PhD Candidate

Oslo universitetssykehus HF; Oslo; On-site; NOK 520,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

Oslo University Hospital seeks a PhD Candidate for a three-year fixed-term position in the Section for Transplantation Surgery, starting fall 2026. The project focuses on liver transplantation, mitochondrial function, and machine perfusion; the candidate will work with liver cell lines, organoids, and animal models as part of a large research team.

The successful applicant will perform standard molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, histology, ELISA) and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physiology, molecular or cellular biology, or completed medical education.
• English proficiency must meet UiO PhD requirements.
• Master's courses with an average grade of B or better.
• Must fulfil admission criteria for uptake on the PhD program at the University of Oslo; evaluated during recruitment.
• Personal suitability is important in the selection process.
• Documented knowledge in handling cell lines and organoids; specify in motivation letter.
• Documented experience with mitochondrial research; specify in motivation letter.
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Advantageous: animal experiments and FELASA C certification.
• Advantageous: experience with machine perfusion of human livers.

Responsibilities

• Lead hepatocyte cell work and mitochondria experiments.
• Compile, process, and analyse research data.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team focused on human liver machine perfusion.
• Execute tasks independently and as part of a collaborative research environment.

Skills

Mitochondrial research

Cell lines and organoids

Molecular biology techniques

qPCR

Western blot

Histology

ELISA

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in physiology, molecular or cellular biology or completed medical education

Tools

Cell culture

Organoid handling

Machine perfusion knowledge

Job description

We are seeking a PhD Candidate for a 100 % fixed-term position spanning three years within the Section for Transplantation Surgery, starting up during fall of 2026. The position is funded by South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Sør-Øst) and is linked to the project: "Increased availability and function for transplanted livers by improved mitochondrial function during machine perfusion (MITOFUNCTION)."

The successful candidate will join an extensive research group dedicated to enhancing the quality and function of donor livers for transplantation. The core work involves experiments with various hepatic cell lines, including liver organoids and the effect of different treatments. An important part of the work includes studying mitochondrial function in cells and liver tissue from cells, experimental animals, and human liver biopsies. The preferred candidate is expected to perform standard molecular techniques like qPCR, western blot, histology, Elisa and others. Hands-on experience with mitochondrial research, cell lines and molecular biology will be advantageous.

The PhD Candidate is also expected to collaborate with a larger team on research activities involving machine perfusion of human livers. During machine perfusion, a large team is required, and the ability to work together with others is a clear advantage. Personal suitability for the project will be essential. A research fellow is involved with the project, and the PhD Candidate will likely participate in experimental rat liver machine perfusion. Experience of working with research animals is therefore an advantage. Medical education is not mandatory, but medical doctors with an interest in basic science are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be enrolled and accepted into the PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. The candidate will work both at the Institute for Basic Medical Sciences (most of the time) and at OUH.

OUH is a workplace characterized by great diversity. We believe this is essential to fulfilling our mission. We therefore aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the population and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of identity or background.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage hepatocyte cell work and experiments on mitochondria
• Compile, process, and analyse research data
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team focused on human liver machine perfusion
• Execute tasks both independently and as part of a collaborative research environment

Qualifications

• Mandatory: Master's degree within physiology, molecular or cellular biology or completed medical education
• Mandatory: International applicants must document English proficiency according to UiO's PhD program requirements
• Mandatory: Courses at master's level must have an average grade of B or better
• Mandatory: The candidate must fulfil the admission criteria for uptake on the PhD program at the University of Oslo (https://www.med.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/how-to-apply/index.html). This will be completed after hiring, but will be evaluated during the recruitment process
• Mandatory: Personal suitability will be important in the selection process
• Preferred: Documented knowledge in handling cell lines and organoids, please specify in motivation letter
• Preferred: Documented experience with mitochondrial research, please specify in motivation letter
• Preferred: Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques mentioned in text
• Advantageous: Experience with animal experiments and FELASA C certification
• Advantageous: Experience with machine perfusion of human livers

Personal Attributes

• High degree of flexibility
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative
• Highly motivated for scientific work, individually and in teams
• Capability to work effectively across different professional disciplines
• Ability to thrive in a large, complex, and fast-paced organization
• Large motivation for development as a researcher

We offer

Oslo University Hospital has an important societal mission to provide high-quality and equitable healthcare services to the population. As a physician at our hospital, you will play a central role in fulfilling this mission. You make a significant contribution to patient safety, workplace well-being, and the development of a safe, open, and inclusive culture.

We are committed to ensuring that you thrive and continue to develop professionally. Read below to learn more about what we can offer you:

• A professional environment built on trust, transparency, and respect.
• A secure workplace with strong collegiate support.
• Participation in the OUH onboarding program for new employees.
• Excellent opportunities for academic and personal career development.
• The opportunity to contribute to a vital social mission.

• Cellekultivering

Oslo University Hospital is a highly specialized hospital in charge of extensive regional and local hospital assignments. As Scandinavia's largest hospital, we carry out more than 1.2 million patient treatments each year. The hospital has a nationwide responsibility for a number of national and multi-regional assignments, and has several national centers of competence. Oslo University Hospital is responsible for approximately 50 percent of all medical and health care research conducted at Norwegian hospitals, and is a significant role player within the education of a large variety of health care personnel.