PhD Fellowship position in Glycomics in Dry Eye Disease

At the Faculty of Health Science, Department of Life Sciences and Health there is an available position as a PhD fellow to identify pathological molecular alterations in dry eye disease patients. The position has a duration of three years, and the desired start date is 01.01.25.

The project is a cross-interdisciplinary research collaboration in glycomics between OsloMet and the Department of Ophthalmology at Oslo University Hospital. The aim is to use glycomics to study the defective mucus barrier in the tear fluid of the patients.

Area of research

Dry eye disease is a highly prevalent condition affecting around 10% of the adult population in Northern Europe. Despite this large incidence, a cure of the disease, or effective long-term treatments are scant. Due to this substantial unmet need, there has been a growing interest in research into the pathophysiology of dry eye disease. Ocular surface mucins with their exceptional hygroscopic properties are heavily glycosylated glycoproteins. In the tear film, the mucins provide lubrication and protection of the ocular surface. Research into the mucin composition of healthy and diseased tears will have a substantial impact on how we treat this disease in the future.

As a PhD candidate at OsloMet, you will be eligible to apply for a stipend for extended international research secondment.

Qualification requirements and conditions

• master's degree (120 credits/ECTS) in life science (pharmacy, analytical chemistry, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedicine, or equivalent).
• documented experience with practical biologic mass spectrometry, glycomics and/or glycobiology
• proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Admission to the doctoral program in health sciences is a prerequisite for taking up the position. To be admitted to the Ph.D. programs at the Faculty of Health Sciences, applicants must have a B or higher on their master's thesis/main thesis (or a grade considered equivalent) and an average grade equivalent to B or better on their master's degree. In exceptional cases, applicants with a grade of C may be considered. In such cases, particularly relevant experience related to the research project and/or scientific publication will be emphasized. See information about the criteria on the admission website.
• The final plan for the doctoral education must be approved and contractual no later than 3 months after commencement.

General criteria for appointment to academic positions are covered by the Regulations relating to terms and conditions of employment.

Desired qualifications

• experience with omics, big data, and statistics using R or similar tools
• good understanding of biological disease processes and ophthalmology
• experience using AI to predict health outcomes

Personal qualities

• motivation for research in the academic and research field
• ability to work independently and stay focused over time
• analytical skills
• good communication and collaboration skills

Personal suitability will be emphasized.

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavours to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment or education/training.

We can offer you

• an exciting educational position at Norway's third-largest university
• access to professional development in a creative academic and research environment
• flexible working hours and workplace in the heart of Oslo
• international research mobility, as the selected candidate is expected to be involved in work exchanges with international research partners and present work at national and international conferences and workshops.
• You will participate in an exciting and important research project, working with clinicians, biostatisticians, glycoanalysts and glycobiologists in the field.
• beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• beneficial welfare schemes and a wide range of sports and cultural offers
• free Norwegian language classes to employees and their partners/spouses 

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway

The position is remunerated in accordance with the main collective agreements in the state and OsloMet's salary policy, in position code 1017 as a research fellow, pay grade 54, NOK 532,200 per year.

Application process

If you wish to apply for the position, you must do so electronically through our recruitment system. By the application deadline, you must upload the following documents:

• application, CV, and copies of all pages from diplomas and certificates. The certificates/diplomas must include ECTS grades (A–F).
• foreign education should be pre-approved, and the approval letter must be attached. Information can be found here.
• master's thesis/main thesis (and other scholarly work that is relevant)
• upload any scientific works or provide a link to the full article
• list of any publications and presentations at international seminars/conferences

We only process applications sent via our electronic recruitment system, and all documents must be uploaded for your application to be considered. The documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be authorized. You must present the originals at a potential interview. OsloMet conducts document verification to ensure a genuine evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The employment will be carried out in accordance with the principles of the Civil Servants Act (lovdata.no) and legislation regulating the export of knowledge, technology, and services. A background check may be conducted to verify the information provided in the CV and available documents. Background checks are not conducted without the applicant's consent, and relevant applicants will receive further information about this.

OsloMet has endorsed the principles of the DORA declaration and committed the institution to follow its recommendations.

Other information

For more information about the position, contact:

• Professor Niclas Karlsson, niclaska@oslomet.no
• For administrative questions, HR Advisor Kate Olsen, kateol@oslomet.no

Application deadline: August 11, 2024 Ref: 24/19272