Niclas Karlsson

Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway's third largest university, offers a three-year PhD fellowship at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Life Sciences and Health. The project focuses on glycomics in sepsis diagnostics, aiming to identify glycan-based biomarkers for patient stratification and improved outcomes. This interdisciplinary research is a collaboration between the glycomics group led by Professor Niclas Karlsson and the SEPSOMICS project group at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål. The research will utilize state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) and non-MS based glycomics, combined with clinical patient information, to identify subpopulations of sepsis patients by their glycoprotein profiles or glycomic traits. The goal is to improve diagnostics and facilitate precision treatment for sepsis, a severe inflammatory condition with high mortality rates. The project will study altered plasma glycosylation and extracellular vesicle glycosylation patterns in sepsis patients, providing novel insights into immune dysregulation and guiding targeted therapy to reduce unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. As a PhD candidate, you will join a world-class team in glycomics and EV biochemistry, leveraging a high-quality biobank of Norwegian sepsis patients and relevant controls. The position offers opportunities for international research mobility, including a stipend for extended research secondment abroad, and participation in national and international conferences and workshops. You will collaborate with clinicians, biochemists, biostatisticians, and glycobiologists to investigate underlying biological mechanisms in a life-threatening acute medical condition. OsloMet provides beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, welfare schemes, free Norwegian language classes for employees and their partners/spouses, and practical support for relocation to Oslo. The annual salary is 532,200 NOK (approx. $50,000), in accordance with the Norwegian state employee pay scale. Applicants must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) in pharmacy, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomedicine, or equivalent, with documented experience in relevant biochemical laboratory work. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required. Admission to a relevant doctoral programme is a prerequisite, with a grade B or above in the master's thesis and overall master's degree. In special cases, candidates with grade C may be considered if they demonstrate particularly relevant experience. Advantageous qualifications include experience in biological mass spectrometry, glycomics, glycobiology, understanding of sepsis pathogenesis and treatment, omics, big data and statistics (e.g., R), AI/machine learning for health outcome prediction, and proficiency in a Scandinavian language. Personal qualities such as motivation, independence, analytical skills, and communication/collaboration skills are valued. To apply, use the electronic recruitment system and upload your letter of application, CV, reference letters, certificates/diplomas (with ECTS grades), thesis, publications list, and at least two references. Documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language and certified. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Original documents and valid passport must be presented if invited for an interview. OsloMet performs document inspections to ensure fair competition. OsloMet is committed to inclusion and diversity, supporting career development, mobility, and researchers’ employment rights. The university is EU-certified as an HR Center of Excellence and follows the DORA declaration principles. The appointment will be carried out in accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service Act and relevant regulations. For more information, contact Professor Niclas Karlsson ([email protected]). Deadline for applications: 13 August 2026. Location: Pilestredet, Oslo. Remote work: Hybrid. Number of positions: 1.

This PhD fellowship at Oslo Metropolitan University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate glycomics in sepsis, focusing on the identification of glycan-based biomarkers for improved diagnostics and precision treatment. The position is based at the Faculty of Health Science, Department of Life Sciences and Health, and is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration between the glycomics group led by Professor Niclas Karlsson and the SEPSOMICS project group at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål. The project aims to stratify sepsis patients by their glycoprotein profiles or glycomic traits, leveraging state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) and non-MS glycomics techniques alongside clinical patient information. Sepsis, a severe inflammatory condition with high mortality rates, is caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this dysregulation is crucial for enabling personalized treatment and reducing unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Research will focus on altered plasma glycosylation in sepsis patients and glycosylation patterns of extracellular vesicles released during sepsis, providing novel insights into immune dysregulation. The project is supported by a world-class team in glycomics and EV biochemistry and utilizes a high-quality biobank of Norwegian sepsis patients and relevant controls. As a PhD candidate, you will be eligible to apply for a stipend for extended international research secondment, and you will work closely with clinicians, biochemists, biostatisticians, and glycobiologists. OsloMet offers professional development in a creative academic environment, international research mobility, beneficial pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, welfare schemes, free Norwegian language classes for employees and their partners/spouses, and practical support for relocation to Oslo. The annual salary is 532,200 NOK (approximately $50,000), in accordance with the Norwegian state employee pay scale. Applicants must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) in pharmacy, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomedicine, or equivalent, with documented experience in relevant biochemical laboratory work. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Admission to a relevant doctoral programme is a prerequisite, with a grade B or above in the master's thesis and overall master's degree. In special cases, candidates with grade C may be considered if they demonstrate particularly relevant experience. Advantageous qualifications include experience in biological mass spectrometry, glycomics, glycobiology, sepsis pathogenesis, omics, big data/statistics (e.g., R), AI/machine learning for health prediction, and proficiency in a Scandinavian language. Personal qualities such as motivation, independence, analytical skills, and communication/collaboration abilities are valued. The application process is fully electronic. Applicants must upload a letter of application, CV, reference letters, certificates/diplomas (with ECTS grades), thesis, publications list, and at least two references. All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language, with certified translations if needed. Original documents and valid passport must be presented if invited for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered. OsloMet is committed to inclusion and diversity, and welcomes employees with diverse competencies, life experiences, and perspectives. The university is EU-certified as an HR Center of Excellence and has endorsed the DORA declaration for research assessment. The appointment will be carried out in accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service Act and relevant regulations. For further information about the position, contact Professor Niclas Karlsson ([email protected]). For administrative questions, contact HR adviser Kate Olsen ([email protected]). For questions about admission to the PhD programme, contact [email protected]. Oslo Metropolitan University is Norway's third largest university, with campuses in central Oslo and at Romerike, and is known for its robust academic environments in health and social sciences, teacher education, social research, design, and technology.