Fully Funded PhD Fellowship in Cancer Research: Antiviral Defense Pathways in Breast Cancer

A fully funded three-year full-time PhD fellowship in cancer research is available at the Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. The Department of Pathology is the largest in Norway, with a strong research section organized into seven groups, focusing on cancer, immunopathology, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. The position is available from May 1st, 2026, with flexibility for an earlier or later start date. The project is led by Dr. Håvard Lindholm and will be located in the laboratory of Professor Frode Jahnsen (jahnsenlab.org) at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. It is a collaborative effort with Professor Hege Elisabeth Giercksky Russnes at Oslo University Hospital and Professor Daniel De Carvalho at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto. All groups are internationally recognized experts in immunology, cancer, and bioinformatics. The research aims to explore how antiviral defense pathways can be harnessed to kill breast cancer cells. The team will sequence RNA from over 300 breast cancer patients, investigate the activation mechanisms of antiviral defense pathways in cell cultures, and perform bioinformatics analysis of large datasets. The work will be conducted in a modern molecular biology lab equipped with specialized instruments such as the P2 solo for Oxford Nanopore Sequencing and access to computational clusters for data analysis. Antiviral defense pathways are activated when double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is expressed from the genome, typically only present during viral infection. Dysregulated pathways in cancer can lead to dsRNA expression, triggering innate immune responses that may kill cancer cells. This project seeks to understand the timing and location of dsRNA expression in cancer and how it can be targeted for future therapeutics. For more details, see the review at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trecan.2022.09.001 . The successful candidate will perform Oxford Nanopore sequencing of RNA samples, conduct wet lab experiments on dsRNA fate in cells, create scripts for data analysis, and perform bioinformatic analysis of public datasets. While both wet lab and bioinformatics skills are valued, strong experience in one area is sufficient, as training will be provided by the experienced team. Applicants must hold an MSc in biology, immunology, medicine, bioinformatics, computational biology, informatics, or a related field. Experience in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics is required; experience with library preparation, cell culture, RNA synthesis, and Python programming is a plus. Candidates must have fluent oral and written English skills and be highly motivated to address important scientific questions. To apply, submit an application letter, CV, MSc thesis, educational certificates, transcript of records, and letters of recommendation or contact details for 2-3 references via the electronic recruiting system. All documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language. Foreign applicants should include an explanation of their university's grading system. Interviews will require presentation of educational certificates and transcripts. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading research environment and contribute to innovative cancer therapeutics. The position is fully funded for three years, including stipend and tuition. For further information, visit jahnsenlab.org or the application link below.