About the position

We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate with expertise in current omics approaches to identify and characterize novel nodes linking inflammatory and metabolic signaling in human immune cells. The postdoc will participate in design and execution of experiments aimed to reveal specific mechanisms by which a novel sensor of intracellular lipid makeup defines the inflammatory state of human immune cells. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop novel strategies to control deleterious inflammatory events induced by lipid accumulation during atherogenesis. 

A three-year full time Postdoctoral Fellowship is available at the Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

The candidate will join a diverse group of researchers at CEMIR that collaborate to analyze different aspects of human inflammatory biology. 

About CEMIR

CEMIR is a Research Council of Norway appointed Centre of Exellence focused on discovery of novel molecular and cell biological mechanisms that control initiation and regulation of inflammatory responses. To achieve our goals, we combine basic molecular studies with novel system-wide approaches to analyze both in vitro- and in vivo models as well as primary tissues from unique biobanks. CEMIR is integrated in the University hospital environment, enabling transtational research on novel aspects of human inflammatory diseases through collaboration of academic and clinical scientists. The Center is led by Professor Terje Espevik. 

The position is associated with a FRIPRO project funded by the Research Council of Norway and led by Dr. Victor Boyartchuk. 

Duties of the position

The postdoc`s research will focus on the development of cell culture-based assays that model inflammatory responses of human atherosclerotic tissue. The key challenge to be addressed is suitability of such models for systems biological analysis, including CRISPR based whole genome screening.

The postdoc is expected to achieve a good understanding of the current state of the field and recent advances in experimental methodology by staying up to date on literature, participating in informal and organized meetings, and developing direct working relationships with colleagues at national and international institutions. 

The postdoc will identify and implement novel strategies to improve current research methodology using our own data and data reported by other labs. 

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree in immunology, molecular biology or similar, or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

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, post doctor and research assistant.

Essential qualifications:

• PhD degree or equivalent, in molecular immunology, molecular biology or related field
• Demonstrated track record of high-quality research as evidenced by publications in peer reviewed journals
• Experience with culturing primary human immune cells, as well as derivation, maintenance and manipulation of immortalized cell lines
• Extensive hands-on experience with isolation, manipulation and quantification of nucleic acids and proteins
• Knowledge of current genome editing methodology
• Good written and oral English language skills

Desirable qualifications

• Independence and high ambitions regarding developing own spin-off research project
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis of -omics data
• Experience with flow cytometry and live cell imaging
• Experience with biochemistry techniques used in studies of cellular signaling

Personal characteristics

• Strongly motivated and ambitious
• Creative and interested in exploring new areas
• Able to work in a team, take initiative and lead
• Be structured, targeted and solution oriented
• Positive and friendly attitude

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability. Evaluation of the applicants will be based on the application and the attached materials, including presentation of academic work, previous experience and publications. Applicants short-listed for the position will normally be invited for an interview. Personal traits which are deemed relevant for the execution of described tasks will be considered in the selection process. 

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
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The employment period is 3 years.

Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include:

• Cover letter
• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment 
• Name and address of three references

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Victor Boyartchuk, telephone +47 67 23 26 43, email victor.boyartchuk@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR consultant Elisabeth Myrvang, e-mail: elisabeth.myrvang@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 03.08.20

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.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH) is one of NTNU’s largest faculties with about 1800 employees (1300 full-time equivalents).

The Faculty’s main activities are education and research in close integration with St Olav’s Hospital. For further information, see: https://www.ntnu.edu/mh.

Deadline 3rd August 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology 
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term
Jobbnorge ID 188980