PhD candidate in design principles, cellular interactions, and application space of engineered RNA systems SINTEF in Norway

SINTEF, Scandinavia’s largest independent research organization, is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join the Medical Biotechnology Group within the Biotechnology and Nanomedicine (BTN) Department. This position focuses on the design principles, cellular interactions, and application space of engineered RNA systems. The successful candidate will be embedded in SINTEF’s Medical Biotechnology group and closely connected to large collaborative research efforts, with the PhD degree awarded by the University of Oslo (UiO).

The project aims to understand how synthetic RNAs are recognized, processed, and functionally interpreted by mammalian cells, and to use these insights to create new RNA architectures with improved performance, specificity, and translational potential. The research lies at the interface of RNA biology, synthetic biology, and nanomedicine, contributing both fundamental mechanistic knowledge and new RNA platforms relevant to therapeutic and biotechnological applications.

Key responsibilities include designing, engineering, and producing synthetic RNA molecules and systems; analyzing their processing and functional interpretation in mammalian cells; performing biochemical and cellular assays to measure RNA stability, translation, localization, and regulatory behavior; and translating mechanistic insights into new RNA design rules and platforms. The candidate will also contribute to high-impact publications and patentable innovations, participate in international collaborations, and engage in short research stays in academic laboratories.

SINTEF offers high-end laboratory infrastructure, a friendly and international working environment, flexible research conditions, and the opportunity to bring up your own ideas. The position is funded through the STIPINST scheme for 3+1 years, with the explicit aim of recruiting the successful candidate into a long-term SINTEF research position after completion of the PhD. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible working hours, good pension and insurance schemes, and excellent welfare arrangements.

Eligibility criteria prioritize candidates holding a MSc degree in molecular biology or related fields. Applicants should be honest, motivated, results-oriented, keen on details, proficient in English, and comfortable working in a molecular biology lab. The ability to adapt protocols and experiments quickly, communicate failures confidently, and work both independently and as part of a team is essential.

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28,000 students and 7,000 employees. The Institute of Clinical Medicine (Klinmed) is responsible for the Faculty's educational and research activities at Oslo University Hospital and Akershus University Hospital. SINTEF Industry’s Biotechnology and Nanomedicine department develops solutions in biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, nanomedicine, human health, environmental analysis, biopolymers and biomaterials, circular economy, aquaculture, and fish health, with cutting-edge expertise and well-equipped laboratories.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided HR Manager link. Include a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience, a CV with a list of publications (if any), and names and contact details of references. For further information, visit the SINTEF career page or contact the supervisors listed in the position description.