Researcher at the Department of Biomedicine

at  Universitetet i Bergen

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Researcher
At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, a full-time permanent position as researcher is available. The position is associated with the large, interdisciplinary research project “Hub Molecules of Life” (HubMOL), which is jointly financed by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the University of Bergen. The position has a temporary financing from RCN for 36 months. The startup date will be as soon as possible.
About the project/work tasks:
In all living organisms, there is a subset of small coenzyme molecules that participate in thousands of biochemical reactions, thereby enabling and coordinating metabolism. In the course of evolution, the same molecules have attained more and more key roles as regulators of virtually all biological processes, often through posttranslational protein modifications. This is illustrated, for example, by the use of NAD in a multitude of metabolic reactions and at the same time as substrate for ADP-ribosylation and protein deacetylation. HubMOL aims to unravel the mechanistic principles of how these molecules of life interact to enable and control both metabolism and signaling. The project combines world-leading competences in synthetic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and advanced technology development. Through their direct association with established medical research centers (NeuroSysMed with a focus on neurodegeneration, KG Jebsen Center on Parkinson’s Disease), the core scientists will closely collaborate with clinicians to apply the findings from basic research to disease diagnostics and treatment.
HubMOL is an interdisciplinary, international project with partners in Norway, Austria and the USA. The successful candidate will work in the group of the project leader, Prof. Mathias Ziegler, at the Department of Biomedicine, who is leading studies on metabolism and signaling, closely collaborating with Prof. Ines Heiland, who is an expert in metabolic modeling. Active participation in and contribution to joint project meetings and workshops is expected.
The successful candidate is expected to lead this sub-project with diligence and a high level of independence, initiative and problem-solving capacity. The position will require being constantly updated with methodological developments and advances in the field. At the same time, this position will offer substantial opportunities for career development and growth. The candidate will work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, generate extensive experimental data sets and analyze them using advanced bioinformatics methods.

The work tasks include to:

• Design cell culture experiments suitable for investigating mechanistic principles of how small molecules, such as NAD, CoA or FAD, control processes related to metabolism and signaling
• Develop targeted LC-MS-based methods for analyses of coenzyme metabolites and implement routines for highly accurate quantification in experimental and clinical samples.
• Design and conduct fluxomics experiments, including stable isotope labeling, to establish turnover of hub molecules, their derivatives and PTMs.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a relevant Norwegian PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
• Documented broad knowledge of metabolic pathways, ideally, in coenzyme metabolism
• Proven competence and hands-on proficiency in LC-MS-based methods, ideally, for metabolomics and analyses of biological samples, in particular, Orbitrap and QQQ MS instrumentation
• Expertise in development of methodological approaches for targeted and untargeted LC-MS analyses of biological samples
• Experience with bioinformatics tools to process LC-MS data
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally renowned journals

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluent verbal and written English language skills are a prerequisite.

The following skills would be advantageous:

• Familiarity with the use of stable isotope labeling in metabolomics
• Experience working with cell culture.
• An interest in metabolic modeling
• Experience in teaching at university level
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within an international environment.
• Proven problem-solving skills, collaborative nature, and adaptability across disciplines

We can offer:

• An excellent and ambitious work environment at the research front of translational metabolism and signaling.
• Salary NOK 624 500 (code 1109, pay grade 64), specialist NOK 646 000 (code 1109, pay grade 66) gross p.a. for a fulltime position. In the case of a highly qualified applicant, a higher salary may be considered.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits.

Your application must include:

• A brief letter of application stating your motivation for this position, why you are applying and why this position is perfect for you
• An overview of your education and work experience (CV)
• Copies of diplomas and relevant certificates (applicants with education from other countries than Norway must enclose diplomas in both the original language and authorized translations)
• Publications and academic work (max 3 in PDF) and a list of these
• Your PhD thesis (in PDF)
• Two references (name and contact information)

• Design cell culture experiments suitable for investigating mechanistic principles of how small molecules, such as NAD, CoA or FAD, control processes related to metabolism and signaling
• Develop targeted LC-MS-based methods for analyses of coenzyme metabolites and implement routines for highly accurate quantification in experimental and clinical samples.
• Design and conduct fluxomics experiments, including stable isotope labeling, to establish turnover of hub molecules, their derivatives and PTMs