Researcher 20% in Membrane biophysics

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Job description

A 20% position as researcher (SKO 1109) of 24 months duration is available in the research group Cellular Membrane Dynamics, led by prof. Harald Stenmark at Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell), Institute of Clinical Medicine. 

The group is located at the Institute for Cancer Research, the Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital. 

Starting date from 2025-01-01.


More about the position

 The position is funded by the University of Oslo under the project “SCULPTING of cellular membranes by capillary forces”, an interdisciplinary project aimed at understanding molecular and biophysical mechanisms that shape double cellular membranes, with emphasis on autophagosome biogenesis.

The researcher will prepare membrane vesicles in vitro and study their interactions with recombinant proteins using light microscopy and biophysical assays. He/she will also model membrane deformation mediated by proteins and participate in planning and implementation of the SCULPTING project together with project manager and project partners. The candidate will collaborate with experts in electron microscopy, mathematical modelling, and biophysics.


Qualification requirements

Doctorate in biophysics. 
Experience with biophysical methods to study membranes in vitro. 
Experience with biophysical methods to study phase-separated protein complexes in vitro. 
Experience with mathematical modeling of biological membrane systems.

  • Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in biophysics 
  • Extensive experience with biophysical studies of biological membranes in vitro 
  • Extensive experience with studies of phase separated protein complexes in vitro 
  • Experience with mathematical modelling of biological membrane systems 
  • Good knowledge about autophagy and related cellular processes
  • Good organizational skills 
  • Good knowledge of statistics 
  • Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English 
  • Experience with protein purification and macro scripting is an advantage

Personal skills

The candidate should be highly motivated and dedicated and should have strong collaboration skills.


We offer

  • Salary range 646 000 – 777 900 NOK per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (SKO1109) 
  • A dynamic and stimulating scientific environment in a young, enthusiastic and motivated team of biologists. The Institute for Cancer Research is at the international forefront and houses top modern and excellent lab facilities (2009) with a wide range of core facilities (light and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics and bioinformatics, MR), with additional core facilities (proteomics, metabolomics) at the Rikshospitalet and UiO sites. 
  •  CanCell is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence and offers great opportunities for research training. 
  •  A career development program for postdoctoral fellows, The Postdoctoral Programme - Faculty of Medicine (https://www.med.uio.no/english/research/postdoctoral-programme/) 
  •  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, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
  • CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, and other qualifying activity)
  • A complete list of publications
  • Transcripts of university diplomas
  • List of 2 referee persons (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, as well as the candidate's motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.


Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Researchers at the University of Oslo.  

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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. 

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

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

For questions about the position:

Professor: Harald Stenmark [email protected]  

For questions about electronic application and procedure:

HR senior consultant Anne Carine Wåsjø Kjuus, e-post: [email protected]