Are you ready to contribute to cutting edge research at SINTEF — Scandinavia’s largest independent research organisation — and help us shape technology for a better society?
Host: SINTEF Biotechnology and Nanomedicine (BTN), Medical Biotechnology Group
Degree-awarding institution: University of Oslo (UiO)
Supervisors:
Prof. Dr. Hilde Nilsen (UiO)
Dr. Francis Combes (SINTEF)
Project description
The PhD candidate will investigate the design principles, cellular interactions, and application space of engineered RNA systems. The central goal is to understand how synthetic RNAs are recognized, processed, and functionally interpreted by mammalian cells, and how these insights can be used to create new RNA architectures with improved performance, specificity, and translational potential. The project lies at the interface of RNA biology, synthetic biology, and nanomedicine, and will contribute both fundamental mechanistic knowledge and new RNA platforms relevant to therapeutic and biotechnological applications.
The candidate will be embedded in SINTEF’s Medical Biotechnology group and closely connected to large collaborative research efforts. The position is funded through the STIPINST scheme and runs for 3+1 years, with the explicit aim of recruiting the successful candidate into a long-term SINTEF research position after completion of the PhD. The candidate will enrol in the PhD program at the Medical Faculty at the University of Oslo. The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. The Institute of Clinical Medicine (Klinmed) is one of three institutes under the Faculty of Medicine. Klinmed is responsible for the Faculty's educational and research activities at Oslo University Hospital and Akershus University Hospital.
In SINTEF Industry – department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine we develop solutions for our customers through research and innovation in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, nanomedicine, human health, environmental analysis, biopolymers and biomaterials, circular economy / biorefinery, aquaculture and fish health. Our employees have cutting-edge expertise in these areas, and the department has very well-equipped laboratories. We lead and are involved in Norwegian and large international projects and have multiple industrial customers. All projects are carried out in close collaboration with customers and academic research environments nationally and internationally. The Medical Biotechnology group, one of the five research groups in the department, is looking for a PhD candidate in the field of molecular biology.
Job description
The candidate's primary tasks relate to performing experiments with (m)RNA, enzymes, cell lines, and state-of-the-art research equipment. This involves daily discussions with SINTEF research scientists, planning experiments, carrying out experiments, analysing results, reporting findings, and enjoying challenging setbacks. In addition, the candidate will keep up to date with scientific literature, publish research findings in scientific journals, and presenting them at scientific conferences.
The PhD candidate will:
- Design, engineer and produce synthetic RNA molecules and RNA systems
- Analyze how synthetic RNAs are processed, and functionally interpreted by mammalian cells
- Perform biochemical and cellular assays to measure RNA stability, translation, localization, and regulatory behavior
- Translate mechanistic insights into new RNA design rules and platforms
- Contribute to high-impact publications and patentable innovations
- Participating in international collaborations and short research stays in academic laboratories
- Actively contribute to SINTEF’s RNA synthetic biology and nanomedicine programs
The eligible candidate should be (in order of priority):
- Holder of a MSc degree within molecular biology or related fields.
- Honest, motivated, and results oriented.
- Keen on details and confidently communicate failures.
- Proficient in the English language.
- Able to quickly change experimental approach when needed.
- A team player but independent in adapting protocols and experiments.
- Comfortable in working in a molecular biology lab.
Leads to recommendation:
- Hands-on experience with working in molecular biology projects.
- Demonstratable proof of hard work and/or excellence.
- Early evidence of scientific independence, e.g. first-author papers, independent projects, or competitive funding.
Personal qualities:
- Positive-minded, curious, focused, and eager to learn.
- Good communication skills in interactions with both colleagues and clients.
- Takes initiative and aspires to be an independent thinker/researcher by the end of the PhD.
SINTEF is an attractive workplace offering unique development opportunities for people with knowledge and enthusiasm. To fulfil our commitment to society we need capable employees from all parts of the world with a high level of professional skills and the ability to make a difference.
We offer:
- High-end laboratory infrastructure.
- Friendly and skilful colleagues in a respectful and international working environment.
- A flexible research environment and the opportunity to bring up own ideas.
- Competitive salary according to SINTEF's salary system and a framework for professional and personal development within SINTEF.
- Possible continuation as SINTEF research scientist after obtaining the PhD
- Flexible working hours, good pension and insurance schemes, and excellent welfare arrangements.
How to apply:
The application should include the following:
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and any relevant experience for the position.
- A CV, including a list of publications (publications are not mandatory for the position).
- Names and contact details of references.
