Project Description

The candidate will be employed in a commercial contract research organisation using modern mass spectrometry for proteomics analysis of biological samples. They will responsible within the MIPrecise project for the development and testing of targeted assays for cancer markers related to CDK5 signalling within tumours. Work will involve sample preparation, mass spectrometry method development, computational mass spectrometry and aspects of data science for statistical testing of assay performance.

Several different targeted mass spectrometry methods will be tested for sensitivity, specificity and predictive value based on established statistical tools such as ROC area under the curve, Kaplan-Meyer plots and regression models. In addition to mass spectrometry methods, the DC will receive training in routine immunoassays and test the developed MIPs as stains for Western blot analysis of tumours.

This work will work at the interface between biomarker discovery and diagnostic test development, requiring interaction with scientists performing basic research and clinicians looking to improve management of patients with cancer.

The role will include secondments to University of Oslo (Norway), Malmö University (Sweden) and University of southern Denmark, Odense (Denmark) that are spread across the duration of the project (total approximately 6 months).

Candidate requirements

Candidates must be familiar with working in a scientific research laboratory and demonstrate hands-on experience in at least one of the following techniques, mass spectrometry, immunoassays and/or biostatistics. Knowledge of all three techniques is desirable but not essential as full training will be given during the MIPrecise programme. Fluent in English and have a good working knowledge of German.

For admission to the PhD-program at University of Oslo the candidate must meet the criteria listed here: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/admission-funding.html. 

In addition, 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.

Supervisor information

Dr. Ian Pike,
Chief Scientific Officer,
Proteome Sciences R&D GmbH & Co KG