PhD Research Fellow in Molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and AF micro-spectroscopy

Universitetet I Oslo; Oslo; Hybrid; NOK 551,000 - 595,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful tasks

Collaborative environment

Good working atmosphere

Career development opportunities

Pension scheme

Oslo lifestyle advantages

Job summary

The University of Oslo invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate position (PhD Research Fellow) in molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and autofluorescence micro-spectroscopy. The fellowship runs for three years with a start no later than 1 April 2027, based in the Department of Physics in Blindern, Oslo.

The project combines Raman micro-spectroscopy and UV–visible autofluorescence to investigate viral infection in organoid models, including HIV-1 and VEEV.

Qualifications

• Fluent oral and written English.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy platform.
• Explore free-space and waveguide-enhanced Raman and AF spectroscopy.
• Apply spectroscopy tools to organoid sections, analytes and virus.
• Generate spectral signatures for early molecular alterations and metabolic changes.
• Apply AI-assisted spectral analysis for high-dimensional Raman/AF data.
• Collaborate with other doctoral candidates across the project.

Skills

Fluent English

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Job description

PhD Research Fellow in Molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and AF micro-spectroscopy

About the position

We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and autofluorescence micro-spectroscopy, available at the Department of Physics of the University of Oslo (UiO).

The starting date is no later than 1 April 2027.

The fellowship period is three years.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

The place of work is the Department of Physics in Blindern, Oslo.

Background of project

This doctoral project will develop and apply advanced label-free optical spectroscopy approaches to investigate molecular and metabolic changes in organoid models of viral infection. The project will combine Raman micro-spectroscopy and UV–visible autofluorescence (AF) spectroscopy, providing complementary information on the biochemical and metabolic state of biological samples without requiring external fluorescent labels. Raman micro-spectroscopy, primarily using 785 nm excitation, will obtain molecular fingerprints associated with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites. Complementary UV–visible autofluorescence spectroscopy in the 350–500 nm spectral range will probe endogenous fluorescence signatures associated with cellular metabolism and biochemical composition. The project will investigate both free-space spectroscopy and waveguide-enhanced spectroscopic approaches, including waveguide-enhanced Raman and waveguide-based autofluorescence spectroscopy, with the aim of improving sensitivity to subtle molecular changes.

Photonic waveguides provide strong and spatially extended light–matter interaction through the evanescent optical field, offering opportunities to enhance Raman signals and AF-signals and improve sensitivity compared with conventional free-space measurements. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying spectral signatures associated with early molecular alterations and metabolic reprogramming that may precede observable structural changes. AI-assisted spectral analysis will be explored to analyse the high-dimensional Raman and autofluorescence datasets. Machine-learning approaches will be used to identify spectral features and molecular signatures associated with infection, distinguish different biological states, and correlate spectroscopic changes with disease progression. The project will use organoid models of HIV-1 and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) infection.

As part of MSCA-DN the candidate must be open to travel and collaborate with other partners in this project, especially with other doctoral candidates (DC): DC 5, DC 9-10 and DC 12.

At the University of Oslo in Norway, we are looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC 6) to work on WP 3. The main responsibilities of the DC 6 will be:

• To develop and adapt Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy platform,
• To explore both free space and optical waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and waveguide-based autofluorescence spectroscopy,
• To apply these spectroscopy tools for organoid sections, analytes and virus,
• To generate spectral signatures (Raman and AF- library) associated with early molecular alterations and metabolic reprogramming during HIV-1 and VEEV infection,
• Apply advanced image analysis including AI assisted spectral analysis for high-dimensional Raman and AF- signals,
• Support and collaborate with other doctoral candidates related to spectroscopy, analysis and training.

Jarli & Jordan/ UiO

General MERIT eligibility criteria

• Candidates must not have been awarded a doctorate previously
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements for admission to the PhD-program of the institution to which they apply, see below for more details.

Language requirements

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• 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.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. It is essential that the researcher can effectively communicate with the collaborators within the EU project in the field of biology,
• Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks,
• Good communication and collaboration skills,
• Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods and multi-tasking.

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

Colourbox

We can offer you

• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development
• Committed colleagues in a good working environment
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund

We need different perspectives in our work

UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no .

We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one?

We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures.

If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian).

The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here . We hope you will apply for the position with us.

UiO/ Anders Lien

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25 . When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 26 500students and 7 200employees. 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.