JIRC currently hires highly motivated and competitive scientists with a track record of publications in high impact journals. Applicants must hold a PhD (or near completion) in experimental science. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular cell biology, inflammation biology, in vivo imaging or experimental pathology, according to the project descriptions below.
Project #1 Genetics of inflammatory model diseasesh with focus on the HLA region
The HLA complex is collectively by far the most important genetic risk factor for inflammatory diseases. The most important loci are the genes encoding antigen presenting HLA class I and II molecules. The project aims for in-depth and synchronized genetic characterization of the entire HLA complex, with a particular emphasis on refinement of the class I and class II variability. As part of the project, we will establish a pipeline for next generation sequencing of the entire HLA region including the HLA class I and class II genes. The applicant must have extensive bioinformatic and statistical research experience, and preferably also experience from next generation sequence data management. Across multiple immune mediated conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, type 1 diabetes), the HLA factors determined in the project will be explored in the context of other genetic and non-genetic risk factors in collaboration with other researchers within JIRC. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to professor Benedicte A. Lie (b.a.lie@medisin.uio.no) or professor Tom H. Karlsen (t.h.karlsen@medisin.uio.no).
Project #2 Immunological exploration of a familial syndrome of sclerosing cholangitis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an immune-mediated liver disease most often occurring in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. In an exome-sequencing study of a Swedish family with multiple affected individuals we have identified a novel, missense mutation in a highly conserved region of a key immune regulatory gene. In collaboration with several international experts and local PI’s we aim to explore the functional consequences of this mutation by using several knockout mouse models, in vitro model systems and studies using samples from the affected patients. The post doc candidate should have a strong background in immunology and/or experimental medicine. Applicants with experience from work in murine model systems will be preferred. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Espen Melum (espen.melum@medisin.uio.no) or professor Tom H. Karlsen (t.h.karlsen@medisin.uio.no).
Project #3 Inflammation and regulation of fibrosis development in cardiac injury and stress – Role of complement system and NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Inflammatory processes are necessary for initiating proper tissue repair and central in the healing of a myocardial infarction, where dead tissue is replaced by fibrotic tissue. However, excessive fibrosis leads to a stiffer heart with detrimental effects on function. Using both clinical and experimental approaches, this project aims to examine the role of the complement system and its interaction with toll-like receptors and the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiac injury and stress on myocardial inflammation and development of different forms of fibrosis. The project will be performed in collaboration with several PIs/CoPIs of the centre. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to researcher Arne Yndestad (arne.yndestad@rr-research.no), professor Pål Aukrust (paukrust@ous-hf.no) or professor Tom Eirik Mollnes (t.e.mollnes@medisin.uio.no).
Project #4 Mechanisms of fibrosis development i kidney allografts
Long-term graft survival is threatened by the development of fibrosis. Post-transplant biopsies will be subject to transcriptome profiling and comparative analyses in rodent kidney fibrosis models, cell cultures and analysis of clinical lesions. Parallel genome-wide association studies in patients stratified according to fibrosis development will be another entry port to understand these events. The project will be performed in a collaboration with several PIs/CoPIs of the centre as well as nephrologists responsible for recruitment of patients and tissue sampling. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to professor Guttorm Haraldsen (gharalds@rr-research.no).
Project #5 Identification of autoantigens in autoimmune disease
Chronic inflammation is often associated with a break of tolerance to self. Identification of autoantigens that are recognized by B cells and T cells will provide new insight in disease mechanisms. We will produce a new generation of protein arrays with exceptional throughput and sensitivity. With this tool the post doc we are seeking will screen serum from patients with inflammatory diseases for autoantibodies and subsequently use new technology to identify T cell epitopes in potential targets. Experience from computational biology / bioinformatics is preferable. The project occurs in collaboration with several CoPIs at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and the University of Arizona, which has one of the largest available collections of cDNAs encoding full-length human proteins. Candidates with a strong background in immunology and experience in flow cytometry, protein chemistry or development of immunoassays are encouraged to apply.Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Professor Johanna Olweus (johanna.olweus@medisin.uio.no) Tom H. Karlsen (t.h.karlsen@medisin.uio.no).
Project #6 Bi-directional interactions of the host and gut microbiota in atherosclerosis and chronic HIV
The role of microbiota in relation to systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances is an emerging area of research. The project will study these mechanisms in HIV-infected patients and in patients with atherosclerotic disorders. The project will have a clinical approach that will focus on comparative analyses of microbiota in relation to parameters of systemic inflammatory and metabolic parameters in different disease categories as well as clinical intervention studies that could modulate the microbiota composition. The project will have a clinical profile and the post-doc must therefore be a MD. She/he will be leading these studies in close collaboration with the relevant Departments at Oslo University Hospital. The project will be performed in collaboration with several PIs/CoPIs of the centre. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to professor Dag Kvale (dag.kvale@medisin.uio.no), professor Pål Aukrust (paukrust@ous-hf.no) or professor Tom H. Karlsen (t.h.karlsen@medisin.uio.no).
Project #7 Prostaglandin- and regulatory T cell-mediated effects on inflammation
Regulatory T cells suppress effector T cells and are thought to be heavily involved in the control of inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Inflammatory prostaglandins act on G-protein coupled prostanoid receptors to inhibit function of lymphoid cells through several intracellular signal pathways and have clinical relevance in control of local inflammation. Here we will look at signal regulation and inflammation dampening effects of regulatory T cells and prostaglandin-mediated immune regulation in several JIRC disease models in collaboration with several Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to professor Kjetil Taskén (kjetil.tasken@ncmm.uio.no).
We can offer
- Participation in a well-functioning, ambitious research group in the larger context of the K.G. Jebsen Centre
- These positions will be placed as SKO 1352 – Postdoc fellow with salary range depending on qualifications: step 57 – 65 (NOK 468 400 – 542 900).
- Favorable welfare and pension arrangements
- are hard-working and curious about immunological processes leading to or maintaining inflammation
- have scientific competence of at least a PhD level
- is structured and responsible
- contributes wtih enthusiasm to working in an ambitious team
- is fluent in written and spoken English
- Application letter. Please indicate in the title which project you are applying for
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
- Copies of educational certificates and grades
- Names, email and telephone number of 2-3 referees (describe relation to applicant)
Inquiries regarding the centre structure can be directed to professor Guttorm Haraldsen (gharalds@rr-research.no), phone +4723071492, +4792401962
In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
Please also refer to the regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment for academic positions: https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results and intellectual property
Region:
Oslo
Job type:
Contract
Working hours:
Full-time
Working days:
Day
Application deadline:
15 April 2013
Reference number:
2013/3164
Home page:
http://www.med.uio.no/klinmed/
Contacts:
Head of Research Guttorm Haraldsen
Telephone: +47 230 71 492
Mobile: +47 924 01 962
Paulina N. Dudzinska (only inquiries regarding the application)
Telephone: +47 23071507