Kristiania University of Applied Sciences in Oslo, Norway, is offering a fully funded PhD fellowship in Applied Information Technology, focusing on precision medicine for pain management in dysmenorrhea. The university is Norway's largest independent comprehensive university college, with a strong commitment to applied knowledge development and societal impact. The School of Health Sciences, which hosts this position, provides research-based education across health sciences, psychology, pedagogy, and law, emphasizing health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment.

The PhD project aims to improve patient care by advancing precision pain treatment for women suffering from dysmenorrhea, a condition that significantly affects quality of life. The research will involve collecting clinical data and blood samples (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) from women experiencing varying degrees of menstrual pain. Key project components include RNA profiling, analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), pathway enrichment analyses using tools like clusterProfiler, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG, and interpretation of RNA profile differences to explain neuro-immune pain mechanisms and inflammatory processes.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team and participate in all aspects of the project, including participant recruitment, clinical data collection, PBMC isolation, RNA extraction, sequencing, data cleaning and mapping, statistical analysis of gene expression, functional analysis, and dissemination of results. The position is ideal for candidates with cross-disciplinary interests bridging bioinformatics, health sciences, and technology.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant field with a grade B or better, and a master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS. A relevant bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in Human Data Science, Biosciences, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences, or an equivalent area is required. Experience with data sampling, analysis, and wet-lab work is essential, along with proficiency in English. Additional desirable qualifications include experience in clinical study design, Norwegian language skills, and expertise in pain research and RNA sequencing. Personal qualities such as curiosity, motivation for independent research, strong communication and cooperation skills, and the ability to work with vulnerable women in a Norwegian context are highly valued.

The fellowship offers a competitive salary (NOK 550,800 per year), NOK 50,000 annually for travel and running costs, free health and travel insurance, pension plan, equipment, and strong labour protections including paid parental and sick leave and 25 paid vacation days. The PhD period is three years, with the earliest start date of 01.09.2026. The application deadline is 02.03.2026.

To apply, candidates must submit their application via the university's portal, including a motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts (in Scandinavian or English), CV, at least two references, master’s thesis, and a project proposal (up to 4 pages, max. 2,000 words, in English). Admission to the PhD programme is required within three months of the start date. For further details, see the provided regulations and university links. Kristiania University of Applied Sciences encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, especially women and minorities.

For project-related questions, contact Professor Johannes Gjerstad ([email protected]). For programme-related questions, contact Professor Asle Fagerstrøm ([email protected]).