Researcher in CRISPR gene therapy group

We announce full-time, one-year researcher position with possibility for extension in the CRISPR gene therapy group led by Emma Haapaniemi to be based at NCMBM, University of Oslo & Oslo University Hospital. We welcome applications both from recent PhD graduates and more experienced scientists.
The successful candidate will join a highly integrated and motivated team with diverse skills and expertise across molecular biology and immunology. The work tasks will concentrate on optimizing and scaling up protocols for efficient mutation correction in human T cells and hematopoietic stem cells utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies. Examples of work tasks include optimization of patient-derived T cell and stem cell ex vivo editing & culturing conditions; design and optimize high-throughput biology experiments in robotics platforms; setting up custom Next Generation Sequencing libraries and technologies; scale up protocols to pre-GMP and GMP scale.

Norwegian node in the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. NCMM is a joint venture between the University of Oslo, Health Region South-East and the Research Council of Norway, and has altogether 11 research groups. The overall objective of NCMM is to conduct cutting edge research in molecular medicine and biotechnology as well as facilitate translation of discoveries in basic medical research into clinical practice.

About the laboratory
The aim of the Haapaniemi group (www.haapaniemilab.org) is to build a gene editing platform that can be used to correct patient-specific mutations in ex vivo cell therapies for genetic immune and other rare childhood diseases. We use high-throughput biology techniques to optimize, develop and understand the CRISPR-Cas9 system that forms the base of the platform, and develop and implement methods to evaluate its safety in a clinical setting. We will use gene editing technologies for the benefit of the patients in Nordic hospitals.

Oslo University Hospital is a highly specialized hospital in charge of extensive regional and local hospital assignments. As Scandinavia’s largest hospital, we carry out more than 1.2 million patient treatments each year. The hospital has nationwide responsibility for several national and multi-regional assignments and has several national centers of competence. Oslo University Hospital is responsible for approximately 50 percent of all medical and health care research conducted at Norwegian hospitals, and is a significant role player within the education of a large variety of health care personnel

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!

Work tasks

• Design and conduct custom CRISPR experiments and screens in high-throughput robotics platforms
• Set up custom Next Generation Sequencing libraries and technologies
• Set up functional assays for immune cells
• Supervise students and technicians in designing and conducting molecular biology experiments

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biology, or similar field
• At least one published first-author paper
• Fluent oral and written English communication skills
• Experience with the following techniques: previous experience in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in healthy and patient-derived T cells, Next Generation
• Sequencing library preparation, immune cell culture and transfection,
• Experience in genetic analyses
  
• Python, Perl, R or other relevant programming language skills

Personal qualities

• Ability to communicate and work in shared multidisciplinary projects
  
• Willingness to supervise students
  
• Enthusiastic and hard-working scientist

We offer

• Salary depending on qualifications
  
• An exciting, translational project where your strong basic science background can directly benefit our sickest patients
  
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

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