PhD Research Fellow in Molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and AF micro-spectroscopy

About the position

We invite applications for a PhD Research Fellow position in molecular fingerprinting in organoids using Raman and autofluorescence micro-spectroscopy, available at the Department of Physics of the University of Oslo (UiO).

The starting date is no later than 1 April 2027.

The fellowship period is three years.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

The place of work is the Department of Physics in Blindern, Oslo.

Background of project

This doctoral project will develop and apply advanced label-free optical spectroscopy approaches to investigate molecular and metabolic changes in organoid models of viral infection. The project will combine Raman micro-spectroscopy and UV–visible autofluorescence (AF) spectroscopy, providing complementary information on the biochemical and metabolic state of biological samples without requiring external fluorescent labels. Raman micro-spectroscopy, primarily using 785 nm excitation, will obtain molecular fingerprints associated with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites. Complementary UV–visible autofluorescence spectroscopy in the 350–500 nm spectral range will probe endogenous fluorescence signatures associated with cellular metabolism and biochemical composition. The project will investigate both free-space spectroscopy and waveguide-enhanced spectroscopic approaches, including waveguide-enhanced Raman and waveguide-based autofluorescence spectroscopy, with the aim of improving sensitivity to subtle molecular changes.

Photonic waveguides provide strong and spatially extended light–matter interaction through the evanescent optical field, offering opportunities to enhance Raman signals and AF-signals and improve sensitivity compared with conventional free-space measurements. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying spectral signatures associated with early molecular alterations and metabolic reprogramming that may precede observable structural changes. AI-assisted spectral analysis will be explored to analyse the high-dimensional Raman and autofluorescence datasets. Machine-learning approaches will be used to identify spectral features and molecular signatures associated with infection, distinguish different biological states, and correlate spectroscopic changes with disease progression. The project will use organoid models of HIV-1 and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) infection.

As part of MSCA-DN the candidate must be open to travel and collaborate with other partners in this project, especially with other doctoral candidates (DC): DC 5, DC 9-10 and DC 12.

Job description

At the University of Oslo in Norway, we are looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC 6) to work on WP 3. The main responsibilities of the DC 6 will be:

• To develop and adapt Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy platform,
• To explore both free space and optical waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and waveguide-based autofluorescence spectroscopy,
• To apply these spectroscopy tools for organoid sections, analytes and virus,
• To generate spectral signatures (Raman and AF- library) associated with early molecular alterations and metabolic reprogramming during HIV-1 and VEEV infection,
• Apply advanced image analysis including AI assisted spectral analysis for high-dimensional Raman and AF- signals,
• Support and collaborate with other doctoral candidates related to spectroscopy, analysis and training.

The doctoral candidate will be guided during this research project by Prof. Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Associated Professor Elisabeth Wetzer. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

How to apply

Technical information:

Position location: Oslo, Norway
Application deadline: October 30, 2026
Project start date: April 1st, 2027
Duration: 3 years

Please follow this link to apply for this position and for more detailed instructions on the application: 
Doctoral Candidate 6 Vacancy — MERIT

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in physics or engineering or related fields such as biophysics and biomedical technologies. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system. Master dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date
• A strong background in optics, photonics, spectroscopy, or related experimental techniques. Hands-on experimental experience with the development, operation or application of optical spectroscopic instrumentation, such as Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming, for example using Python, MATLAB or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with image/spectral analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python and basic AI tools
• Willingness to undertake research visits, secondments and training activities at partner institutions within the MSCA Doctoral Network and to collaborate closely with other doctoral candidates.

Desired qualifications:

• Integrated photonics, optical waveguides, photonic chips or evanescent-field spectroscopy
• Experience in handling of biological samples and image analysis.
• Raman spectroscopy, Raman microscopy or other forms of vibrational spectroscopy.
• Autofluorescence, fluorescence spectroscopy or fluorescence microscopy.
• Spectroscopic or optical measurements of biological samples, including cells, tissues, organoids, microorganisms or viruses.
• Multivariate spectral analysis, including PCA, clustering, classification or chemometric methods.
• Machine learning/AI approaches for spectroscopy, imaging or other high-dimensional experimental datasets.
• Development and automation of optical instrumentation, including instrument control, data acquisition and image/spectral processing.

UiO is subject to the Security Act, which governs the organisation's protection of security-sensitive objects and knowledge, in addition to other relevant legislation concerning access to and handling of sensitive information. Based on this, it is a requirement that successful applicants are security-eligible. We may use background checks as part of our recruitment process.

General MERIT eligibility criteria

• Candidates must not have been awarded a doctorate previously
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country or recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment, 1 April 2027. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements for admission to the PhD-program of the institution to which they apply, see below for more details.

Language requirements

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
   

In addition to the eligibility criteria above, candidates admitted to the PhD programme at the University of Oslo must fulfill the grade requirements, see www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc7. The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system,
• The average grade point for courses included in the master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system,
• The master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. 

What are we looking for in you?

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. It is essential that the researcher can effectively communicate with the collaborators within the EU project in the field of biology,
• Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks,
• Good communication and collaboration skills,
• Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods and multi-tasking.

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications.

We can offer you

• 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
• A pleasant and stimulating work 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
• Career development programmes
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund 

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 (Norwegian), 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.

General information

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can't, you will hear from us.

Please refer to Regulations for the Act on universities and colleges chapter 3 (Norwegian), Guidelines concerning appointment to post doctoral and research posts at UiO (Norwegian) and Regulations for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the University of Oslo.  

The University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc.