PhD Research Fellowship

PhD Research Fellowship (3 years) in translational science — Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM), Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet).
The position is in Prof. Bente Halvorsen's research group and funded by Health Authority South-East (Helse Sør-Øst) competitive grant.

Oslo University Hospital (OUS) is the largest hospital in Norway with 24 000 employees. With its broad range of medical disciplines and internationally recognized scientists, OUS is an important contributor to research and education in Norway.

The Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM) consists of six main research groups with focus on various fields of inflammation in cardiovascular disease, liver disease, infectious disease and hematological disorders. The research profile of the Institute is to combine clinical medicine and molecular biology to establish a bridge between bench and bedside. This is of utmost importance in order to exploit in clinical medicine the recent development in immunology, biochemistry and molecular biology with the ambitious aim to develop novel treatment modalities and new diagnostic tools. Our profile includes all phases of this research, ranging from characterization of inflammatory profiles in various patient populations and in vitro experiments in various cells and cell lines to experimental studies in animal models, including gene modified mice, and interventional proof of concept studies in various patient populations. Metabolic complications and cardiovascular disease have been a focus in many of the groups at the Institute.

See: https://www.ous-research.no/riim/ for more information about RIIM.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace characterized by great diversity. We believe this is essential to fulfilling our mission. We therefore aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the population and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of identity or background.

Work tasks

• The project aims to uncover underlying pathogenic mechanisms in female-predominant cardiovascular disease, with a primary focus on Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).
• You will join a multidisciplinary research team at RIIM, working in close collaboration with cardiologists at Oslo University Hospital.
  
• The work will combine experimental laboratory research using pre-clinical mouse models, molecular- and cellular methods, and translational collaboration with clinical cardiology teams to bridge bench-to-bedside knowledge.
  

Qualifications

• MD or MSc (or equivalent) degree in medicine, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, or related fields.
  
• Documented laboratory experience (molecular biology, cell biology, histology or similar).
  
• Valid FELASA C accreditation (or equivalent).
  
• Hands-on experience working with animal models (planning and conducting in vivo experiments, handling, sampling, etc) — proven practical experience and familiarity with animal welfare and experimental ethics are required.
  
• Good command of English (written and spoken). Proficiency in Norwegian is an advantage but not required.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with cardiovascular research, vascular biology, or related fields.
  
• Skills in immune assay such as immunohistochemistry and ELISA, imaging, RNA/protein analysis, and next-generation sequencing.
  
• Experience with transcriptomic analysis. Experience with tissue transcriptomics is an asset.
  
• Statistical and basic programming/bioinformatics skills (R, Python, or similar).
  
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities; interest in translational/clinical collaboration.
  

Application documents

Please submit the following in English through the OUH system WebCruiter:

1. Cover letter describing motivation and suitability for the project (max 1–2 pages)
   
2. Curriculum vitae (including publications and relevant experience)
   
3. Copies of diplomas and transcripts (BSc/MSc/MD; official translations if not in English/Norwegian)
   
4. Contact information for at least two referees (name, position, e-mail, phone)
   
5. Short summary of previous research experience including published artwork
   
6. Certificate/description of animal handling/ethics training

Application deadline and contact

• Deadline: March 15, 2026
  
• Expected start date: as soon as possible
  

For informal enquiries and to submit applications, contact:

• Primary supervisor: Dr. Xiang Yi Kong, Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM), Oslo University Hospital – e-mail: x.y.kong@medisin.uio.no
  
• Co-supervisor: Prof. Mette Estensen, Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital – e-mail: metteeliseestensen@gmail.com
  
• Project manager: Prof. Bente Halvorsen – e-mail: benteeh@uio.no
  
• Research Institute of Internal Medicine (RIIM), Oslo University Hospital

We offer

• A stimulating multidisciplinary research environment with close clinical interaction and mentoring.
• Opportunities for national and international collaboration, courses, and conference attendance.
  
• Standard employment benefits according to Norwegian public sector terms (pension, parental leave, professional development).
  
• A diverse, inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunity.