Researcher in Computational Biology and Cancer Epigenetics

Researcher in Computational Biology and Cancer Epigenetics

A three-year computational biology research position, linked to the project "Targeting Epigenetic dysregulation in Sarcoma" funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society, is available at the Division of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (Department of Molecular Medicine), University of Oslo, Norway.

More about the position

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal soft tissue and bone cancers comprising 1% of adult malignancies. Emerging research suggests that a combination of genetic and epigenetic events can drive the onset and progression of tumours. However, the understanding of the specific epigenetic events responsible for driving and sustaining Sarcomas remains incomplete. We aim to identify Sarcoma weaknesses by combining knowledge about genetic alterations and epigenetic aberrations to enable the identification of novel cancer targets. To elucidate these mechanisms in Sarcomas, we use genetic, pharmacological, biochemical, single-cell, and genome-wide approaches.

This project will specifically rely on high throughput and long-read sequencing of genomic DNA and RNA, single-cell multiomics, and epigenetic techniques such as ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and Hi-C. We also perform chemical drug and genome-wide CRISPR screens to identify novel sarcoma targets. The candidate will be responsible for computational analysis to better understand biological features in Sarcomas. Data integration combined with algorithm development is a potent strategy to create novel models that can be tested experimentally, improving our understanding of complex mechanisms promoting tumorigenesis.

We seek a highly motivated individual with a strong computational biology background to pioneer the development of algorithms and software and analyze chromatin and epigenetics data. To ensure high accessibility, interoperability, and reproducibility, the developed functionalities will be open-source (github.com/EskelandLab). The project will have access to computational infrastructure, both HPC hardware and existing genome analysis codebase. The candidate should be able to work independently and in a team of wet-lab researchers and computational biologists.

The project will be co-supervised by Anthony Mathelier, leading the Computational Biology & Gene Regulation group at the Norwegian Center for Molecular Biosciences and Medicine (NCMM), UiO (https://mathelierlab.com/). The epigenetic environment at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences performs cutting-edge research into chromatin organization in health and disease. The Eskeland lab is part of a Norwegian center of excellence, CanCell, which offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and training.

Qualification requirements

Qualification requirements

Candidates for this position will be selected based on excellence.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Data Science, or a related field obtained in the last 5 years. The doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• At least one first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal (or available as a preprint) within the last two years.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., in Python, R, or bash).
• Proficiency in high-throughput sequencing data analysis (e.g., ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, Hi-C, or single-cell sequencing).
• Fluent oral and excellent written communication skills in English.

Experience in the following will be an advantage:

• Computational genomics data analysis.
• Single-cell RNA-seq.
• Analysis of CRISPR screen or drug screens datasets.
• Workflow management tools such as Nextflow or Snakemake.
• Expertise in machine learning or statistical modeling for biological data.
• Software development such as web-based apps for Epigenetic data sharing.

Personal skills

• Ability to communicate science.
• Collaborate with researchers from different fields and at different career stages.
• Willingness to be part of a team to share knowledge and skills.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills.

We offer

• Salary NOK minimum 579 700 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109).
• Professionally stimulating working environment.
• Opportunity to gain experience in teaching and supervision of students.
• Vibrant international academic environment.
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.

Oslo's family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position.

Application

Your application should include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation for this position, summary of scientific work and research interests (at least one page).
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, and other qualifying activity).
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcripts of records and letters of recommendation (academic transcripts must have English translation if in other language).
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and telephone number).

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28,000 students and 7,000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.

The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences overall objective is to promote basic medical knowledge in order to understand normal processes, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. The Institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for the programmes of professional study in medicine and the Master's programme in clinical nutrition. The Institute has more than 300 employees and is located in Domus Medica.

Questions about the position

Ragnhild Eskeland

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