests correspond to the announced position
  
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
  
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
  
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
  
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
  
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)