A 4-year PhD fellowship is available at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. This interdisciplinary position is a collaboration between the labs of Associate Professor Coen Campsteijn (mechanistic cancer biology) and Professor Koen Vervaeke (systems neuroscience), and is part of the GLIOFORCE consortium. GLIOFORCE merges biology, physics, and engineering to describe, model, and target cellular biomechanics during the invasion of aggressive brain cancer, specifically Glioblastoma. The project aims to open innovative avenues for treating aggressive cancers by targeting cancer cell mechano-adaptation.

As a PhD student, you will track cancer invasion in real-time using state-of-the-art in vivo two-photon microscopy in mice and live-cell confocal microscopy with ex vivo 3D models. You will genetically manipulate cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 to identify and target molecular mechanisms enabling invasion, and study how neuronal activity and brain anatomy influence cancer spread. The position offers close collaboration with three other PhD students in a supportive, cross-disciplinary team.

The normal fixed term of appointment is four years, including 25% of other career-promoting work. The University of Oslo is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity, and encourages applicants from varied backgrounds. Adjustments to working hours, tasks, and other practical measures can be accommodated for candidates with special needs.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in neuroscience, molecular or cell biology, or closely related fields, with a minimum grade B (ECTS grading scale) and a thesis of at least 30 ECTS. Technical skills required include comfort working with rodents and performing delicate surgical procedures; previous experience with animal surgery and advanced live-cell light microscopy is a major advantage. Experience with programming (Python/Matlab) and image analysis is highly emphasized and should be documented. An excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Scientific curiosity and motivation to bridge neuroscience and cancer biology are expected.

The position offers a stimulating work environment, good welfare schemes, and career development opportunities. Salary is in the range NOK 550,800 to 600,000, depending on competence and experience, with 2% deducted for statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund. Membership in Statens Pensjonskasse provides beneficial mortgages and insurance schemes.

To apply, submit your application via the Jobbnorge recruitment system, including an application letter, CV, list of publications, MSc project summary, transcripts and certificates, and contact information for 2-3 references. Education results should be retrieved from Vitnemålsportalen.no or uploaded if not available. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application deadline is 5th April 2026.

For further information, contact Associate Professor Coen Campsteijn ([email protected]) or Professor Koen Gerard Alois Vervaeke ([email protected]). The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with internationally recognized research communities and a strong societal mission.