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.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree 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. Experience with rodents and animal surgery is a major advantage, as is familiarity with advanced live-cell light microscopy. Strong skills in programming (Python/Matlab) and image analysis are highly emphasized and should be documented. An excellent command of written and spoken English is required. The University of Oslo values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from varied backgrounds.

The position is full-time and fixed-term for four years, including 25% career-promoting work. The salary is in the range NOK 550,800 to 600,000 per year, depending on competence and experience, with membership in Statens Pensjonskasse providing pension and insurance benefits. The workplace offers good welfare schemes, development and career opportunities, and up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.

To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge, including an application letter, CV, list of publications, MSc project summary, transcripts, 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 deadline for applications is 5th April 2026.

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with internationally recognized research communities and a broad range of academic disciplines. The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences aims to promote basic medical knowledge, provide insight into mechanisms that cause illness, and promote good health. For further information, contact Coen Campsteijn ([email protected]) or Koen Gerard Alois Vervaeke ([email protected]).