About the position

We are searching for a PhD candidate for a project investigating how climate change impacts the long-term dynamics, stability, and resilience of biological communities.

A fully financed 3-year PhD position is available at the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology. The aim of this PhD project is to study long-term community-level responses to climate change, accounting for effects of trophic interactions, life history, and density-dependent dynamics. This will be achieved by combining empirical and theoretical modelling of multi-species population dynamics under different climate change scenarios. 

Particular emphasis will be placed on extreme events and their effects on the stability and temporal autocorrelation of community dynamics. 

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with experience from population and/or community ecology, preferably also with competence in population-dynamic modelling of age-/stage-structured species. The successful candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team covering empirical, theoretical, and statistical expertise in eco-evolutionary biology.

The candidate will report to the Director professor Bernt-Erik Sæther and the supervisor will be ass.  prof. Vidar Grøtan. other members of the research will be professor Jarle Tufto and researcher Aline M. Lee. 

Duties of the position

The PhD candidate will perform empirical case study analyses, theoretical multi-species modelling, and simulations. Participation in field work is possible but not mandatory.

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in biology or biomathematics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Other qualifications

• well-developed understanding of population dynamics
• good scientific communication skills (written and oral English)
• good skills in R or equivalent programming language
• experience with biomodelling is mandatory

Personal characteristics

• ability to work in a team, as well as independently
• motivated to combine theoretical work with empirical studies of complex biological systems
• ambitious

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 479 600 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is three years, with the possibility for a fourth year (teaching).

Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Biology. As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

General information

Working at NTNU

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Questions about the position can be directed to: Brage Bremset Hansen brage.b.hansen@ntnu.no, Aline M. Lee aline.m.lee@ntnu.no , Vidar Grøtan vidar.grotan@ntnu.no or Jarle Tufto jarle.tufto@ntnu.no

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor Nina Sandberg, e-mail: nina.sandberg@ntnu.no

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number NVD-44/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 25.04.2020

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 25th April 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen