About this role
A 2-year 100% scientist position with possibility of elongation for a highly motivated and skilled researcher is available at the Department of Pediatric Research, OUS Rikshospitalet (https://ous-research.no/pediatricresearch/) on a project funded by the Norwegian Cancer Society. Liquid biopsies leverage circulating molecular structures from body fluids, facilitating a less invasive yet more comprehensive diagnostic approach. Especially for childhood cancer patients it is crucial to obtain temporal and spatial insights that capture the tumor's heterogeneity and evolving structure over time. Peripheral blood is the common source for liquid biopsies; however, in childhood cancer patients, the sample volume is often restricted. In contrast, urine-derived samples are both abundant and harmless. Furthermore, recent technological advances allow for genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and methylation profiling using urine. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are linked to the onset and progression of cancer, although there remains a knowledge gap for pediatric cancers. We will employ state-of-the-art analytical methods to gain deeper insights into the frequency and composition of cfDNA, the cargo and targets of EVs, and the expression and characteristics of circRNAs. Investigating urine-derived liquid biopsies will enhance our understanding of pediatric cancer biology, thereby contributing to improved diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic strategies for these vulnerable patients. The position is based on cooperation between Dr. Lars O. Baumbusch (Senior scientist and project group leader at PFI, OUS Rikshospitalet and Prof. II at Østfold University of Applied Sciences) and other local, national- and international research environments. Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial for solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and we encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply!