Researcher in cancer nanomedicine

About the position

The University of Stavanger has a vacancy for a researcher in cancer nanomedicine at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Environmental Science for a period of two years from January 2027.

The appointee will primarily contribute to research projects and to innovation and value creation based on research results. The appointee will also contribute to the development of collaboration with industry and ensuring that research results are utilized in society.

The position is externally funded with funds from the Research Council of Norway.

The general position description for researchers at UiS provides a more detailed description of relevant tasks.

About the research project and the research area

The research project investigates targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) carrying therapeutic RNA as a potential treatment strategy for HER2-positive breast cancer. The study utilizes an in vivo model with zebrafish embryos to assess the effect and biodistribution of these RNA-based nanocarriers. The research includes the identification and selection of therapeutic microRNAs, encapsulation of these in ligand-functionalized lipid nanoparticles to target them toward HER2+-cells, as well as validation of their anti-cancer effect in zebrafish xenotransplants, using both established breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived cell models.

The appointee will work with zebrafish models of breast cancer and investigate the effects of nanoparticles targeting HER2-positive cells, both when these cells form solid tumors and when they circulate as tumor cells in the bloodstream.

Qualifications

You must have a strong academic background with a five-year master's degree in biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field, preferably of recent date.

It is an advantage if you have:

• training in basic methods within biotechnology and/or molecular biology
• experience with zebrafish models, cell culture, and fluorescence microscopy
• previous laboratory experience with RNA interference and/or nanoparticles.

The appointee will receive necessary training in relevant methods.

Furthermore, emphasis is placed on you having:

• high academic integrity and a focus on quality in your work
• curiosity and motivation to carry out the research project and contribute to academic communities across disciplines
• the ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with other researchers
• the ability for critical reflection, innovation, and independent problem-solving, working in a structured and goal-oriented manner
• good collaboration and communication skills and contributing to a constructive working environment
• good skills in English, both written and oral.

We offer

• varied tasks at a university with an important societal mission
• an ambitious and inclusive working environment
• salary according to the State Salary Scale l.pl 17.510, code 1108, NOK 600,000-700,000 gross per year. In special cases, higher remuneration may be considered. Statutory contributions to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted from the salary.
• membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which ensures good pension and insurance schemes
• more about employee benefits and advantages on our websites

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity is a strength at the university. Different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to better solutions and a good working and learning environment. We seek applicants with diverse qualifications, life experiences, and perspectives, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of gender, age, disability, cultural background, or whether you have had gaps in your professional life. UiS facilitates employees in different life stages and for employees with a need for individual accommodation.

In accordance with current regulations, at least one qualified applicant with a disability, a gap in their CV, or an immigrant background will be invited to an interview. If this applies to you, you can state it in the job application portal. Read more about the scheme here.

The university wishes for better gender balance in research positions within the field and therefore particularly encourages women to apply. In the case of nearly equal qualifications, a woman may be prioritized in accordance with current regulations.

How to apply

Apply for the position via "Søk stillingen" on this page.

In Jobbnorge, you must register at least an application text, relevant education and work experience, as well as language skills. In the application text, you must highlight your research interests and motivation for the position.

The following documentation must be uploaded as attachments to the application:

• CV with a complete overview of education and experience
• publications or other relevant research work
• diplomas and certificates, as well as documentation of other activities considered relevant

The documentation must be provided in a Scandinavian language or English.

The application will be assessed based on the information registered in Jobbnorge at the expiration of the application deadline. Therefore, ensure that the application clearly shows how your competence and experience meet the competency requirements described in the announcement, and that necessary documentation is uploaded. If the attachments exceed 100 MB in total, they must be compressed before uploading.

UiS only processes applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge.

Information about applicants may be made public even if an exemption from the public list of applicants has been requested, cf. the Freedom of Information Act § 25. If the request is not granted, you will be notified.

Terms and process of employment

UiS is subject to the Security Act, and employees are expected to exhibit security-conscious behavior and follow current security and export control routines. Upon employment, qualities such as reliability, judgment, and loyalty will be emphasized.

As a researcher with a PhD within the field, you will be able to apply for promotion to researcher in code 1109 according to the rules in the Regulations for promotion to researcher 1109 in state enterprises.

The university's guidelines for employment and promotion in teaching and research positions, points 2 and 3.6, provide further details on the criteria for appointment as a researcher.

UiS has signed The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA) with a commitment that when assessing research and researchers, we recognize different forms of results, practices, and activities.

Your competence for the position, based on the documentation registered in Jobbnorge, will be assessed by an internal committee. Based on the committee's statement, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates. More about the recruitment process on our websites.

It is a prerequisite that you reside such that you can be present at, and available to, the professional environment at the workplace during ordinary working hours.

The position is announced in both Norwegian and English. In the event of a discrepancy between the texts, the English text shall prevail.