Researcher in CRISPR gene therapy group

About the position

We announce a 2.5-year researcher position  (SKO1109) in the Haapaniemi (NCMM) & Kilpinen (FIMM) laboratories as part of the NORPOD program. The work focuses on building a gene editing platform that can be used to correct patient-specific mutations in ex vivo cell therapies for monogenic immune diseases. We use high-throughput biology techniques to optimize, develop and understand the CRISPR-Cas9 system that forms the base of the platform, and develop and implement methods to evaluate its safety in a clinical setting. We will use the gene editing technologies for the benefit of the patients in the Nordic hospitals.

NORPOD is a collaborative postdoctoral program of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. The partnership is a network of four national research centers across the Nordics and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), with complementary research expertise at the forefront of molecular medicine research. With the NORPOD program, the Nordic EMBL Partnership aims to foster the next generation of researchers in molecular medicine by implementing joint postdoctoral research projects to nurture strong competences and research excellence. To promote collaboration between the two labs, the successful candidate is expected to travel between the labs in Norway and Finland to conduct work required for the research project to foster synergies.

Work tasks

The project focuses on correcting immune cells from patients with diverse inborn errors of immunity using in-house CRISPR-Cas9 protocols at Haapaniemi lab. The cells will then be characterized with different Next Generation Sequencing methods including single cell sequencing to verify correction of the disease phenotype. The specific work tasks are the following:

• Culture and transfect peripheral blood mononuclear cells and hematopoietic stem cells
• Run flow cytometry – based immunological assays
• Design high-throughput biology experiments on robotics platforms
• Prepare Next Generation Sequencing libraries and analyze resulting data

The position can also be entirely computational and focus on analyzing single cell and other Next Generation Sequencing data. A purely computational candidate will spend more time at FIMM/Kilpinen lab. An experimental scientists will conduct most of the experiments in NCMM and do the data analysis at FIMM.

Qualification requirements

Required:

• PhD with or without postdoctoral research experience
• Documented research experience in one or more of the following: Next Generation Sequencing & data analysis, immunology, genetics or stem cell biology
• At least one published first-author paper
• Fluent oral and written English communication skills

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Experience with any of the following techniques: multi-color flow cytometry, immune cell culture and transfection, Next Generation Sequencing library preparation
• Experience in genetic analyses
• Python, Perl, R or other relevant programming language skills

Personal skills

• Organized, meticulous and independent
• Ability to communicate and work in shared multidisciplinary projects
• Willingness to supervise students and staff

We offer

• salary NOK 575 400 – 692 400 per annum depending on qualifications
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• a family-friendly environment with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of publications
• List of 3 reference persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in the electronic recruitment system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. We will arrange interviews with the best qualified candidates. NORPOD Fellowships will be awarded based on the recommendation of the selection panel. We expect that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project during the period of employment.

Formal regulations

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Following the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) § 25, Chapter 2, information about the applicant may be used in the public list of applicants even if the applicant opts out from the entry in the public application list.

Contact information

Inquiries about the positions can be directed to group leader Dr. Emma Haapaniemi, emma.haapaniemi@ncmm.uio.no

Inquiries about application can be directed to HR-adviser Nina Modahl: ninam@ncmm.uio.no

DIVERSE INFO

Kilde: NAV stillingsannonser
https://arbeidsplassen.nav.no/stillinger/stilling/d8cc2b7a-e43a-43c0-8547-2815c6c954ae
IMPORTAPI
https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/262217