PhD student in tumor heterogeneity modeling of colorectal cancer

About the position:
A 3-year position as PhD student in colorectal cancer research is available at the Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital. The position will be part of the Computational Oncology group lead by Associate Professor Anita Sveen and connected to a multidisciplinary translational research program for colorectal cancer led by Professor and Head of Department of Molecular Oncology Ragnhild A. Lothe.
The aim of the program is to develop new cancer treatment strategies based on large-scale molecular analyses of tumor heterogeneity (transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, single-cell analyses) combined with drug sensitivity testing of patient-derived tumor organoid models. The PhD candidate will analyze heterogeneity (subclonal evolution and phenotypic plasticity) between primary and metastatic colorectal tumors, as well as among multiple tumors and tumor regions from each patient. We seek a PhD candidate with background in bioinformatics or molecular biology and with enthusiasm for translational cancer research and analyses of complex molecular and clinical data.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!

Work tasks

The main work tasks for this position are analyses and integration of large-scale molecular-, functional- and clinical datasets from patients with colorectal cancer, and/or conducting molecular tumor profiling experiments, including single-nucleus RNA sequencing (depending on the qualifications of the candidate). The candidate will participate in dissemination and publication of scientific results.
The candidate will work in a diverse multidisciplinary team and have the opportunity to collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinical researchers. All needed infrastructure for translational cancer research is established, including patient biobanks and tumor organoids, laboratory technologies and protocols, as well as computational infrastructure and pipelines. Necessary training will be provided.

The purpose of the position is research training and successful completion of a PhD degree. The candidate will be admitted to the PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, normally within 3 months after the starting date.

Qualification requirements

• MD, MSc or equivalent in bioinformatics or molecular biology (the MSc thesis must be awarded grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system)
• Experience with or strong motivation for DNA/RNA sequencing and large-scale molecular data analyses and integration
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
  

Desired skills

• Experience with translational cancer research
• Experience with use and/or development of bioinformatics tools, preferably for analysis of high-throughput cancer sequencing data
  

Personal qualities

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about translational cancer research and tumor heterogeneity modeling
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Goal-oriented
• Structured, thorough, and reliable
• Team-oriented with good communication skills
• Able to handle hectic periods
  

We offer

• 3-year fulltime position as PhD candidate starting March/April/May 2026 (no teaching duties)
• Salary according to guidelines for the position as Doctoral Research Fellow, following a 3-year ladder
• A stimulating and collaborative research environment at the Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for translational cancer research, including multi-omics profiling and computational infrastructure
• Integration into a multidisciplinary translational research network in colorectal cancer
  
• Attractive welfare benefits and membership in Statens Pensjonskasse, a generous pension scheme
• Workplace with an inclusive work life (“IA-bedrift”)
  

Application should contain:
Application letter stating your research interests and motivation for the position
CV with summary of education, relevant work experience, academic work, and a complete list of publications
Transcripts of diplomas and certificates
Documentation of English proficiency if applicable (applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries)
Contact information for 2-3 referees