PhD Research Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Biophysics
About the position
Position as PhD Research Fellow in Experimental Nuclear Biophysics- Novel anticancer therapy based on proton-photosensitizer interactions and Proton Boron Capture Therapy- is available at the Department of Physics. The position is funded by the University of Oslo and is in the remit of the European EIC Pathfinder Open project NuCapCure.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Starting date no later than October 1, 2024.
The fellowship period is 3 years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
Knowledge development in a changing world – Science and technology towards 2030.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Job description
NuCapCure is a project aiming to launch two novel anticancer modalities based on i) accelerated protons and ii) thermal neutrons. The proton modality will be a hybrid between 1. proton radiotherapy; 2. protondynamic therapy (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12042-7) and 3. proton boron capture therapy. The neutron modality will be a hybrid between 1. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and 2. photosensitizer activation by neutrons (https://www.fringe-fetopen.eu/). The project is modelled on the incurable brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme and its most fascinating aspect is that we intend to “hijack” intracellular pathways to perform the necessary chemistry for us, specifically within cancer cells.The present PhD project will aim to optimize the irradiation regime at the Oslo Cyclotron laboratory at UiO on cells for protondynamic therapy on the photosensitizer PpIX derived from the administration of 5-ALA to cells.
The project will also establish Boron Proton Capture Therapy (BPCT) based on the project bespoke compounds. Specifically, this will include optimizing of the irradiation regime for both protondynamic therapy and BPCT for the maximal cell elimination.
A secondary objective is the determination of the optimal point within the Bragg peak for cell monolayer irradiation. This will be achieved by developing a dosimetry system for the proton irradiation of cells at the Oslo Cyclotron laboratory. The determination of the Bragg peak for the new detectors acquired for this project will be conducted through both simulation and experiments with accelerated protons. Simulations will form a key portion of this process and will enable microdosimetry of the irradiation.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
Required:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, with specialization in experimental nuclear physics
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- A scientific profile relevant for the research program as outlined above
- A solid background in scientific computing, including proficiency in Python or C++ programming
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
Desired:
- Familiarity with Monte Carlo simulations, particle-transport codes and in particular, the GEANT4 simulation toolkit.
- Prior experience with accelerated proton beam work.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools such as ROOT, Matlab, Origin and/or Sigmaplot.
Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2024 to complete the final exam.
Grade and language requirements:
The norm is as follows:
- The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- For candidates who would like to apply for a fourth year including teaching, good knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is strongly preferred.
- English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.
For more information see:
http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/
Personal skills
- We are looking for a highly motivated, creative, and structured candidate with excellent collaboration and communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.
- Ability of critical thinking, and quick understanding of complex experimental processes
We offer
- Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Career development programmes
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
How to apply
The application must include:
- Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, previous positions and academic work)
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency
- List of any publications and academic work 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)
- Applicants who are interested in teaching need to add to this application a description of their motivation for and (if any) experience with teaching.
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting 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.
Interviews will be part of the hiring process.
The research area for the position may include technologies referred to in the Ministry’s export control regulations and all candidates will be evaluated in accordance with these regulations.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.
UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.
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.
Contact information
For further information please contact: Theodossis A. Theodossiou, e-mail: t.a.theodossiou@fys.uio.no mobile: +47 91828003
For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The research at the Department of Physics covers a broad range of subfields within physics and technology: From space research to medical physics.
A good proportion of the research is interdisciplinary, and conducted in close cooperation with collaborators in Norway and abroad. Education and teaching are other essential activities. We offer a broad range of courses, and the Department is involved in several study programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level. Some of the best lecturers in Norway are amongst our employees, and we are proud of our prizewinning teaching and learning environment. The Department has 200 employees, of which 50 are permanent scientific positions. On a yearly basis 20 students complete their Ph.D. and 50 finish their M.Sc. degree.
Deadline: 2024-02-29 at 23:59
Unit: Physical sciences/Math
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.