About this role
About the position / The Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Oslo (UiO) invites applications for a temporary Researcher position in the NFR FRIPRO-funded project FEMALE: Phenotyping fetal microchimeric cells in the mother: revealing potential fetal contributions to long-term female health. The project has been awarded NOK 12 million in FRIPRO funding. The successful candidate will have their work base at Rikshospitalet, with the Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery and Specialized Medicine (Prof. Bente Halvorsen`n research group) . Preferred start date is 1 september 2026 until the end of june 2029 Project description During pregnancy, a small number of fetal cells can pass into the mother’s bloodstream. The FEMALE project investigates what happens to this cell transfer when the placenta does not function optimally, and how fetal cell transfer may influence the mother’s health later in life. In particular, the project asks whether fetal cells transferred to the mother may help explain why pre-eclampsia is associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk. The overarching goal is to provide the first detailed characterization of fetal cells in maternal circulation and improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying female-specific disease development. The research is anchored in a research group at the Women’s Division, UiO, and builds on the group’s prior FRIPRO-funded work in microchimerism (including the earlier project BRIDGE), with a strong emphasis on human pregnancy and pregnancy complications. Responsibilities The successful candidate will contribute to achieving the scientific objectives of the FEMALE project, including: Planning and conducting research activities aimed at identifying and characterizing fetal microchimeric cells in maternal blood and relating findings to pregnancy complications and long-term maternal health outcomes. Contributing to rigorous methodological development and quality assurance for research on extremely rare cell populations (microchimerism). Data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with the project team. Writing scientific manuscripts and presenting results at scientific meetings. Collaborating across disciplines and contributing to the project’s overall progress and reporting. Qualifications Required qualifications A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., medicine, biology, molecular/cellular biology, immunology, genetics, or related disciplines). Documented experience with high-quality biomedical research and scientific writing/publications. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team. Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken). Desired qualifications (assets) Experience relevant to human pregnancy research, placental biology, pregnancy complications (including pre-eclampsia), and/or mechanisms linking pregnancy complications to long-term maternal health. Extensive knowledge of biological mechanisms relevant to the development of cardiovascular disease, with a particular understanding of how epigenetic factors contribute to disease progression. Experience with research on rare cell populations and/or methodological development where specificity, sensitivity, and false positive control are critical. A broad methodological background including experience with flow cytometry, single cell sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Personal qualities We are looking for a candidate who is: Highly motivated, structured, and able to drive tasks forward Curious and solution-oriented, with strong attention to detail A constructive team player who thrives in interdisciplinary collaboration Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications. We need different perspectives in our work UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no . We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues—could you be the next one? We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures. If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps, we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian). The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here. We hope you will apply for the position with us. We offer / We can offer you / Why should you choose us? Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development. A unique opportunity to contribute to a FRIPRO-funded research project addressing fundamental questions in women’s health and pregnancy biology. A stimulating research environment at UiO, with close links to clinical research and access to strong academic networks. Professional development through collaboration, publishing, and conference participation. Good welfare schemes. Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of ex