Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Targeted Cancer Therapy

We have available a position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a fixed term of two years on a protein chemistry and cell biology project in the ELECTTRA-consortium (EEA grant with the Czech Republic).
 
The position is available at the Institute for Cancer Research. The institute hosts core facilities for multiparameter flow cytometery, next generation sequencing, imaging and bioinformatics. The Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) of Oslo University Hospital (OUH) Radiumhospitalet, is one of the largest Cancer Centers in Europe.
 
The project is led by Professor Jørgen Wesche who is leader of the "Molecular Biology of Sarcomas” group at the Institute for Cancer Research. The goal of the group is to develop novel possibilities for precision medicine in cancer treatment.
 
The group is member of a Norwegian Centre of Excellence, Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming (CanCell). The group makes extensive use of advanced molecular cell biology methods, proteomics and light microscopy. Home page: https://www.ous-research.no/wesche
 

Job description
 
Precision medicine is the new paradigm of modern cancer treatment and gives hope to an increasing number of cancer patients. Unfortunately, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) aberrant cancers seem to lag behind this development mainly because FGFR inhibitors often fail or only give transient effects in clinical trials.
To answer these challenges, we investigate alternative strategies to target FGFR aberrant cancers. FGF receptors are found overexpressed in ~15 % of breast cancers, mainly in the hormone-positive/HER2-negative and triple-negative (TNBC) subtypes. We will in this project develop a novel personalized strategy based on the targeting of a toxic radionuclide (161-Terbium) to breast cancer cells using an engineered version of a natural FGFR ligand, FGF1. In addition, we will also develop an antibody against FGFR1 for alternative targeting. 161-Terbium is provided by our partners in the ELECTTRA project. The role of the postdoc will be to make a complex between the vector (FGF1or FGFR1-antibody) and 161-Terbium and test this extensively in cell and animal models. 

Eligibility and qualifications

• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in life sciences or medicine.
• Candidates should have qualifications matching the technologies that will be used in the project (see under job description).
• Previous work with radionuclides will be considered positive, but in any case, appropriate training in handling of radioactivity will be given.
• Experience in cell biology and protein research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Personal skills

• High working capacity
• Strong motivation
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Interest in solving biological problems
• Ability to design, plan, interpret original experiments in an independent and innovative manner

We offer

• Excellent working conditions
• An exciting and stimulating academic environment
• Salary NOK 565 000 - NOK 600 000 per year depending on qualifications.
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement

 
How to apply
The application must include:
 
* A one-page statement of motivation and research interests
* CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
* List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
* Transcripts of university diplomas
* Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)