About the position

A PhD-student position within the field of nanomedicine is available at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at NTNU. The position is financed by Helse Midt-Norge and is part of the project entitled “From evading to embracing immune cells – improving the clinical utility of nanomedicine.” In this project, we and our (inter)national collaborators aim to utilize interactions between nanoparticles and immune cells for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cancer. This position is a fixed term, full time (100 %) position for three years starting in the spring/summer of 2019.

The candidate will be part of the MR Center (www.ntnu.edu/isb/mr) where we have access to a variety of advanced in vivo imaging modalities (small animal optical imager, CT imaging, and a 7T small animal PET/MR scanner). CEMIR (www.ntnu.edu/cemir) consist of 80 researchers all focusing on different aspects of regulating immune cells and reactions in cancer and different pathological conditions. At CEMIR we have established a breast cancer metastasis model in immunocompetent mice and a range of cutting-edge experimental tools to study the roles of immune cells in this cancer model. At the Division of Biophysics and Medical Technology (www.ntnu.edu/physics/biophysmedtech) advanced intravital microscopy set-ups are available. In combination with fluorescent transgenic mouse models, this provides a powerful tool to characterize the tumor microenvironment and nanoparticle ‘in vivo behavior’.

Job description

The position offers challenging and diverse tasks in an environment characterised by conscientious, committed, and skilled employees.

The PhD candidate will focus on the interaction between nanoparticles (such as liposomes) and immune cells. With the emerging understanding for the role of specific immune cells in a variety of pathologies, it is increasingly relevant to develop therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. From this angle, the project focusses on characterizing and understanding specific immune cells in cancer and optimizing interactions between these cells and nanoparticles. The tasks of the PhD student span the entire range of liposome preparation to in vivo application.

Studying nanoparticle interactions with and effects on cancer associated immune cells will be primarily performed at CEMIR. We will use a wide range of advanced approaches including imaging, cell sorting, transcriptome and proteome analyses as well as genetic and chemical manipulation of core regulators of the interplay between cancer and immune cells within the tumor. The PhD student will be part of the team that uses this model to develop a deeper understanding of immune reactions in cancer and is expected to contribute new possibilities for imaging and characterization of nanoparticle/drug delivery to immune cells and immune cell in vivo behavior.  

Animal in vivo studies will be primarily performed at the NTNU Unit for Comparative Medicine (www.ntnu.edu/comed) and the MR core facility at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. PET/MR imaging and intravital microscopy are the main tools we use to study immune cells and nanoparticles in vivo, and apart from imaging procedures and sample collection, ex vivo flow cytometry and image data analysis will be significant parts of these experiments.

Our work is motivated by a fascination for the complexity of the immune system and its interaction with man-made nanomaterials. The current project is a “high risk/high gain” project, which means we are looking for a highly competent, enthusiastic and ambitious scientist with a strong commitment to research. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written are important.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in [subject area] or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, postdoctor and research assistant

Other qualifications:

• A master’s degree or equivalent education within natural sciences providing strong skills and knowledge in oncology/immunology/biomedicine and/or nanotechnology/engineering. For example a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Nanomedicine/ Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent, or medical school.
• A strong academic record of a master or equivalent education with a weighted average grade of B or higher, in accordance with NTNU’s grading system.
• Excellent English skills, spoken and written

Personal characteristics

Emphasis will also be placed on:

• The candidates’ motivation for the position
• Ability to work independently as well as in transdisciplinary teams
• It is an advantage to have experience in:
  • Confocal microscopy
  • Immunology/oncology
  • Flow cytometry
  • In vivo experiments
  • Medical imaging
• Personal characteristics:
  • Efficient and well organized
  • Accountable
  • Ambitious
  • Curious
  • Creative

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

Salary and conditions

PhD Candidates (code 1017) are remunerated with a gross annual salary of minimum NOK 449 400. Depending on qualifications and academic background the salary can range between NOK 449 400 – 505, 800.  In addition to taxes, a further 2% is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The appointment will be made in accordance with current regulations and supplementary rules with guidelines for employment as PhD Candidate appointments at universities and university colleges in Norway. Admission to a doctoral degree program is a requirement for employment as a PhD candidate. See: http://www.ntnu.no/studieavd/dok/PhD_regulations.pdf

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

Candidates from universities outside Norway are requested to send a Diploma Supplement or similar official document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: europass.cedefop.europa.eu/documents/european-skills-passport/diploma-supplement.

General information

A good working environment is characterized by diversity. NTNU has a goal of ensuring a gender and age balance and to recruit candidates with a minority background. We therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, functional capacity or cultural background. If necessary, we will adapt the workplace for people with disabilities.

Norway and NTNU offer strong family-friendly and life-balance polices, see:

http://www.nyinorge.no/en
https://www.norge.no/en   
https://www.ntnu.edu/lifeandhousing/trondheim/practical-information
For more information regarding moving to NTNU: http://www.ntnu.edu/nirs

Please submit your application electronically using the appropriate link in http://www.jobbnorge.no. Applicants will only be assessed on the information submitted and it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure everything is submitted by 01.05.2019:

• Please complete the online application form. The applicant’s personal qualification and motivation for applying for the specific position must be mentioned in the cover letter. In addition, the following pdfs must be attached:
• Relevant transcripts and diplomas, including diploma supplement
• Applicants’ CV
• Short statements from former supervisors/tutors/teachers
• Thesis copies and if applicable a publication list

Chosen applicants will be invited for an interview.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Researcher Dr. Sjoerd Hak, ISB, telephone: +47 45213703 or email: sjoerd.hak@ntnu.no.

For information concerning the application process, please contact:

HR Consultant Julie Hoff, telephone: + 47 72576984, email: julie.hoff@ntnu.no.

Note: Under the new Freedom of Information Act, information concerning the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be included on the list of applicants.

Application deadline: 01.05.2019

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Deadline 01.05.2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Øya