At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research on Parkinson's disease using hiPSC-derived midbrain organoids.
- Company: Oslo University Hospital, a leader in molecular and computational biology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and a stimulating international research environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace encouraging all qualified candidates to apply.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team tackling high-impact disease questions with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and hands-on experience with hiPSCs and organoid culture.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
A 6-month, full-time temporary position as a research technician is available in the Mitonuclear DNA Maintenance and Transcriptional Control project group, led by Dr.
Nicola Pietro Montaldo, at the Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital.
The successful candidate will support an ongoing research programme investigating novel neuroprotective mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hi PSC)-derived midbrain organoids.
The position is funded to complete and extend work on DNA repair as a neuroprotective mechanism and on first-in-class DNA-repair inhibitors as candidate therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease.
The work is carried out in close collaboration with the Genome Instability in Ageing and Disease group led by Professor Hilde Loge Nilsen (Head of Research Section, OUS) and with Dr.
Tilo Kunath (University of Edinburgh).
The Department of Microbiology comprises 15 research groups and 4 project groups, and is characterised by excellence in enabling technologies within molecular and computational biology and a strong focus on curiosity-driven basic science.
The research section hosts a Centre of Excellence — the Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development (CRESCO) — and pursues three strategic pillars: ground-breaking research, development of talent, and innovation.
Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, which are highly dependent on healthy mitochondria.
Our group has uncovered a mechanism in which reduced activity of a mitochondrial DNA-repair enzyme triggers a protective cellular stress response and enhances neuronal resilience.
Building on this discovery — and on first-in-class DNA-repair inhibitors developed within our innovation programme — the project uses patient-derived hi PSC lines (including an α-synuclein triplication model and isogenic controls) differentiated into 3D midbrain dopaminergic organoids to test the neuroprotective potential of these compounds.
You will join a collaborative, international team working at the interface of DNA repair, mitochondrial biology, stem-cell modelling, and neurodegeneration.
Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity.
We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way.
We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!
- Culture and maintenance of hi PSC lines under sterile conditions
- Differentiation of hi PSCs into 3D midbrain dopaminergic organoids and maturation of organoid cultures
- Treatment of organoids with small-molecule inhibitors and other compounds
- Immunocytochemistry / immunofluorescence staining and confocal and high-content imaging
- Molecular biology: RNA/DNA extraction, RT-q PCR, and analysis of mitochondrial DNA (copy number and deletions)
- Protein analysis: Western blot and ELISA
- Handling and expansion of CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines
- Accurate documentation of experiments, record-keeping, and contribution to data analysis
- General laboratory duties (reagent preparation, ordering, and routine equipment maintenance)
- Required qualifications
- Minimum a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field — e. g. biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedicine, neuroscience, or equivalent
- Documented hands-on experience with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hi PSCs)
- Documented hands-on experience with midbrain (dopaminergic) organoid generation and culture
- Proficiency in sterile mammalian cell-culture technique
- Good written and spoken English
- Experience with immunocytochemistry and confocal / high-content imaging
- Experience with RT-q PCR, Western blot, and ELISA
- Experience working with CRISPR/Cas9-edited cell lines
- Familiarity with Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegeneration models
- Ability to plan and deliver a defined package of work independently within the project timeframe
- Structured, accurate, and reliable in the laboratory
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Proactive and solution-oriented
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- We offer
- A stimulating, international research environment at one of the Nordic region’s leading university hospitals, within a department recognised for its enabling technologies in molecular and computational biology and its Centre of Excellence (CRESCO)
- The opportunity to work with cutting-edge stem-cell and organoid technology on a high-impact disease question
- Salary according to [applicable collective agreement / pay scale and position code — set by HR] and qualifications
- Membership in a good occupational pension scheme and standard employee benefits
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Technician – Human iPSC-derived Midbrain Organoids (6-month temporary position) employer: Oslo University Hospital
Oslo University Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a stimulating and diverse research environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As part of the Department of Microbiology, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in neurodegeneration, supported by a strong focus on employee growth and development. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence, this position not only allows you to contribute to meaningful research but also to thrive in a culture that values curiosity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Technician – Human iPSC-derived Midbrain Organoids (6-month temporary position)
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Oslo University Hospital. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Oslo University Hospital!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Technician – Human iPSC-derived Midbrain Organoids (6-month temporary position)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Oslo University Hospital that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Oslo University Hospital.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Oslo University Hospital does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oslo University Hospital
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Oslo University Hospital. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Oslo University Hospital's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Oslo University Hospital. This shows your passion for the industry!
