Innovative adaptive Immunotherapy Development using new Animal models (IIDEA) A Postdoc position (Norwegian Cancer Society) is available for 2 years, from September 1st 2022 at the Translational Research Unit (S. Wälchli), Section of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital (OUH).The organization and focus of the research groups The focus of the Translational Research Unit is to create new immunotherapy treatments against cancer. 

This includes the pre-clinical development and validation of enhanced cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapy (TCR, CAR) and the improvement of cellular therapy to fight the tumour microenvironment. The group is located in a modern building next to the Hospital at the Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator (occincubator.com).

Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is essential to perform the tasks required of us. Therefore, we pursue diversity among our job applicants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of who you are and what background you have.

Job description

IIDEA is a collaborative project between the University of Bergen (E. Mc Cormack (PI)/P. Gelebart) and OUH which aims at defeating the “T-cell exhaustion program” and increase CAR T cell potency against solid tumours.The OUH work package involves the pre-clinical evaluation of CAR T cells against Ovarian Cancer which will include testing of novel CAR designs such as combinatorial CARs or enhanced CARs. In addition, we will validate the efficacy of these novel CAR T cells using advanced live-cell microscopy on primary tumour slices and novel immune avatar in vivo models.QualificationsThe successful candidate needs to be creative, flexible (visit to collaborators in Bergen and Paris might be required) and hard working.It is essential to have a strong background in primary T-cell culture and manipulation.

 This should be documented by prior scientific publications with a description of the candidate’s contribution. In addition, the candidate should also document command of at least one of the following techniques

: (i) flow cytometry, 

(ii) fluorescent microscopy, 

(iii) molecular biology including design, cloning and expression or

 (iv) animal research (Function cat. A, B or D)Considered as an advantage: 

(i) CAR T-cell work,

 (ii) CRISPR/Cas9, 

(iii) manipulation of primary tissues,

 (vi) manipulation of spheroids

 (v) manipulation of different viral vectors (retro- or lenti-).Potential candidates have completed (or are close to completing) a PhD degree in biology or medicine equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.

This position requires a good command of English and informatics tools, as well as the ability to independently write scientific articles and funding applications. We offerWe offer a position in a dynamic environment within modern and fully equipped facilities. In addition, the candidate will be encouraged to participate in at least one international conference per year where he/she will present his/her data. How to applyInterested candidates should submit the following documents to Webcruiter (note that applications lacking any of these two requirements will be discarded automatically, and only applications in Webcruiter will be evaluated): A concise application letter (2 pages max including the required description of previous T cell work (with references) and at least one of the required techniques listed).A Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, a list of technical skills and the names of three referees (letters will be asked during the second round). The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruitment system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. 

Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language). In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.