PhD research fellow/Researcher

Helse Sør-øst RHF; Oslo; On-site; NOK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

The Helse Sør-øst RHF-funded project at GliaLab, Oslo University Hospital, seeks a Researcher and/or PhD fellow to advance AI-driven seizure detection with real-time optogenetic intervention in epilepsy models.

Based in Oslo and collaborating with the Department of Neurology and the University of Oslo, the successful candidate will perform in vivo rodent experiments, two-photon imaging, and develop machine-learning algorithms, while contributing to multidisciplinary team leadership and training

Qualifications

• Completed Master's degree in neuroscience, medicine, biology, biomedicine, or related field.
• Experience with in vivo rodent experiments.
• Fluent English communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test AI-driven seizure detection for real-time intervention.
• Perform in vivo two-photon imaging of astrocytes and neurons in rodents.
• Collaborate with clinical and basic science teams at Oslo University Hospital and GliaLab.
• Contribute to project leadership and supervision where appropriate.

Skills

In vivo rodent work

In vivo electrophysiology

In vivo two-photon imaging

AI / machine learning

Python / MATLAB

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in neuroscience/related field

PhD preferred for Researcher track

Tools

Two-photon microscopy

Neuropixels

Viral vector methods

Cre-lox conditional knockout

Job description

Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital / GliaLab, University of Oslo Researcher and/or PhD position (fulltime).

The project extends our group's ongoing work on the preceding Helse Sør-Øst project (2024056, 2024-2026), and builds on our recent findings on cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) as a possible "brake" on epileptic seizures (Enger & Heuser, Front Netw Physiol 2024; Heuser et al., Cereb Cortex 2018), and on our established two-photon imaging methodology for studying astrocytic and vascular dynamics (Bojarskaite et al., Nat Commun 2023). The aim is to develop and test an AI-driven, closed-loop system that detects seizure activity in real time and triggers an optogenetic intervention (CSD or direct neuronal inhibition) with the goal of a novel, targeted treatment approach for epilepsy.

The project comprises:

• Two-photon imaging: In vivo two-photon imaging of astrocytes and neurons in awake, head-fixed mice through chronic cranial windows, building on our established methodology for studying cortical and hippocampal network activity.
• Consolidating the conditional Kir4.1 knockout hippocampal model combined with wireless EEG telemetry.
• High-density electrophysiology (Neuropixels 2.0) and miniaturized two-photon imaging (Mini2P) of astrocytes and neurons through chronic hippocampal windows, to test the role of CSD in seizure termination.
• Development of an AI-based seizure-detection algorithm driving automated, closed-loop optogenetic stimulation.

The successful candidate will be based at GliaLab, Letten Centre, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo (https://glialab.no), working in close collaboration with the Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital. Please indicate in your application which track you are applying for (Researcher or PhD fellow), or whether you wish to be considered for either, depending on your qualifications.

Deadline for application: October 15th, 2026.

Start: November 1st, 2026, later start can be possible depending on circumstances.

Position duration: 3 years (through October 31st, 2029).

Contact: Research group leader Kjell Heuser, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital HF, [e-mail], or [phone], and/or Associate Professor Rune Enger, GliaLab, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, [e-mail], or [phone].

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

Kvalifikasjoner:

Requirements if hired as PhD fellow (100% position):

• Completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, medicine, biology, biomedicine, or a related field.
• Documented experience with in vivo rodent experimental work.
• Highly motivated and accurate candidate.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as an integrated member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good communication skills and teaching abilities.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Requirements if hired as Researcher (minimum 50% position):

• Completed PhD (or submitted thesis with imminent defense) in neuroscience, medicine, biology, biomedicine, or a related field.
• Documented experience with in vivo rodent microsurgeries, as well as in vivo electrophysiology and/or imaging.
• FELASA-equivalent certification in laboratory animal science (or willingness to obtain this) is required; documented prior hands-on animal experimental experience will be prioritized.
• Track record of first-author publication(s) in the field.
• Ability to co-supervise PhD students/master students and contribute to project leadership.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

The following skills will be considered beneficial but are not obligatory:

• Experience with in vivo two-photon microscopy and/or high-density electrophysiology (e.g., Neuropixels).
• Experience with rodent seizure/epilepsy models.
• Experience with optogenetics.
• Programming skills (Python/MATLAB), especially relevant for machine-learning/AI seizure-detection work.
• Knowledge of statistical methods, including regression models or machine learning.
• Experience with viral vector-based conditional knockout strategies (Cre-lox).

Personlige egenskaper:

Personal qualities and team-working abilities will be an important part of the assessment.

Vi tilbyr:

• A workplace in the heart of Oslo, with rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.
• A safe workplace with strong support from colleagues.
• Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Contribution to an important societal mission.
• Training programs and courses, fostering the development of specialized skills.
• Employment in an IA-certified company with pension scheme and insurance.
• Salary in accordance with collective agreements for a Researcher/PhD position.