Researcher: Epigenetic Mechanisms in Oocytes and Embryos

A researcher position, 2 years with possibilities for extension, is now available in the Dahl research group, Oslo University Hospital. Start date by agreement.

The Dahl group is a founding member of the newly established Center of excellence “Center for embryology and healthy development”. A major focus of the Dahl group is to understand genomic, epigenetic and epitranscriptomic information and mechanisms in the passing of life from one generation to the next. We aim to provide groundbreaking insight in basic biology and to translate our findings to the clinic. Furthermore, we build on the insights we gain from this work to shed light on evolution and cancer. Situated at the Oslo University Hospital, the Dahl Lab is well positioned for conducting both basic and translational research using animal models and patient material. We have a network of excellent Norwegian and international collaborators with complementary expertise to ours. We experience great joy in learning from each other, and together we have made significant achievements in science and innovation. Some of our achievements include Dahl et al., Nature 2016; Sankar et al., Nat. Cell Biol. 2020; Wang et al., Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2023; Li et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2023.

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is absolutely crucial to solving the tasks required of us. We therefore want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Tasks

The Researcher may perform experiments to examine mechanisms key to the regulation of genome silencing in oocytes, and genome activation and developmental arrest in embryos, encompassing both animal and human aspects.

The successful candidate will be involved in leading one or more well-funded projects, and in addition the candidate will have the opportunity to develop own ideas into a new project. We have developed novel leading technologies e.g. in the single-cell field, and the candidate will have the opportunity to learn and apply these.
The most profound epigenetic reprogramming events in higher organisms take place under the formation of gametes, and in the early embryo. Furthermore, gametes and early embryos offer unique opportunities to study in vivo genome silencing and genome activation, respectively.

The work will also allow for development of innovative methodology with great potential for both patenting, and advancing basic and clinical science. Because of some similarities of cancerous cells and early embryos, and the potential to learn new insights across fields, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in both fields.

We are looking for a talented and dedicated person who can work both independently as well as in the context of a team. We look forward to recruit a new team member that enjoy science and would like to help us ask and address the biggest questions we can think of.

Qualifications

• A strong background in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Embryology, or similar fields.
  
• Knowledge of methods in molecular biology and/or embryology is essential.
  
• It is an advantage to have experience with one or more of the following research areas and techniques: Epigenetics, oogenesis, embryology, gametogenesis, ChIP-seq, WGBS, CRISPR/Cas9, Mass Spec, collection of mouse and human oocytes and embryos, injections and/or other manipulation of oocytes/embryos, FACS sorting, immunofluorescence microscopy, single-cell technologies and bioinformatics.
  
• A deep understanding of epigenetics will be considered an advantage. Good knowledge of oocyte/embryo biology will be considered an advantage.
  
• Potential candidates have completed a PhD degree. Previous postdoc experience is considered an advantage.
  
• License in Laboratory Animal Handling is considered an advantage.
  
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills are required.

Education field

Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Embryology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics/genomics or computer science, or similar fields.

Education level

PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Embryology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics/genomics or computer science, or similar fields, with one or more publications in internationally well-renowned, peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Personal qualities

• The candidate should be highly motivated and dedicated, and have a strong interest in scientific research.
• The candidate should be able to work both independently as well as in the context of a team, and be well organized.
• Good communication skills are an advantage as the successful applicant is expected to interact well with other members of the lab, and collaborate well with computational biologists, clinicians and embryologists.
  
  Languages
  Excellent English written and good verbal communication skills are required.
  
  The location
  We are located at the Oslo University Hospital, adjacent to an idyllic forest. Oslo offers the rare combination of being a vibrant capital and closeness to pristine nature. With truly four seasons, you can enjoy beach life and go swimming in the summer and go skiing in the winter. There are excellent hiking opportunities all year. Oslo is ranked as one of the best cities in the world to live in.

We can offer

• An ambitious and stimulating scientific environment with excellent opportunities for academic development.
  
• Two-year position, with possibilities for extension.
  
• Top modern and excellent lab facilities with a wide range of core facilities.
  
• Attractive salary according to the guidelines from the Oslo University Hospital.
  
• Favorable pension arrangements.
• Attractive welfare arrangements, with affordable high-quality childcare available.
  
  
  Interested persons should submit the following documents:
  1) Single-page application letter. (Summary of scientific work and motivation for applying).
  2) Curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and other qualifying activity).
  3) List of publications.
  4) Contact information of preferably three references (minimum two) that must include one coworker and at least one current or previous supervisor (name, email address, affiliation, phone number and relation to the candidate).
  
  Applications must be submitted through the official recruitment website WebCruiter.
  
  Web page: https://www.ous-research.no/home/dahl/Group+members/13129