This is NTNU

At NTNU, creating knowledge for a better world is the vision that unites our 7 400 employees and 42 000 students.

We are looking for dedicated employees to join us.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the position

We have a vacancy for a postdoctoral position in the field of molecular and translational cancer biology at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science. The main research interests at the department are related to personalized diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The position is by the Norwegian Cancer Society for a postdoctoral position – Strategies for combinatorial tumour microenvironment-targeting and ex vivo tissue-based drug testing to eradicate metastatic cancers.

The goal of the postdoctoral project is to identify key mechanisms of fibro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment communication that regulate invasion, metastasis, and drug responses or resistance in cancers with focus on epithelial ovarian cancer.

We are looking for an ambitious researcher with strong enthusiasm towards science to complement our international, interdisciplinary team, recently established at NTNU and also operating in Karolinska Institutet, Sweden (https://ki.se/en/mtc/kaisa-lehti-group). 

You will report to Professor Kaisa Lehti (https://www.ntnu.edu/employees/kaisa.lehti)

Duties of the position

The postdoc will investigate how the cancer metastasis and treatment induced stromal alterations, including inflammation and fibrosis, affect cancer cell aggressive phenotypes and transcriptional programs. This will be done by integrating genetic, proteomic & clinical ovarian cancer data with hypothesis-driven functional and molecular mechanistic research. State-of-the-art molecular biology, proteomics and functional genetic approaches including the most relevant cellular, ex vivo and in vivo models, as well as clinical human tissue material will be utilized for this research. By identifying key molecules and mechanisms in tumor dynamics, metastasis, and drug responses, the project will contribute to the development of new prognostic indicators and strategies for better combination treatments.

Required selection criteria

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in the fields of biomedicine or life sciences 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.

• PhD degree and strong background in molecular cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology and/or cancer biology, or in another related field of life sciences.
• Practical experience in cell culture, protein analytic techniques, basic or advanced molecular biology techniques, and analysis of cancer cell phenotypes using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry methods are routine for a successful applicant.
• Applicants are expected to have full professional proficiency in English.

Preferred selection criteria

• As the project focuses on patient-derived material, cancer drug resistance and tumor propagation, experience in tissue-based research as well as 3D and ex vivo cell culture models are considered as merits.
• Knowhow in immunology, cell signaling, extracellular matrix, cell cytoskeleton and metabolic pathways.
• Basic or advanced understanding of bioinformatics/computational biology.

Personal characteristics

The successful applicant is highly motivated, showing curious and ambitious mind for problem-solving and creative research work. Genuine interest in scientific questions as well as in result dissemination and applications are considered as important qualifying characteristics. The applicant should also be flexible, enjoy interdisciplinary research and work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

Postdoctoral candidates are remunerated in code 1352 according to the Norwegian State salary scale. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is four years.

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 

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 (Departments to choose from the following):

• CV and list of publications
• MSc and PhD certificates
• One-page “Personal Motivation Letter”
• One-page description of previous research work
• Name and addresses of two to 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.

In accordance with The Public 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 questions about the position can be directed to Professor Kaisa Lehti, phone number +46765172228, e-mail kaisa.lehti@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. Please refer to the application number 2021/17665 when applying.

Application deadline: 26.04.2021

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.

Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science 

We are responsible for the bachelor’s degree programmes for medical laboratory technologists at NTNU. We conduct research in areas relevant to the teaching we provide and to the development of medical diagnostics. We work in close cooperation with the University Hospital, St Olavs Hospital. The Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 26th April 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary