Research position: urine-derived liquid biopsy in pediatric cancer

A 2-year 100% scientist position with possibility of elongation for a highly motivated and skilled researcher is available at the Department of Pediatric Research, OUS Rikshospitalet (https://ous-research.no/pediatricresearch/) on a project funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society.
 

Liquid biopsies leverage circulating molecular structures from body fluids, facilitating a less invasive yet more comprehensive diagnostic approach. Especially for childhood cancer patients it is crucial to obtain temporal and spatial insights that capture the tumor's heterogeneity and evolving structure over time. Peripheral blood is the common source for liquid biopsies; however, in childhood cancer patients, the sample volume is often restricted. In contrast, urine-derived samples are both abundant and harmless. Furthermore, recent technological advances allow for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and methylation profiling using urine. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are linked to the onset and progression of cancer, although there remains a knowledge gap for pediatric cancers. We will employ state-of-the-art analytical methods to gain deeper insights into the frequency and composition of cfDNA, the cargo and targets of EVs, and the expression and characteristics of circRNAs. Investigating urine-derived liquid biopsies will enhance our understanding of pediatric cancer biology, thereby contributing to improved diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic strategies for these vulnerable patients.

 

The position is based on cooperation between Dr. Lars O. Baumbusch (Senior scientist and project group leader at PFI, OUS Rikshospitalet and Prof. II at Østfold University of Applied Sciences) and other local, national- and international research environments. 

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!

Arbeidsoppgaver

 
Working tasks:

• The candidate will conduct scientific research within the field of liquid biopsy in pediatric cancer and participate in developing the project
• Perform laboratory work, including exploring the frequency and composition of cfDNA, discovering the cargo and targets of EVs, and investigating the distribution and characteristics of circulating circRNA in childhood cancer
• Analyze and interpret genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Be part of writing new applications in the field of childhood cancer research
• Participate in research group meetings and collaborative activities

Kvalifikasjoner

For å trives med arbeidsoppgaver hos oss, ser vi etter deg som har følgende kvalifikasjoner:

Applicants must have:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree and a PhD in biology, molecular biology, biomedicine, or biotechnology
• A solid practical background in cancer, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics research with documented results
• Excellent practical experience with various molecular biology techniques - hands on bench - including sequencing, qRT-PCR/ddPCR, and Western blotting
• Broad working experience in extraction, quantification, and analysis of small amounts of DNA, like cfDNA
• Experience in isolation, characterization and quantification of EVs
• Extensive working experience with detection, isolation, and analysis of ncRNAs
• Comprehensive experience with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing, including optimalization and methylation analysis
• Knowledge and working experience with bioinformatic analysis using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
• Strong familiarity with statistical and computational approaches, including high performance computing, Linux, Python, and R
• Proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite

 

• Master’s in biology / molecular biology / biomedicine / biotechnology
• Applicants who are in the final stage of their PhD degree in biology / molecular biology / biomedicine / biotechnology are encouraged to apply, provided that all the degree requirements have been completed and that the thesis has been submitted to the faculty before applying to this position.
• Previous experience in childhood cancer research is a major advantage
• Some experience in supervision of students
• Some experience in writing grant applications
• Only applicants who apply electronically via WebCruiter will be considered. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
   

Additional:

Optionally, you may provide us with an example of your scientific background and skills, by writing a brief outline (not more than 2-3 sentences without using KI), how you would approach the investigation of circulating circRNA in childhood cancer in the cover letter

Vi ber om at relevant dokumentasjon legges ved søknaden.

Personlige egenskaper

• We are looking for a highly dedicated and strongly motivated candidate with a strong interest in childhood cancer research
• We expect scientific curiosity and a deep understanding about the nature of scientific thinking
• You are able to design, plan, perform, and analyze experiments in an innovative way
• You have a great working capacity
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
  

Vi tilbyr

Oslo universitetssykehus har et viktig samfunnsoppdrag i det å tilby gode og likeverdige helsetjenester til befolkningen. Som medarbeider ved sykehuset vil du ha en rolle i å innfri dette. Du har betydning for pasientsikkerhet, trivsel på arbeidsplassen og utvikling av en trygg, åpen og inkluderende kultur.
 

Vi er opptatt av at du skal trives og utvikle deg, les under hva vi kan tilby deg:

• An exciting and stimulating research environment
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and advanced technologies
• Opportunities for international collaboration and scientific networking
• 100% position for two years with possibility for elongation
• granted by the Norwegian Cancer Society
• Salary according to institutional regulations and qualifications
• A favorable pension arrangement and attractive welfare arrangements
• Vi tar vare på våre nye medarbeidere og støtter deg gjennom oppstartsfasen med vårt sentrale nyansattprogram, les mer: https://www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/om-oss/jobb-og-utdanning/arbeidsplassen-var/velkommen-med-pa-laget/
  
• Vi har velferdstilbud for våre medarbeidere, f. eks. teaterbilletter, bedriftskor, bedriftsidrettslag m.m.

I Oslo universitetssykehus driver vi med avansert pasientbehandling, forskning, utprøvende behandling, undervisning og innovasjon på et høyt internasjonalt nivå. Vi er derfor hele Norges bakvakt! Vi trenger deg med på laget.
 

Høres dette ut som en stilling for deg? Vi gleder oss til å lese din søknad.

Vil du vite mer om oss?

Les om arbeidsplassen vår her:

https://www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/om-oss/jobb-og-utdanning/arbeidsplassen-var

Kontaktinformasjon

Lars Oliver Baumbusch, Seniorforsker, +4798676915

Runar Almaas, Avdelingsleder, +4741321932

Arbeidssted

Sognsvannsveien 20

0372 Oslo

Nøkkelinformasjon:

Arbeidsgiver: Oslo universitetssykehus HF

Referansenr.: 5148062875

Stillingsprosent: 100%

Engasjement

Startdato: 01.09.2026

Sluttdato: 31.08.2028

Søknadsfrist: 15.08.2026