PhD Research Fellow in Multi-modal microscopy and tomography of virus-infected organoids

About the position

We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in the development of multimodal microscopy for studying viral infection in organoids, available at the Department of Physics of the University of Oslo (UiO).

The starting date is no later than 1 April 2027.

The fellowship period is three years.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

The place of work is the Department of Physics in Blindern, Oslo.

Background of project

Investigating viral interactions within host cells at the single-particle level poses significant challenges due to the resolution limitations of conventional microscopy, particularly in complex organoid tissue sections and lack of multi-modality approach. To overcome these obstacles, it is necessary to develop and apply multi-modal optical microscopy methods, such as fluorescence based super-resolution microscopy and label-free optical diffraction tomography and quantitative phase microscopy. Another important aspect of this project is to perform advance image analysis on correlative datasets to extract the underlying knowledge. The technical aspect of this project aims to integrate two cutting-edge microscopy platforms, photonic chip-based multimodal microscopy and quantitative phase microscopy (QPM)/optical diffraction tomography. These instruments will be used to study viral infections in organoid models (such as gut and brain). Post-imaging, we will conduct advanced image analysis, develop different models for correlative imaging and on label-free images. As part of MSCA-DN the candidate must be open to travel and collaborate with other partners in this project, especially with other DC such as DC 1, DC 6 DC 8 and DC 10.

Job description

At the University of Oslo in Norway, we are looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC 5) to work on WP 3. The main responsibilities of the DC 5 will be:

• To develop and adapt a multi-modal optical microscopy platform with focus on two modalities, a) photonic chip-based super-resolution optical microscopy and b) optical diffraction tomography & quantitative phase microscopy.
• To perform correlative fluorescence optical microscopy with 3D quantitative phase tomography to facilitate virtual specificity
• To generate correlated datasets for analysis of microenvironmental changes during HIV-1 and VEEV infection. To use organoid sections, intact organoids and cells models in this study.
• Apply advanced image analysis including AI assisted segmentation, classification and correlation
• Support and collaborate with other doctoral candidates related to imaging, analysis and training.

The doctoral candidate will be guided during this research project by Prof. Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Prof. Dag Kristian Dysthe. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

How to apply

Technical information:

Position location: Oslo, Norway

Application deadline:

October 30, 2026

Project start date: April 1st, 2027

Duration: 3 years

Please follow this link to apply for this position and for more detailed instructions on the application: 
Doctoral Candidate 5 Vacancy — MERIT

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics or engineering or related field in biomedical engineering and biophysics. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system. Master dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date,
• Solid, hands-on experience with experimental optical instrumentation, including the development, alignment, operation and/or application of optical microscopy systems,
• Strong background in image analysis or similar scientific data analysis using Python or MATLAB,
• An interest in working in a multidisciplinary research group.

Desired qualifications:

• Background in adapting or development of optical microscopy platforms such as fluorescence based super-resolution microscopy, diffraction tomography or quantitative phase microscopy systems,
• Machine learning or AI-assisted analysis of microscopy or other high-dimensional imaging datasets,
• Image reconstruction and computational microscopy, including algorithms for super-resolution microscopy, phase retrieval, quantitative phase imaging, or optical diffraction tomography,
• Advanced image analysis, including image registration, segmentation, feature extraction, classification, and correlative/multimodal image analysis.
• Experience in bioimaging and handling of biological samples,
• As the target applications involve organoids and viruses, it is beneficial if the candidate have experience working with various biological specimen such as tissue sections or organoid samples,
• Willingness to collaborate within an international research network and undertake research visits, secondments and training activities at partner institutions.

UiO is subject to the Security Act, which governs the organisation's protection of security-sensitive objects and knowledge, in addition to other relevant legislation concerning access to and handling of sensitive information. Based on this, it is a requirement that successful applicants are security-eligible. We may use background checks as part of our recruitment process.

General MERIT eligibility criteria

• Candidates must not have been awarded a doctorate previously
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country or recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment, 1 April 2027. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements for admission to the PhD-program of the institution to which they apply, see below for more details.

Language requirements

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
   

In addition to the eligibility criteria above, candidates admitted to the PhD programme at the University of Oslo must fulfill the grade requirements, see www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc7. The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system,
• The average grade point for courses included in the master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system,
• The master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. 

What are we looking for in you?

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. It is essential that the researcher can effectively communicate with the collaborators within the EU project in the field of biology,
• Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks,
• Good communication and collaboration skills,
• Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods and multi-tasking.

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

We can offer you

• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development
• Committed colleagues in a good working environment
• A pleasant and stimulating work environment
• Good welfare schemes
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities
• Career development programmes
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund 

We need different perspectives in our work

UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no.

We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one?

We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures.

If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian).

The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here. 

We hope you will apply for the position with us.

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with

Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian), Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.  

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.