Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university with 23,000 students and over 2,600 employees. We have campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike. OsloMet educates students and conducts research that contributes to the sustainability of the Norwegian welfare state and the metropolitan region.
PhD fellowship to investigate glycomics in sepsis
At the Faculty of Health Science, Department of Life Sciences and Health, a position is available as PhD fellow to investigate the use of glycomics to diagnose sepsis.
The position has a duration of three years, and the desired latest start 01.04.27.
he project is an interdisciplinary research collaboration between the glycomics group led by Prof Niclas Karlsson, and the SEPSOMICS project group at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål. The aim is to identify subpopulations of sepsis patients by their glycoprotein profiles or glycomic traits in order to improve diagnostics and facilitate precision treatment. The project will make use of state-of-the-art MS and non-MS based glycomics together with clinical patient information.
Area of research
This PhD project will explore the glycobiology of sepsis, aiming to identify glycan-based biomarkers for patient stratification and improved outcomes. Sepsis is a severe inflammatory condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, with mortality rates between 15% and 30%. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this dysregulation to enable personalized treatment. We will study altered plasma glycosylation in sepsis patients and glycosylation patterns of extracellular vesicles released during sepsis, to derive novel insights into immune dysregulation. We aim to identify a sepsis glyco-phenotype to guide targeted therapy and reduce unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The project is supported by a world-class team in glycomics and EV biochemistry and will leverage a high-quality biobank of Norwegian sepsis patients and relevant controls.
As a PhD candidate at OsloMet, you will be eligible to apply for a stipend for extended international research secondment.
Qualification requirements
- Master's degree (120 credits/ECTS) in pharmacy, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomedicine, or equivalent
- Documented experience in relevant biochemical laboratory work
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English
- Admission to a relevant doctoral programme is a prerequisite. To gain admission to the Ph.D. -programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences, applicants must have received a grade B or above in their master's thesis/major thesis (or a grade considered as equivalent) and an overall grade corresponding to B or above in the master's degree. In special cases, candidates with grade C may be considered if they can demonstrate particularly relevant experience.
- See information about the criteria on the admission website
- The final plan for the doctoral education must be approved and contractual no later than 3 months after commencement
General criteria for appointment to academic positions are covered by the regulations relating to terms and conditions of employment (Regulations relating to universities and university colleges – Lovdata).
It will be an advantage if you have
- documented experience in biological mass spectrometry, glycomics and/or glycobiology
- good understanding of sepsis pathogenesis and treatment
- experience from work with omics, big data and statistics, (e.g. using R or similar tools)
- experience using AI/machine learning for health outcome prediction
- proficiency in (both written and spoken) a Scandinavian language
Personal qualities
- motivation for research in the academic and research field
- ability to work independently and stay focused over time
- analytical skills
- good communication and collaboration skills
We offer
- An exciting job opportunity at Norway’s third largest and most urban university
- Opportunities for professional development in a creative academic and research environment
- International research mobility, since the selected candidate is expected to be involved in work exchange with European research partners and present work at national and international conferences and workshops.
- You will take part in an exciting and important research project. You will work with clinicians, biochemists, biostatisticians and glycobiologists to investigate underlying biological mechanisms in a life-threatening acute medical condition affecting numerous patients.
- Beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (spk.no/en/)
- Beneficial welfare schemes
- A wide range of sports and cultural activities at the university
- Free Norwegian language classes for employees and their partners/spouses
Practical information about relocation to Oslo and living in Norway(oslomet.no/en/work)
The salary for the position is in accordance with the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, job title and position code. State salary wage scale 54, 532 200 NOK per year (equivalent to approximately $ 50,000 per year)
Application process
We use an electronic recruitment system, and by the application deadline you must upload the following documents together with the application:
- Letter of application, CV, reference letters and all pages of certificates/diplomas.
- The certificates/diplomas must include ECTS grades (A–F). Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the degree-conferring institution. Education taken abroad should preferably be recognised in advance by NOKUT (www.nokut.no/en/), and a confirmed copy of the letter of recognition should be enclosed.
- Your master's degree/second degree thesis (and any other scholarly work that you wish the expert committee to take into consideration) and a list of your publications, if relevant
- A list of at least two references
You must upload all of these documents. The documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be certified.
Original documents and valid passport must be presented if you are invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections in order to give you as a candidate a proper evaluation and ensure fair competition.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. The application must state your reasons for applying for the position and what makes you particularly qualified to carry out this PhD work.
Other information
For more information about the position, feel free to contact:
- professor Niclas Karlsson, niclaska@oslomet.no
- for administrative questions HR rådgiver Kate Olsen, kateol@oslomet.no
- for questions about admission to the PhD programme, contact phd-hv@oslomet.no
Inclusion and diversity strengthen our ability to fulfil OsloMet’s societal mission. Therefore, we welcome employees with diverse competencies, life experiences, and perspectives. We continuously work to be an inclusive workplace, and through dialogue we make accommodations for employees who need it.
OsloMet is EU-certified as an HR Center of Excellence under the Charter & Code for Researchers, supporting career development, mobility, and researchers’ employment rights.
OsloMet has endorsed the principles and committed the institution to follow the recommendations of the DORA declaration (sfdora.org) (The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment).
The appointment will be carried out in accordance with the principles of the Norwegian Civil Service Act and legislation regulating the export of knowledge, technology, and services. Applicants who are in conflict with this regulatory framework will not be considered qualified for the position.
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About Oslo Metropolitan University
Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university with 23,000 students and over 2,600 employees. We have campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike. OsloMet educates students and conducts research that contributes to the sustainability of the Norwegian welfare state and the metropolitan region.
For over 200 years, OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University has contributed to building knowledge and competence for the Norwegian welfare society. Today, OsloMet is a modern and urban university known for its large and robust academic environments in teacher education, health and social sciences, social research, design, and technology.
