Fully Funded PhD Fellowship in Spatial Genome Organization and Gene Regulation at the University of Oslo, Norway (2026)

The University of Oslo (UiO), Norway, is inviting applications for a three-year PhD fellowship in Spatial Genome Organization and Gene Regulation, focusing on chromatin biology, computational biology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying lipodystrophies and related metabolic diseases. The position is based at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, within the Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine.

This doctoral research opportunity is designed for candidates with a strong academic background in chromatin or genome biology, practical or computational genomics experience, and programming skills in scientific computing languages such as Python or R. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team investigating how mutations in nuclear lamins influence the three-dimensional organization of the genome and contribute to disease.

The position is full-time for three years and offers a doctoral research salary, participation in a structured PhD programme, collaboration with international researchers, and the possibility of undertaking a research stay at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.

Application deadline: October 16, 2026.

About the University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest university and one of its leading institutions for higher education and research. It has approximately 26,500 students and 7,200 employees and is internationally recognized for its research communities and contributions across a broad range of academic disciplines.

The university combines research, education, and societal engagement, with a commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing important scientific and social challenges.

The advertised fellowship is based at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, whose mission is to advance fundamental medical knowledge, understand normal biological processes, investigate the mechanisms that cause illness, and contribute to better health.

The institute is responsible for teaching in basic medical sciences for professional medical programmes and the Master’s programme in clinical nutrition. It has more than 300 employees and is located at Domus Medica in Oslo.

The fellowship is situated within the institute’s Division of Biochemistry, where researchers investigate chromatin, nuclear architecture, and the molecular processes that regulate cell function.

Overview of the PhD Fellowship

The position is a 100% full-time doctoral research fellowship for three years. The successful applicant will join the project group of Dr. Julia Madsen-Østerbye, within the research group of Professor Philippe Collas.

The project is based in the Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo.

The fellowship focuses on the relationship between spatial genome organization, gene regulation, and diseases associated with mutations in nuclear lamins. It combines experimental laboratory research with advanced computational analysis, providing an opportunity to investigate biological mechanisms through complementary scientific approaches.

Key details of the opportunity include:

• Host institution: University of Oslo, Norway.
• Research unit: Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences.
• Project focus: Spatial genome organization, chromatin biology, computational biology, and gene regulation.
• Duration: Three years.
• Employment scope: 100% full-time.
• Employment type: Fixed-term doctoral research fellowship.
• Research collaboration: Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.
• Work location: Boks 1072 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
• Application deadline: October 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will be expected to complete the research project and doctoral degree within the three-year appointment and participate in the Medical Faculty’s PhD programme.

Research Focus: Spatial Genome Organization and Gene Regulation

The project investigates how mutations in nuclear lamins affect the organization of the genome and contribute to lipodystrophies and associated metabolic diseases.

To understand the scientific importance of this research, it is helpful to consider the biological processes at the centre of the project.

1. Understanding chromatin and genome organization

Chromatin consists of DNA and associated proteins that package genetic material within the cell nucleus. Its organization influences how genes are accessed and regulated.

The genome is not arranged randomly inside the nucleus. The three-dimensional structure of chromatin can influence interactions between regulatory elements and genes, affecting when and how genetic information is used by cells.

Studying spatial genome organization helps researchers investigate how changes in nuclear architecture may influence gene activity and cellular function.

2. Investigating nuclear lamins and disease

Nuclear lamins are structural proteins associated with the nuclear lamina, a network that supports the nuclear envelope and contributes to the organization of the nucleus.

Mutations in genes encoding nuclear lamins can cause disorders affecting different tissues and biological processes. The advertised project specifically examines how lamin mutations are associated with lipodystrophies and related metabolic diseases.

Lipodystrophies are disorders characterized by abnormal distribution or loss of body fat. They can be associated with metabolic complications, making the investigation of their underlying molecular mechanisms scientifically important.

The research will examine how lamin mutations influence genome organization in cells derived from patients with lipodystrophy, helping the research team investigate the relationship between nuclear structure, gene regulation, and disease.

3. Studying adipose tissue stem cells

The project uses an in vitro model in which adipose tissue stem cells are differentiated into adipocytes.

Adipocytes are fat cells involved in energy storage and metabolic regulation. Studying the process through which stem cells develop into adipocytes provides an opportunity to investigate how changes in genome organization may affect cell differentiation and function.

By examining this process, the research team aims to understand the effects of lamin mutations in a biologically relevant model system.

4. Combining laboratory experiments with computational biology

An important feature of the fellowship is its interdisciplinary approach. The successful candidate will conduct wet-lab three-dimensional genomics experiments and analyze the resulting data alongside additional molecular datasets.

These datasets may include:

• RNA-seq: Used to investigate gene expression.
• ChIP-seq: Used to examine protein interactions with DNA and chromatin-associated regulatory patterns.
• ATAC-seq: Used to assess chromatin accessibility.
• Protein interactome data: Used to investigate interactions among proteins.

Integrating these sources can help researchers examine relationships between chromatin structure, gene activity, protein interactions, and cellular processes.

The position therefore requires both experimental research capabilities and advanced computational skills.

Main Responsibilities of the PhD Research Fellow

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental work, computational analysis, scientific communication, and the completion of the doctoral degree.

1. Conduct wet-lab genomics experiments

The candidate will carry out experimental genomics research investigating the effects of lamin mutations on spatial genome organization in lipodystrophy patient-derived cells.

This work will involve the laboratory component of the research project and contribute to the generation of data for subsequent analysis.

2. Perform computational analyses

The fellow will carry out advanced computational analyses and interpret genomic data in the context of additional molecular datasets.

Programming and scientific computing will be important for analyzing results, identifying patterns, and investigating the relationship between genome organization and gene regulation.

3. Maintain an electronic laboratory journal

Accurate research documentation is an essential responsibility. The fellow will maintain an electronic laboratory journal to record experiments, procedures, observations, and other relevant research information.

The advertisement identifies experience with electronic laboratory notebook systems as an advantage, although it is not listed as a mandatory qualification.

4. Present research findings

The candidate will present research results during group meetings, seminars, and conferences.

These activities will provide opportunities to discuss findings with colleagues, receive feedback, and develop scientific communication skills.

5. Contribute to scientific publications

The fellow will contribute to manuscript preparation, helping communicate the research findings to the wider scientific community.

This responsibility may involve organizing results, interpreting data, preparing figures, and contributing to the development of scientific manuscripts.

6. Complete doctoral coursework

The successful applicant must complete the required coursework within the Medical Faculty’s PhD programme.

The coursework forms part of the doctoral training and complements the candidate’s research activities.

7. Write and defend the PhD thesis

The candidate will be expected to complete the doctoral research, write and submit a thesis, and defend it in accordance with the university’s PhD requirements.

The overall objective is to complete the project and doctoral degree within the three-year fellowship period.

Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the academic and technical requirements specified by the University of Oslo.

1. Relevant Master’s degree

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in chromatin biology, genome biology, or a relevant field specified by the advertisement.

The degree must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum grade of B on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) grading scale, or an equivalent grade.
• A Master’s thesis worth at least 30 ECTS credits.

Applicants with degrees obtained outside Norway should provide the appropriate academic documentation and an explanation of their university’s grading system.

2. Programming skills

Applicants must have programming skills in Python, R, or equivalent scientific computing languages.

These skills are important because the project requires advanced computational analysis of genomic data.

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate relevant programming experience and their ability to apply computational methods to biological research.

3. Experience in bioinformatics

Experience in the bioinformatic analysis of genomic data is a stated requirement.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge or experience in computational approaches to genomic research. The precise techniques and datasets most relevant to the position should be assessed against the full advertisement and the candidate’s academic background.

4. English language proficiency

Applicants must have excellent written and oral English communication skills.

English is important for communicating with an interdisciplinary research team, presenting scientific results, contributing to manuscripts, participating in seminars, and completing doctoral work.

5. Additional qualifications considered an advantage

The following experiences are desirable but are not presented as mandatory requirements:

• Practical or computational experience with three-dimensional chromatin conformation capture methods.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebook systems.

Candidates with these additional skills may be well prepared for the experimental and computational components of the research project.

Personal Qualities Sought

In addition to academic qualifications and technical expertise, the University of Oslo emphasizes personal qualities that support effective research and collaboration.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• A positive and systematic mindset: The ability to approach research tasks in an organized and constructive manner.
• Strong problem-solving skills: A willingness to investigate challenges and develop appropriate solutions.
• Willingness to learn: An openness to acquiring new experimental, computational, and analytical skills.
• Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with researchers from different scientific backgrounds.
• Good communication: The ability to communicate with molecular biologists, technicians, and bioinformaticians.
• Collegiality and inclusion: A commitment to contributing to a respectful, supportive, and inclusive working environment.

These qualities are particularly relevant to a project that combines laboratory experimentation, computational analysis, and collaboration among specialists in different scientific disciplines.

International Research Collaboration and Training

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.

This partnership gives the successful candidate the opportunity to work within an international research network and undertake a research stay in Copenhagen.

The interdisciplinary team at the University of Oslo includes cell biologists and bioinformaticians working on chromatin, nuclear architecture, and related biological questions.

The research environment offers an opportunity to engage with different scientific approaches and contribute to a project that requires integration of experimental and computational methods.

Participation in the Medical Faculty’s PhD programme will also provide structured doctoral training alongside the research project.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Oslo offers a doctoral research salary and several employment benefits as part of the fellowship.

1. Annual salary

The advertised salary for the Doctoral Research Fellow position, position code 1017, is:

NOK 550,800–595,000 per year, depending on competence and experience.

A statutory contribution of 2% of the salary is deducted for the State Pension Fund.

The precise salary offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, in accordance with the employer’s applicable terms.

2. Pension and insurance arrangements

The position includes membership in Statens Pensjonskasse, Norway’s State Pension Fund.

The advertisement identifies this scheme as providing pension benefits, beneficial mortgage arrangements, and insurance schemes.

3. Welfare benefits

The university offers employee welfare schemes intended to support staff wellbeing and working life.

Applicants can consult the university’s official welfare information for further details about available arrangements.

4. Exercise during working hours

The advertised benefits include the opportunity to undertake up to 1.5 hours of exercise per week during working hours, subject to the applicable university arrangements.

5. Professional development

The fellowship offers a structured research environment in which the successful applicant can develop expertise in genomics, chromatin biology, computational analysis, scientific writing, and research presentation.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project and the collaboration with the Danish Cancer Institute provide further opportunities to develop scientific and professional skills.

Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

The University of Oslo describes itself as an open and internationally oriented university that seeks to create an inclusive and diverse academic and professional environment.

The institution recognizes that research benefits from a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

The advertisement specifically encourages applicants with an immigrant background, disabilities, or gaps in their CV to indicate this in the application portal.

Under the recruitment approach described in the advertisement, the university invites at least one qualified candidate from each of these groups for an interview. For this purpose, the advertisement defines disability in relation to an applicant who identifies as having a disability requiring workplace or employment-related accommodations.

Applicants may request appropriate accommodations, including adjustments to working hours, tasks, digital or technical arrangements, physical access, or other practical measures.

Information provided through the application portal is also used for anonymized statistics included in annual reports by state employers.

The advertisement does not restrict applications to a particular race, nationality, or continent. However, candidates must meet the academic and technical eligibility criteria and satisfy any applicable employment and immigration requirements.

Application Documents Required

Applicants must submit a complete application through the Jobbnorge recruitment system.

The application must include the following documents.

1. Cover letter

The cover letter must explain the applicant’s motivation and research interests in relation to the PhD position.

Candidates should clearly explain their interest in chromatin biology, genome organization, computational biology, or related research areas and demonstrate how their background aligns with the project.

2. Curriculum vitae

The CV should summarize the applicant’s:

• Educational background.
• Previous positions and employment history.
• Relevant research experience.
• Technical and computational skills.
• Other relevant professional experience.

Applicants should ensure that the CV presents their qualifications clearly and accurately.

3. Educational certificates and academic transcripts

Applicants must provide copies of relevant educational certificates and transcript records.

Candidates educated outside Norway must attach an explanation of the grading system used by their university.

Applicants educated in Norway are asked to retrieve their educational results through Vitnemålsportalen, where applicable. Applicants educated elsewhere must upload copies of their university transcripts or grades.

All submitted documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

4. List of publications and academic works

Applicants must include a list of publications and academic works.

The advertisement specifies that the publications themselves and the applicant’s dissertation should not be included in this list.

5. Three referees

Applicants must provide the details of three reference persons.

For each referee, include:

• Full name.
• Relationship to the applicant.
• Email address.
• Telephone number.

Candidates should ensure that the contact details are accurate and that their referees are appropriate for an academic research application.

How to Apply for the University of Oslo PhD Fellowship

Applications must be submitted through the official Jobbnorge recruitment system. Candidates should open the original vacancy announcement and select the application option.

Application steps:

1. Read the full advertisement and confirm that you meet the academic and technical requirements.
2. Prepare your cover letter, CV, academic certificates, transcripts, publication list, and details of three referees.
3. If your degree was awarded outside Norway, include an explanation of your university’s grading system.
4. Ensure all documentation is in English or a Scandinavian language.
5. Upload the required documents through Jobbnorge.
6. Review the completed application and submit it before the deadline.

The employer states that it cannot accept additional documentation after the application deadline. Applicants should therefore check their files carefully and ensure that all required materials are included before submitting.

If applicants experience difficulties uploading documents through Jobbnorge, they can contact the recruitment system’s customer service at +47 75 54 22 20 or email support@grade.com.

APPLY HERE

Applicants should use this official vacancy page to access the recruitment system, review the full terms, and submit their applications.

Application Deadline

The deadline for this PhD fellowship is October 16, 2026.

Because the employer does not accept additional documentation after the deadline, applicants should begin preparing their materials well in advance and submit a complete application before the closing date.

Selection Process and Important Information

The University of Oslo states that the assessment will place emphasis on the applicant’s motivation, academic background, and personal suitability for conducting the research project.

The best-qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.

Applicants should also be aware of the following conditions:

• The primary method of communication during recruitment will be email and messages through Jobbnorge.
• Applicants should log in to the recruitment system whenever they receive a notification that a message has arrived.
• Applicant lists may be made public in accordance with Section 25 of Norway’s Freedom of Information Act.
• Applicants may request an exemption from publication of their names, but they must provide a justification. The employer will decide whether the request can be granted.
• The university has an agreement concerning the rights to research results and intellectual property produced by its employees.

Candidates should review the university’s relevant regulations for doctoral recruitment and PhD degrees to understand the formal requirements governing the appointment and completion of the degree.

Contact Information

Applicants with questions about the research position can contact the individuals listed in the vacancy announcement.

Research-related enquiries

Dr. Julia Madsen-Østerbye
Researcher and Project Leader
Email: jkmadsen@medisin.uio.no

Human resources enquiries

Zahida Nabi
HR Adviser
Email: zahida.nabi@medisin.uio.no

Candidates should direct questions to the appropriate contact and use the official recruitment system for their applications.

Visit Official application page here: 

Conclusion

The University of Oslo’s PhD fellowship in Spatial Genome Organization and Gene Regulation offers a research opportunity for candidates with a strong background in chromatin or genome biology, genomic bioinformatics, and scientific programming.

The three-year, full-time position combines wet-lab genomics experiments with computational analysis to investigate how nuclear lamin mutations affect genome organization and contribute to lipodystrophies and related metabolic diseases. The project also offers interdisciplinary collaboration, doctoral training, a research stay opportunity in Copenhagen, and a salary of NOK 550,800–595,000 per year, depending on competence and experience.

Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree with at least a B grade or equivalent and a thesis worth at least 30 ECTS, demonstrate programming skills and experience in genomic bioinformatics, and possess excellent English communication skills.

Interested candidates should prepare the required documentation, carefully review the official vacancy announcement, and submit a complete application through Jobbnorge by October 16, 2026.

Discover more fellowship like this on Opportunity for Youth Here