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

University of Oslo; Oslo; On-site; NOK 551,000 - 595,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary in PhD Fellow position 1017 NOK

Career development programmes

Pension scheme (Statens Pensjonskasse)

Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings

Job summary

University of Oslo invites applications for a PhD Research Fellow in molecular fingerprinting of organoids using Raman and autofluorescence micro-spectroscopy. The project combines Raman and UV–visible autofluorescence to reveal biochemical changes without labels, with AI-assisted analysis guiding interpretation.

The fellowship lasts three years, starting by 1 April 2027, and includes international collaboration within the MSCA Doctoral Network. Work is at Blindern, Oslo, under Prof.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, biophysics or related fields with a submitted dissertation by closing date.
• Strong background in optics, photonics, spectroscopy or related experimental techniques.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB or equivalent).
• Familiarity with image/spectral analysis tools (MATLAB, Python; basic AI tools).
• Willingness to travel and collaborate within MSCA Doctoral Network.

Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy platforms.
• Explore free-space and waveguide-enhanced Raman and AF spectroscopy for organoid samples.
• Generate spectral signatures associated with early molecular changes and metabolic reprogramming.
• Apply AI-assisted spectral analysis to high-dimensional Raman and AF data.
• Collaborate with other doctoral candidates and supervisors across the network.

Skills

Optics

Photonics

Spectroscopy

Python

MATLAB

AI tools

Education

Master's degree in physics or engineering

Tools

Raman spectroscopy

Autofluorescence spectroscopy

Waveguide‑enhanced spectroscopy

Job description

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.

Job description

• 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.

The doctoral candidate will be guided during this research project by Prof. Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Associated Professor Elisabeth Wetzer. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

What skills are important in this role?

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 qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics or engineering or related fields such as biophysics and biomedical technologies. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system. Master dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date
• A strong background in optics, photonics, spectroscopy, or related experimental techniques. Hands‑on experimental experience with the development, operation or application of optical spectroscopic instrumentation, such as Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming, for example using Python, MATLAB or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with image/spectral analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python and basic AI tools
• Willingness to undertake research visits, secondments and training activities at partner institutions within the MSCA Doctoral Network and to collaborate closely with other doctoral candidates.

Desired qualifications:

• Integrated photonics, optical waveguides, photonic chips or evanescent‑field spectroscopy
• Experience in handling of biological samples and image analysis.
• Raman spectroscopy, Raman microscopy or other forms of vibrational spectroscopy.
• Autofluorescence, fluorescence spectroscopy or fluorescence microscopy.
• Spectroscopic or optical measurements of biological samples, including cells, tissues, organoids, microorganisms or viruses.
• Multivariate spectral analysis, including PCA, clustering, classification or chemometric methods.
• Machine learning/AI approaches for spectroscopy, imaging or other high‑dimensional experimental datasets.
• Development and automation of optical instrumentation, including instrument control, data acquisition and image/spectral processing.

General MERIT eligibility criteria

• Candidates must not have been awarded a doctorate previously
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country or recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment, 1 April 2027. See https://marie‑sklodowska‑curie‑actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
• 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
• 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

In addition to the eligibility criteria above, candidates admitted to the PhD programme at the University of Oslo must fulfil the grade requirements, see www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc7. 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.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

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
• Good welfare schemes
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities
• Career development programmes
• 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.