Two researcher positions in membrane dynamics and cancer cell invasion

Job description

Two researcher positions (100%) are available at the Section for Biochemistry, Department for Molecular Medicine, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo. The positions are associated with the «Membrane trafficking» group led by Assoc. Prof. Kay Oliver Schink. The positions are externally funded for a duration of three years. 

More about the position

The Schink lab is looking for highly motivated scientists to work on the molecular mechanisms of membrane organisation and the role of dysregulated membrane trafficking for cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Our research focuses on membrane trafficking, where we study the molecular mechanisms how vesicles are formed and how they get their correct identity. Moreover, we are interested how dysregulation of membrane transport processes contributes to diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases. A key focus of our studies is the role of macropinocytosis as a nutrient scavenging route in cancer cells. In addition, we are studying how membrane trafficking contributes to cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

In this project we aim investigate whether low nutrient levels promote cancer metastasis and whether this is mediated by nutrient sensing mechanisms. We will further study how cancer cells switch between macropinocytosis (nutrient uptake) and cell migration (invasion), and aim to test if blocking the switch between macropinocytosis and cell migration can be a new therapeutic target. For this project, we are looking to recruit two highly qualified researcher to join our team.

The candidates will:

• Characterize how cancer cells adapt their nutrient uptake and migration in response to nutrient availability 
• Investigate the regulation of macropinocytosis and its interplay with cell migration in pancreatic cancer cells,
• Utilize advanced 2D and 3D cell culture systems, including organoids and spheroids, and cutting-edge microscopy and image analysis techniques.
• Test the effects of chemical inhibitors and genetic modifications on cancer cell migration and invasion in both 2D and 3D cancer models.

The successful candidates will join a young and enthusiastic team of scientist working at the cutting edge of molecular cell biology. We use state-of-the-art molecular cell biology and genetic techniques and combine these methods with advanced life cell microscopy, single cell light sheet microscopy and super resolution microscopy. 

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Extensive postdoctoral experience in membrane trafficking, cell invasion, and ideally macropinocytosis.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, for example CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, viral vectors, fluorescence microscopy, and live-cell imaging.
• Experience with 2D and 3D cell culture systems, organoid models, or advanced imaging techniques is highly desirable.
• The ability to take scientific initiatives and solve complex biological questions.
• Proven ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in spoken and written English
• Work experience in molecular and cell biology, especially experience in molecular cloning, lentiviral gene delivery, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and related techniques, as well as experience with advanced fluorescence microscopy and image processing will be a major advantage.
• The working language of the lab is English, and excellent communication skills in English are required.

Personal skills

• Good presentation skills
• Capability to design and perform experiments
• Good organizational skills
• Capability to work both independently and as a team player

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 650 000 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as Scientist (position code 1109)
• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A complete list of publications and academic works
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

Associate Professor Kay Oliver Schink, k.o.schink@medisin.uio.no

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/9982492e-9caa-47a8-baec-074f90a85b9c
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/268116