Postdoctoral fellowship

There is an open 1.5 year position as a fulltime postdoctoral[EF1]  fellow working within the field of influenza vaccine development at Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet. The candidate will be working with Dr. Even Fossum at the Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and will be associated with the lab of Dr. Ranveig Braathen.  

Current influenza vaccines generally have an efficacy around 50%. Since the influenza strains that are included in the influenza vaccine are decided 9-10 months in advance of the influenza season, the efficacy can be considerably lower if the vaccine strain does not match the circulating virus strain. Consequently, there is a need for improved influenza vaccines. Ideally, new vaccines that provide protection against several different influenza strains.  

Duties and responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on the development of a universal influenza vaccine. By targeting
influenza antigens to dendritic cells, the aim is to induce broadly reactive antibody responses capable of
providing protection against multiple influenza strains. The work will predominantly be performed in
murine infection models of influenza after DNA vaccination. Additional analysis of the quality of immune
responses after immunization will be performed in the lab.

All applicants must apply through WebCruiter and include: 

• Application letter 
• CV summarizing all relevant experience 
• Full list of publications 
• Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records 
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (include brief information of relation)  

Qualifications

We seek a highly motivated person with a PhD or equivalent in immunology, virology, molecular biology or related fields.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Animal handling experience (FELASA C approval) 
• Prior experience working with influenza viruses 
• Experience with vaccination of mice 
• Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting 
• Extensive knowledge within the field of immunology 
• Broad experience with molecular biology/immunology techniques
  

Personal qualities

• Highly motivated and accurate 
• Good problem solving skills 
• Ability to work as part of a team 
• Proficiency in English
  

We can offer

• A full time postdoctoral fellowship for 1.5 years 
• An exciting and vibrant scientific environment 
• Potential for personal and scientific growth 
• Membership in the Norwegian pension fund