Department of Anatomy PhD Candidate in cellular metabolite transport
One PhD position in cellular metabolite transport is available for 3-4 years at the Neurotransporter Group, Department of Anatomy, the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO). The laboratory is led by Professor Niels Chr. Danbolt and studies basic aspects of transporter proteins involved in metabolite transport as well as in brain signaling, including their importance in brain diseases, diabetes and drug addiction.
The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences consists of different departments engaged in basic and translational science, as well as education of medical students, dental students, and students of nutrition. The institute has approximately 350 employees and is located in the Domus Medica. More information about the Institute can be found here: http://www.med.uio.no/imb/english/
The objective of a research fellowship is completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Candidates must have completed higher education equivalent to a Norwegian master degree and be granted admission to the Faculty’s PhD program. The fellowship period is 3 years devoted to research training or 4 years with a 25 % teaching commitment. The period devoted to research training may be reduced within the framework of pertaining regulations based on previously held research training positions. The research fellow is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. Please also refer to the regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the post as research fellow:
link.
Job DescriptionThe candidate will primarily work on the project "Choline and betaine metabolism in the liver", which is an unexpected spinoff from our studies of GABA transporter proteins in the brain. There are four GABA transporters. We now know that two of them (GAT1 and GAT3) control the action of neurotransmitter GABA while the other two (GAT2 and BGT1) play as yet unknown functions in the leptomeninges, in the kidneys and (predominantly) in the liver. The primary aim of the present project is to determine the importance of BGT1 for liver function. BGT1 transports betaine which the liver needs to protect itself from the harmful effects of ethanol and high fat diets. The hypothesis to be tested is if defective BGT1 transporters increase liver vulnerability. The candidate will not be working alone, but will be member of a team that aims at uncovering the roles of GABA transporter proteins in health and disease. The candidate will take part in the overall activity although the primary focus is the "Choline and betaine metabolism in the liver". The team members will together share the burden of running the laboratory which comprises management of our colonies of genetically modified mice. Well performing candidates will be given the opportunity to work parts of the time with our collaborators in Germany and USA.
Qualifications:- Applicants must hold a master degree or equivalent in biology, medicine, molecular biology, mathematics, electrophysiology or chemistry.
- Applicant must be granted admission to the Faculty’s PhD program
- We are looking for motivated individuals with the personal prerequisites to carry out the project. This comprises a basic understanding of biochemistry and biology. However, more important than formal competence and experience is the desire, stamina and ability to find the answers to biological questions. This comprises ability to navigate and to acquire relevant new skills as required during the progression of the project. To do this, the candidate needs a portion of individualism and independence, but at the same time be able to collaborate and work in a team.
- Both theoretical and practical skills (including motoric skills) are important. Thus, experience from relevant research is fine, but other types of varied practical experience will also count.
- Acquaintance with Norwegian language is not required, but successful applicant with good Norwegian skills is eligible for a 4-year program period requiring teaching of medical students (25%).
- Willingness to hold an animal license and work with experimental animals is an absolute requirement.
- The candidate must be able to communicate in English
We offerThe application must include:- Application letter (including a summary of the applicant's scientific work and interests and describing how she/he fits the description of the person we seek)
- CV ( education since high school (place, grade), positions held and details of academic work)
- List of publications, published abstracts, presentations
- Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records
- Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments is to be delivered in our electronic recruiting system EasyCruit. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please remember that
alldocuments should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe.
Applicants may be called in for an interview and a practical test.
In accordance with the University of Oslo´s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
The University of Oslo has an agreement regarding acquisition of rights to work results for all employees, with the aim to secure rights to research results, etc.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
Applications must be delivered in EasyCruit. Applications sent by email will not be accepted.Sted: Domus Medica
Tiltredelse: 01.10.2014
Contact person(s):
Professor Niels Christian Danbolt, tlf: 47 22851260
Online application form:
[Click here]
