Researcher without PhD

Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital

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About the position

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist for a 9-month position (100% employment) in the group of Assoc. Prof. Kay Oliver Schink. The position is based at the Department of Molecular Cell Biology at the Institute for Cancer Research (OUS, Radiumhospitalet).

The position is part of an ongoing effort to understand how cancer cells regulate macropinocytosis—a form of nutrient uptake driven by actin-powered membrane remodeling—and how macropinosome identity and function are established and maintained under different mechanical and signaling states. Our recent work (Schink et al., Nature Communications 2021) showed that the phosphoinositide coincidence detector Phafin2 is transiently recruited to newly formed macropinosomes via PtdIns3P/PtdIns4P and promotes macropinocytosis by coordinating actin reorganization and timely delamination during early macropinosome internalization and maturation. The candidate will build on these findings, focusing on how membrane forces and the actin cytoskeleton interface with signal transduction to control macropinocytosis, vesicle maturation, and invasive behavior in cancer cells.

*Oslo University Hospital is a workplace with great diversity. We believe this is crucial to solving our tasks in the best possible way. We want this diversity to be reflected among the applicants for our positions, and encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of background, to apply.*

Key information

Application deadline:

**01.03.2026**

Employer:

**Oslo universitetssykehus HF**

Town/city:

**Oslo**

Title:

**Researcher without PhD**

Positions:

**1**

Full-time/part-time:

**Full-time**

Employment type:

**Contract**

Percentage of full-time:

**100**

Webcruiter ID:

**5086294749**

Start date:

**01.04.2026**

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Project focus / Main Tasks

- Mechanochemical control of early macropinocytosis: Identify how actin dynamics, membrane tension, and mechanical cues regulate early macropinosome formation, internalization, and progression through the subcortical actin cortex.
- Force-to-signal coupling: Dissect how mechanosensitive signaling pathways (e.g., adhesion-dependent signaling, kinase modules, small GTPase networks) modulate actin remodeling and macropinosome maturation and recycling.
- Organelle-/vesicle-specific proximity proteomics: Map the local protein environment of nascent and maturing macropinosomes and related compartments using targeted proximity labeling (e.g., TurboID/BioID/APEX-type approaches) to identify regulators and signaling nodes.
- Mechanobiology-informed phenotyping of cancer behavior: Test how defects in maturation and recycling contribute to invasion, migration modes, nutrient adaptation, and transcriptional regulation in 2D and 3D contexts.
- Advanced live-cell imaging: Apply quantitative fluorescence microscopy (live-cell, 2D and 3D)

Qualifications

Required:

- MSc in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or a closely related field.
- Strong hands-on skills in cell biology and molecular biology (cloning, cell culture, microscopy-ready sample prep).
- Experience with membrane trafficking and/or cytoskeleton regulation, ideally including phosphoinositides and/or small GTPases (RAB/RAC/CDC42/RHO).
- Documented hands-on experience in generation of lentiviral vectors and transduction of cell lines.
- Experience with genetic perturbation (CRISPR/Cas9, knockdown/overexpression, or equivalent).
- Hands-on expertise in live-cell imaging
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Particularly desirable:

- Experience with actin-driven processes (endocytosis, protrusions, migration, cortex regulation) and quantitative imaging of cytoskeletal dynamics.
- Any mechanobiology exposure (e.g., substrate stiffness, confinement, micropatterns, traction/shape analysis, tension perturbations)
- Documented skills in proximity proteomics and/or proteomics workflows:
- organelle-/compartment-targeted labeling (TurboID/BioID/APEX or related),
- sample prep and enrichment strategies
- basic understanding of MS-based proteomics and analysis pipelines (collaborative experience with a proteomics core is fine).
- Experience with protein dynamics techniques such as FRAP and photoconversion
- Experience with transcriptional regulation and nuclear biology

We offer

- A project at the interface of membrane trafficking, actin mechanics, and signaling, with direct relevance to cancer cell plasticity and metabolic adaptation.
- Access to state-of-the-art live-cell imaging (2D/3D) and support for advanced microscopy workflows.
- A highly collaborative environment with access to proteomics infrastructure and expertise for proximity-labeling and MS-based discovery.
- Training opportunities spanning quantitative imaging, mechanobiology assays, and targeted proteomics strategies.
- Salary according to OUS regulations

How to apply:

Please submit the following documents:

- Application letter outlining your motivation and relevant qualifications.
- CV including education, research experience, and a full publication list.
- Copies of relevant diplomas and academic transcripts.
Contact information for 2–3 referees.



Address:

Ullernchausseen 70, 0379 Oslo, Norway

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Contacts

**Prof. Kay Oliver Schink**

Researcher

Email:

k.o.schink@medisin.uio.no



About the employer

Oslo University Hospital is a highly specialized hospital in charge of extensive regional and local hospital assignments. As Scandinavia’s largest hospital, we carry out more than 1.2 million patient treatments each year. The hospital has a nationwide responsibility for a number of national and multi-regional assignments, and has several national centers of competence. Oslo University Hospital is responsible for approximately 50 percent of all medical and health care research conducted at Norwegian hospitals, and is a significant role player within the education of a large variety of health care personnel.