PhD research fellowship in molecular cancer biology

PhD research fellowship in molecular cancer biology: The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in anti-cancer drug resistance

A 3-year PhD position is available at the Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital.  The PhD position is funded by Helse Sør-Øst.

Department of Molecular Oncology aims to accomplish high-quality and interdisciplinary biomedical research to achieve improved precision medicine and management of cancer patients. The main research programs at the department are devoted to colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. The department has a broad expertise in cancer research, spanning several disciplines from cell biology to translational research and a range of advanced technologies are established in-lab. The department scientists have several ongoing clinical research collaborations and innovation projects.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Job description

Drug resistance is a major limiting factor to achieving cures in cancer patients. This PhD project is preclinical and its primary objective is to obtain a better understanding of the molecular basis underlying drug resistance in colorectal cancer therapy. A particular emphasis will be placed on the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in drug resistance. Given their high number (ca 600) in humans and the fact that they confer specificity to the ubiquitination process, the E3 ubiquitin ligases are emerging as highly attractive drug target candidates.

In this project, the PhD candidate will use various colorectal cancer models, including cell lines and patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs), resources that are available in our lab. Comprehensive pharmacogenomic analyses of these model systems have recently been performed in our lab. The results from these analyses will serve as a framework for generating hypotheses and guide what type of downstream functional studies will be performed.

The PhD candidate will be involved in all phases of the project, including hypotheses generation, laboratory work, data analyses, presentation of the results at national and international conferences, and writing of research articles. The work will be carried out in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team at the Department of Molecular Oncology.

The main supervisor of this PhD project will be Edward Leithe and co-supervisor will be Kushtrim Kryeziu.  Leithe and Kryeziu are scientists and members of Ragnhild A. Lothe's research group at Department of Molecular Oncology.

Requirements and qualifications

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in molecular cell biology, pharmacology, biotechnology, biochemistry or a related field.
  
• The candidate should enjoy to work both independently and in teams.
  
• For this position, we also emphasize personal creativity, responsibility and enthusiasm for research. 

The application must include:

• Application letter
• CV (summarizing education, relevant work experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position).
• Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcripts of records.
• Contact details for two references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).

Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language

We offer

• An inclusive and inspirational work environment with a multidisciplinary profile
• Excellent opportunities for academic and personal development
  
• Favorable pension and welfare arrangements