PhD Research Fellow in Molecular Fingerprinting of Organoids Using Raman and Autofluorescence Microspectroscopy
Develop advanced optical spectroscopy techniques to study molecular changes in viral-infected organoids with AI-assisted data analysis.
Best for:Best for physics graduates with hands-on spectroscopy experience, strong programming skills (Python/MATLAB), and interest in interdisciplinary biomedical research.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Oslo focuses on advancing molecular fingerprinting of organoids using Raman and autofluorescence microspectroscopy. The project aims to investigate biochemical and metabolic alterations during viral infections (HIV-1 and VEEV) by combining label-free spectroscopy with waveguide-enhanced approaches. The successful candidate will develop spectroscopic platforms, analyze high-dimensional datasets using AI, and collaborate within an MSCA Doctoral Network. The fellowship offers a three-year research opportunity with supervision from Prof. Balpreet Singh Ahluwalia and Assoc. Prof. Elisabeth Wetzer, starting April 2027.
What you'll do
- Develop and adapt Raman and autofluorescence spectroscopy platforms for organoid analysis.
- Explore free-space and waveguide-enhanced spectroscopic techniques to improve sensitivity.
- Generate spectral libraries for molecular alterations during viral infections (HIV-1 and VEEV).
- Apply advanced image and AI-assisted spectral analysis to high-dimensional datasets.
- Collaborate with other doctoral candidates in the MSCA network on spectroscopy and analysis.
- Conduct research visits and secondments at partner institutions within the MSCA network.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, biophysics, or biomedical technologies. Foreign MSc-level degree must correspond to at least four years of full-time study in the Norwegian system.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Fluent oral and written English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent if applicable).
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience with Raman spectroscopy or related optical instrumentation.
- Proficiency in data analysis and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with image/spectral analysis tools and basic AI methods.
- Willingness to undertake research visits and collaborate in international networks.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Candidate must not have previously obtained a doctorate.
- No more than 12 months of residence or main activity in Norway in the 3 years prior to recruitment (1 April 2027).
- Must meet UiO’s grade requirements: B average in master’s degree and B for master’s thesis.
- Security eligibility for UiO (background check required).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit their application through the MERIT MSCA Doctoral Network portal. Required documents include a CV, cover letter, master’s thesis, and transcripts. Three reference letters must also be provided. The application deadline is 30 October 2026.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master’s thesis
- Master’s degree transcripts
- Three reference letters
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