PhD Fellowship position in microbiota and its connection to osteoarthritis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

At the Faculty of Health Science, Department of Life Sciences and Health there is an available position as a PhD fellow within the research field of gut microbiology and its effect on human health, in this project with a particular focus on osteoarthritis. The position is linked to the initiative of “Intelligent Health” at Oslo Metropolitan University.

The position has a duration of three years, and the desired start date is 01.12.23.

The project is a cross interdisciplinary research collaboration between glycomics  led by Prof Niclas Karlsson, the research group “Disease and Environmental Exposures” lead by Prof Colin Charnock, The aim is to explore possible links between osteoarthritis and the microbiome of osteoarthritic patients.  The project will make use of state-of-the-art metagenomic profiling and glycomics together with patient information.

Area of research

Osteoarthritis is a disease, which manifests as as degradation of the joint cartilage, and is regarded as an age-associated condition. This disabling disease generates a significant burden on the health care system, affecting around 10% of the population in a westernized society. However, the reason why some elderly suffers severely form the disease, while others appear not to be affected remains a mystery. In this project we will explore if an unhealthy gut microbiota can contribute to an increased disease burden in osteoarthritic patients. The work will take place partly at OsloMet (campus Pilestredet, Oslo) and partly at a collaboratingpartner in Leiden, the Netherlands. Some travel to and work in the Netherlands is expected.

Qualification requirements

• master's degree (120 credits/ECTS) in analytical chemistry, chemistry, microbiology biochemistry, biomedicine, or equivalent
• experience with laboratory work
• proficiency in both written and spoken English

Terms

Admission to a relevant doctoral programme is a prerequisite. To gain admission to the PhD -programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences, applicants must have grade B or above in their master's thesis/major thesis (or a grade considered as equivalent) and an overall grade corresponding to B or above in the master's degree.

• see information about criteria here
• The final plan for the doctoral education must be approved and contractual no later than 3 months after commencement
• personal suitability will be emphasized
• general criteria for appointment to academic positions are covered by the Regulations relating to terms and conditions of employment

The following would be an advantage:

• experience with glycomics and/or microbiology.
• experience from work with omics, big data and statistics
• experience using R or similar.
• good understanding of biological disease processes and microbiology.

It is important to OsloMet to reflect the population of our region, and all qualified candidates are welcome to apply. We make active endeavors to further develop OsloMet as an inclusive workplace and to make adaptations to the workplace where required. You are also welcome to apply for a position with us if you have had periods where you have not been in employment, education or training.

We can offer you

• An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
• Opportunities for professional development in a creative academic and research environment
• International research mobility, since the selected candidate is expected to be involved in work exchange with European research partners and present work at national and international conferences and workshops.
• You will take part in an exciting and important research project. You will work with clinicians, microbiologists, biostatisticians and glycobiologists in the field of microbiota and health, an area or research that has gained lot of attention due to an increased understanding that our bacterial flora has the capacity to influence our well-being.
• Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (spk.no/en/)
• Beneficial welfare schemes c
• A wide range of sports and cultural activities at the university
• Free Norwegian language classes for employees and their partners/spouses

Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway (oslomet.no/en/work)

The salary for the position is in accordance with the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, job title and position code. State salary wage scale 54, 532 200 NOK per year (equivalent to approximately $ 50,000 per year)  

Application

We use an electronic recruitment system, and by the application deadline you must upload the following documents together with the application:

• Letter of application, CV, reference letters and all pages of certificates/diplomas. The certificates/diplomas must include ECTS grades (A–F). Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the degree-conferring institution. Education taken abroad should preferably be recognised in advance by NOKUT (www.nokut.no/en/), and a confirmed copy of the letter of recognition should be enclosed.
• Your master's degree/second degree thesis (and any other scholarly work that you wish the expert committee to take into consideration) and a list of your publications, if relevant
• A list of at least two references

You must upload all of these documents. Original documents and valid passport must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. The application must state your reasons for applying for the position and what makes you particularly qualified to carry out this PhD work.

Other information

For more information about the position, feel free to contact:

• professor Niclas Karlsson, niclaska@oslomet.no
• professor Colin Charnock, colin@oslomet.no
• for administrative questions HR rådgiver Kate Olsen, kateol@oslomet.no
• for questions about admission to the PhD programme, contact phd-hv@oslomet.no

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to OsloMet.

OsloMet has adhered to the principles in the DORA declaration (sfdora.org/read/) and is obliged to follow the recommendations in this declaration.

A background check may be conducted to verify information in submitted CVs and available documents. Background checks are not conducted without the consent of the applicant and relevant applicants will receive further information about this.

Deadline for applications: 19..september 2023

Ref.:  23/05604