Postdoctoral Research fellowship in Molecular Immunology

Job description

Applicants are invited for a position as Postdoctoral Fellow in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation and T cell biology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo.

The position is funded by the European Research Council. Associate prof. Johanne T. Jacobsen is head of the research group.

More about the position

The successful candidate will join a highly motivated team with diverse skills and expertise across molecular biology and immunology. We seek a motivated, creative and energetic candidate that is expected to take active part in the research cooperation within the project. The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

This particular project relates to the biology of T cell subsets that drive and shape our adaptive immune system. The project will center around T follicular helper cells, that drive the germinal center (GC) reaction and shape the quality of germinal center B cells and protective antibodies. We aim to understand the biology of T follicular helper cells and other T cell subsets in the GC and their contribution to driving or dampening the process. Multiple projects are available following up on our paper (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34437125/) showing how expression of Foxp3 in helper T cells can dampen the GC reaction.

To understand how T cell subsets shape the GC reaction, we use several tools including photoactivation of microanatomical areas, 2-photon intravital microscopy and methods for biochemically tagging cellular interactions. We are also developing new tools to further increase the resolution in time and space with which we can investigate and understand the T cell subsets that shape our adaptive immune response. The position will provide a unique opportunity to pursue basic research combined with development of innovative approaches to generate novel models for understanding T cell biology. Our laboratory also has an eye on clinical research with projects relating to production of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

The head of the laboratory has obtained a European Research Council starting grant and has many ongoing collaborations with international collaborators. The Laboratory of Immunoregulation and T cell biology is part of the Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine at the Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo. The department has a Visiting Professor Program and a Guest Lecturer Program. To carry out our work we have a 2-photon microscope in our group, we also have access to a transgenic facility, a flow cytometry core facility, a sequencing facility and imaging facility should we need other microscopes than the 2-photon we have internally.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a project-relevant PhD degree. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Highly motivated and structured candidate with background in molecular biology or immunology.
• Proven knowledge of molecular and cell biology techniques. Experience with mouse models, tissue culture, flow cytometry and experience or interest in bioinformatics including R and single cell RNA seq analysis is preferred. Prior experience working with T cells is beneficial.
• Candidates must have strong proficiency in verbal and written English.

We offer

• Salary NOK 575 400 - 679 700 (per annum) depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow.
• A professionally stimulating working environment.
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.
• Multiple international collaborations and opportunities to extend your scientific network.

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity).
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only).
• A complete list of publications.
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number).

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.