PhD Research Fellow within the field of prostate cancer and -omics technologies: revealing the molecular mechanisms of novel and promising metabolite biomarkers

A position as PhD Research Fellow at the Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging (ISB), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is now open. The PhD Research Fellow will be part of the MR Cancer Group, which is a multidisciplinary research group working within the field of personalized cancer medicine.

For more information about the Department and the research group, see the following pages:
http://www.ntnu.edu/isb and http://www.ntnu.edu/isb/mr-cancer

The period of employment for the position is three years (100%) with a desired start date of January 1st 2018. The position has the objective of qualifying for higher academic positions. Admission to a doctoral degree program is a requirement for employment as a PhD candidate. For regulations concerning the PhD-degree at NTNU, please visit: http://www.ntnu.edu/dmf/research/phd

Project
Correct diagnosis of early stage prostate cancer is challenging given the limitations of the currently available clinical tools and the biological understanding of the disease. In this project, we will use ‘omics’ technologies (metabolomics and transcriptomics) as well as histopathology to be performed on the same prostate tissue sample. MR spectroscopy, MALDI-imaging, RNA sequencing will be important methodology. Our goal is to reveal the molecular mechanisms of novel, but also promising metabolite biomarkers and their connection to recurrence and tissue heterogeneity in human prostate cancer.

The candidate will be involved in both laboratory work and analysis of large biological data sets. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Maastricht University, the Nederlands and University of Münster, Germany.

Qualifications/requirements
We seek a talented, enthusiastic and creative scientist with a strong commitment to research that suits the following criteria:
- A master’s degree or an equivalent education within Molecular Biology (or similar scientific areas; biostatistics, analytical chemistry, molecular medicine) with an average grade of B or higher (A to E grading system; A highest), in accordance with NTNU’s grading system.
- Proficiency in oral and written English

Emphasis will be placed on:
- The candidate’s motivation for the position
- Good cooperation and communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as the ability to collaborate interdisciplinary
- Documented experience with magnetic resonance spectroscopy and/or mass spectrometry.
- Documented practical and theoretical experience from relevant molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, biotechnology, analytical chemistry.

The following skills will be considered an advantage, but are not required
- Programming skills (Matlab, R, Java, Python or similar)
- Experience with statistical analysis of large data sets (“big data”, chemometrics or similar)

We offer:
- Challenging and exciting work
- Good pension, insurance and loan schemes through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

Depending on qualifications and academic background, PhD Candidates (in code 1017) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences will be remunerated at a minimum of NOK 436 500 per year before tax. Normal wage level is NOK 436 500 – 499 200 of which 2% is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The appointment will be made in accordance with current regulations and supplementary rules with guidelines for employment as PhD Candidate appointments at universities and university colleges.

How to apply
Applicants are asked to apply via this page, www.jobbnorge.no, and to attach all relevant documents, see list below.

The candidate’s motivation, skills and personal qualifications for the position and project should be described in the application letter. The application should contain the following attachments:
- Applicant’s CV (including list of publications, relevant former positions and copy of relevant transcripts and diplomas)
- A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or employer
- Contact information for at least two references (including email addresses and telephone number)
- Other relevant information

Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: http://ec.europa.eu/education/tools/diploma-supplement_en.htm

Candidates from non-English speaking countries outside the Nordic countries must provide official documentation of their English competence. Approved tests are TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficincy in English (CPE).The following results are required: TOEFL: 600/ writing 4.5 (paper-based test), 92 / writing 22 (internet-based test) IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted) CAE/CPE:grade B or A.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Science want to attract outstanding and creative candidates who can contribute to our ongoing research activities.

We believe that diversity is important to achieve a good, inclusive working environment. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, disability or cultural background.

Applications are to be submitted electronically via www.jobbnorge.no within the deadline of 20.10.2017.

For further information about the position, please contact:

May-Britt Tessem, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, email:
[Email Address Removed], mobile: + 47 92406886

For further information about the application process, contact:
HR Consultant Sissel Sollien, email; [Email Address Removed], mobile: mobile + 47 48 05 11 91