About the position

We have a 3-year PhD position in population ecology available at the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), Department of Biology. A major goal of CBD - and this PhD project - is to improve our understanding of how human activities affect spatiotemporal variation in populations and communities, creating a basis for sustainable management of natural resources. The PhD position will be linked to ongoing activities on community dynamics and sustainable management of natural resources. The candidate will use previously sampled data on freshwater communities across large environmental gradients in central Norway, possibly combined with recent resampling from the same systems, to assess spatiotemporal patterns of community changes. A central task will be to evaluate consequences of human impact on the system, such as hydro-power, land-use changes or other, by using state of the art community modelling tools.

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with strong competence in quantitative ecology. The successful candidate will be part of a multi-disciplinary research team working with community dynamics, management and conservation of ecosystems, from both empirical and theoretical angles. The group includes academic staff from the Department of Biology, NTNU, the Natural history museum, NTNU, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, NTNU, and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. 

Duties of the position

The PhD candidate will perform empirical analyses on freshwater fauna, focusing on evaluating community responses to environmental change, and to address questions related to the spatial extent of human impact. The candidate may be expected to participate in fieldwork. 

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work as a researcher. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) within summer 2020, with a strong academic background in biology, biostatistics or biomathematics, or equivalent education, and with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

Other preferred qualifications

• good scientific communication skills (written and oral English) 
• experience with analyses of community or multi-species data

Personal characteristics

• good ability to work in a team, as well as independently
• motivated to study 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
• opportunities for exciting fieldwork 
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidate:

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 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. 

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and 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 daily.

About the application

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant's contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

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.

Questions about the position can be directed to: Bernt-Erik Sæther (phone number +47 73590584, e-mail bernt-erik.sather@ntnu.no), Anders Gravbrøt Finstad (phone number +47 73592259, e-mail anders.finstad@ntnu.no), Ivar Herfindal (phone number +47 73596253, e-mail ivar.herfindal@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 NV-94/20 when applying. 

Application deadline: 25.10.2020

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

General information

Working at NTNU

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

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.

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.

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 October 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Fixed Term
Jobbnorge ID 193194