Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Chemistry
Institute:
University of Oslo (UiO)
Country:
Norway
Research Field:
Biophysical Chemistry
Posted Date:
Feb 01, 2026
Deadline:
Mar 01, 2026
Offer Period:
3 Years
Offer Start Date:
Summer 2026
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biophysical Chemistry
Project Description:
- We are seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral research fellow (PD) for PERMEATE who will work on peptide-membrane interactions, and in particular, towards characterizing and understanding the dynamical and structural effects of various peptides on both simplified and complex membrane systems. The project will entail a combination of computational and experimental work, both directly and in collaboration with the PhD students, focusing on design and physio-chemical characterization of lipid membranes and their interactions with peptides. This primarily includes small angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) along with theoretical model analysis including the use of multi-scale and artificial intelligence models. The PD will work closely with both the PhD candidates and PIs within the convergence environment and help coordinate the separate aims and planed work packages.
- Given the specific nature of the project, the close collaboration within the convergence environment and the aim of bridging experiment and theory, we are seeking a PD with significant experimental and theoretical experience in working with lipid membranes and their interactions with surface-active and antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, a strong background in SAXS and/or SANS investigations of membrane-peptide systems, including a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical scattering framework and practical and experience with modeling and analysis is required.
- The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in (Bio)physical Chemistry or closely related fields. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment
- Applicants must have hands-on experience with small angle scattering, including knowledge within advanced modelling/analysis methodology
- Applicants must have hands-on experience working with model lipid membranes
- Applicants must be proficient with computer programing
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- For 4-year position: sufficient oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language to contribute to teaching at the department’s bachelor courses
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in developing and modifying theoretical models of scattering data, including analytical (form- and structure factor) models, discrete numerical models and model-independent analysis techniques, including implementation of these, is highly desired
- A strong interest in theoretical and computational work, like molecular dynamics and numerical methods will be given weight
- Experience with other structural characterization techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS) is beneficial
- Having experience from large scale research facilities like synchrotrons and neutron facilities is an advantage
- Experience with teaching university level courses is also an advantage
All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The fellowship period is three years. A fourth year may be considered with a work-load of 25 % which is devoted to other career promoting work, usually in the form of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
- No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.
- Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.
Benefits:
- 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
- Committed colleagues in a good working environment
- Good welfare schemes.
- Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.
- A workplace with good development and career opportunities
- Postdoctoral development programmes.
- Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
- Salary in position as Postdoctoral Fellow, position code 1352 in salary range NOK 595 000 - 690 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund
Application Process:
Documents Required:
The application must include:
- Cover letter specific to the project (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
- CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
- A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
- For a potential fourth year employment, include a description of which undergraduate courses you can teach, or have experience in teaching, and which subjects/courses you would like to teach. This should include a description your prior experience with career promoting work
How to apply:
- Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge.
- When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1811, the University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway's oldest and highest-ranked institution, consistently placing among the top 100 to 150 universities globally, including a rank of #119 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. It is a comprehensive public research university comprising eight faculties—Theology, Law, Medicine, Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dentistry, Social Sciences, and Education—and has historically been home to five Nobel Prize winners. While all undergraduate courses are taught in Norwegian, the university offers approximately 40 Master’s programmes entirely in English to cater to its student body of roughly 30,000. Since mid-2023, most students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees, typically ranging from NOK 198,000 to NOK 295,000 per year depending on the specific programme. Admission is highly selective, with an estimated acceptance rate between 5% and 10%, and applicants must demonstrate strong academic records and English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following postdoc research positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.