Dissecting causal mechanisms of non-coding variants in metabolic disease

At the University of Bergen, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Clinical Science, a full-time temporary PhD-position is available for a period of three (3) years.

The position is part of the project “Dissecting causal mechanisms of non-coding variants in metabolic disease”, funded by the Norwegian Research Council and in collaboration with Associate Prof. Melina Claussnitzer at the Broad Instutite of MIT and Harvard, Boston, USA.
Project

We recently published groundbreaking research in functional genomics in, e.g., Cell (PMID: 24439387) and the New England Journal of Medicine (PMID: 26287746).The major aim of the project is to reveal new specific cellular mechanisms and molecular targets in adipocytes that may be targeted to improve prevention and treatment of obesity-related diseases. Towards a precision medicine paradigm, we will seek to translate genetic data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) into mechanistic disease models, by integrating an array of computational and experimental approaches. The project will focus on genetic variants, target genes, master regulators and gene networks that mediate their disease-promoting effect in adipocytes, particularly in the intra-abdominal fat compartment that strongly associates with metabolic diseases.
PositionThe main objectives for the position are to experimentally manipulate candidate genetic variants, master regulators and target genes in human cells and animal models, and test effects of this manipulation on relevant cellular and organismal functions, and further link these effects to clinical data from patient cohort/prospective intervention studies. The work will be performed in a research environment with other doctoral and master students and researchers working on similar projects.

For further information please contact Assistant Professor Simon Dankel, phone: +47 94 30 86 37 or e-mail: [Email Address Removed].
Qualifications and qualities•The successful applicant must hold a cand. med. or equivalent master’s degree at the closing date for applications, and should have experience from relevant research projects
•Personal skills will be emphasized, including academic quality, research experience and ability to cooperate and work in a team. The candidate should be able to work independently, and have a strong commitment and enthusiasm for research and for learning/establishing new experimental/analytical techniques
•The successful applicant must be fluent in oral and written English
•The applicant must have a theoretical background in molecular and cell biology, genetics, metabolism and physiology, and should have prior knowledge of adipocyte biology
•In addition, the applicant must have prior experience with molecular biology laboratory work, including methods development and troubleshooting, and techniques such as cell culture, cell transfection, RNA/cDNA prep, qPCR, Western blotting, cloning, genome editing and functional and other relevant assays (e.g., radioactivity assays, Seahorse XF, lipid staining, histology, ELISA, EMSA, luciferase reporter assays)

Applicants whose education is from another country than Norway, need to also attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is required that the applicant enclose a confirmation from NOKUT that the education in question is of a scope and level that corresponds to the level of a Norwegian master’s degree. Please see www.nokut.no/en for more information about NOKUT’s general recognition. The recognition from NOKUT may take some time and the application should be sent to NOKUT as soon as you have decided to apply for the position.
Organized research training (PhD program)The candidate must take part in the University of Bergen approved PhD programme leading to the degree within a time limit of 3 years. You must have admission to the organized research training (PhD program) at the Faculty in order to qualify for the position.

Application for admission to the PhD programme, including a project plan outline for the training plan must be submitted no later than three months after the date of commencement.
The PhD-positionPhD-positions are fixed term positions. You cannot be employed in a PhD-position for more than one fixed term period at the same institution or have had similar employment at an institution in the region. If you have been previously employed in a recruitment position, this same period of engagement will be deducted from the total employment period.
We can offer•The salary will be paid in accordance with level 50 (code 1017/pay framwork 20.8) on the government salary scale, at present NOK 432 700 gross p.a. for a full time position. Further increases in salary will be based on seniority in the position. For applicants who have completed their internships, salary level 52, at present NOK 446 900 gross p.a. for a full time position. Medical specialist start on wage level 58 (code 1017/ pay framwork 20.15), at present NOK 494 800 gross p.a. for a full time position
•A good pension scheme in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
•A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise)
•Good welfare benefits

For more information regarding what the University of Bergen can offer its employees please visit: http://www.uib.no/en/poa/74243/what-can-university-bergen-offer-its-employees
Recruitment to state employment
State employment shall reflect the diversity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. The University of Bergen has therefore adopted a personnel policy objective to ensure that we achieve a balanced age and sex composition and the recruitment of persons of various ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities. Persons of different ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities are therefore encouraged to apply for the position.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any given time.

The University of Bergen applies the principles of public openness when recruiting staff to scientific positions. Information about the applicant may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if her/his request is not respected.
How to apply
The application must contain:
•A brief letter of application stating your motivation for the position, why you are applying and why the position is perfect for you
•A Curriculum Vitae with a complete review of all academic education and professional experience
•Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts of grades. Applicants whose education is from another country than Norway, need to also attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is required that the applicant enclose a confirmation from NOKUT that the education in question is of a scope and level that corresponds to the level of a Norwegian master’s degree. Please see www.nokut.no/en for more information about NOKUT’s general recognition
•Complete list of publications and scientific work you want to be evaluated
•Two referees (name and contact information)
•Optional: A two-page project proposal within the topic of the position, including short theoretical background, hypothesis, experimental plan and references

Please send your application with attachments electronically via Jobbnorge by clicking on the button marked “Apply for this job” following this link: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/135584/two-full-time-temporary-positions-as-phd-candidate-at-the-department-of-clinical-science

The applications will be sent electronically to the assessment committee. Please notice that the applications will be assessed only on the basis of information available in Jobbnorge when the deadline expires. It is the applicant`s responsibility to ensure that all relevant attachments are submitted by the deadline.

Please notice that applications sent by e-mail will not be considered…