Postdoctoral Position in Functional DNA Repair for Precision Oncology

The Department of Clinical Molecular Biology (EpiGen) at Akershus University Hospital invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral researcher position. The successful candidate will join the Unit for Precision Medicine and work on a project funded by the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Sør-Øst).

Arbeidsoppgaver

About the project:

This project aims to develop a framework for the functional characterization of DNA repair gene variants and determine their relevance for precision oncology. The project will focus on variants in genes involved in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, with an initial emphasis on chromatin-remodelling genes that contribute to HR-mediated DNA repair.

The successful candidate will investigate how gene variants affect protein function, DNA repair capacity, and response to targeted therapies based on synthetic lethality. The research will combine high-throughput functional assays, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, mammalian cell culture, and drug treatments to characterize the effects of variants in cellular models. Structural and computational approaches will be used to further investigate the molecular consequences of functionally relevant variants.

A major goal is to determine whether variants impair HR-mediated DNA repair and thereby contribute to homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). HRD is an important biomarker associated with sensitivity to PARP inhibitors and other therapies targeting the DNA damage response. Functionally characterized variants will subsequently be investigated in patient-derived FFPE samples to evaluate their relevance in a clinically relevant setting.

The project will integrate functional experimental data with tumour genomic data to improve the interpretation of DNA repair gene variants. Ultimately, the work aims to identify clinically relevant variants and improve the identification and stratification of patients who may benefit from synthetic lethality-based targeted therapies. The successful candidate will work at the interface of molecular biology, functional genomics, and translational cancer research.

Kvalifikasjoner (overskrift)

Qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field. The doctoral thesis must be submitted for evaluation by the application deadline. Appointment requires an approved doctoral thesis and successful public defence.
  
• Research experience in DNA repair or DNA damage response.
  
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture including the maintenance and manipulation of established cell lines.
  
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing.
  
• Experience with functional cellular assays (e.g. cell viability/cytotoxicity, reporter gene assays) and drug treatments.
  
• Extensive experience with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
  
• Extensive experience with advanced microscopy techniques (e.g. confocal microscopy), including image acquisition and quantitative analysis.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with high next-generation sequencing of tumour samples.
  
• Experience with bioinformatics analyses, including genomic or transcriptomic data.
  
• Experience with analysis and interpretation of gene variants.

Personal characteristics:

• Curious, proactive, and highly motivated.
  
• Structured, efficient, flexible, and solution-oriented.
  
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

We offer:

• A good, stimulating and dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
  
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge precision medicine research with direct clinical relevance.
  
• Good pension schemes.
  
• Good welfare offers for employees, e.g. cabin rentals, theatre tickets and much more.
  
• Company sports teams with a large and varied offer.
  
• Opportunities for help with housing and kindergarten.
  
• Central location with a short journey from Oslo.

Application:

All applications must be submitted electronically and should include:

• Application letter expressing your motivation for the project and how your prior experience fits the call.
  
• CV.
  
• A complete list of peer-reviewed publications.
  
• Copies of educational certificates and academic transcripts of records.
  
• Contact information for 2-3 references, including their relation to the candidate.

Deadline for applications: 11th of September 2026
Star date: Earliest possible