About the position

A researcher position is available at the Department of Biology. The appointment duration is one year. The position is part of the Nansen Legacy Project (https://arvenetternansen.com) funded by the Research council of Norway and NTNU. The Nansen Legacy is the Norwegian Arctic research community’s joint effort to establish a holistic understanding of a changing marine Arctic climate and ecosystem.

Further information can be obtained from:

Associate Professor Nicole Aberle-Malzahn, Trondhjem Biological Station (TBS), Department of Biology, NTNU, E-mail: nicole.aberle-malzahn@ntnu.no

Further information about the research group can be found at:https://www.ntnu.edu/biology/research/marine-sciences/aberle#/view/about

Main duties and responsibilities

We are seeking a researcher with an emphasis on ‘Trophic transfer and nutritional variations at the primary producer-consumer interface of Barents Sea plankton communities’. The project is part of Research Focus 3 (RF3: The living Barents Sea) focussing on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and environmental forcing of the northern and central Barents Sea (Arctic-influenced) as opposed to the southern region (Atlantic-influenced). This project aims at elucidating the role of nutritional variations in the diets of planktonic consumers in the Barents Sea ecosystem. The focus is on microzooplankton-mesozooplankton interactions and the trophic link between primary producers and consumers. The emphasis will be on the effects of food quantity/quality on growth and nutritional condition of consumers. The capacities of micrograzers to buffer nutritional imbalances at the primary producer-consumer interface (trophic upgrading) will be considered in detail.

This position has a strong experimental focus e.g. on analyzing selective grazing of micro- and mesozooplankton and the impacts of food quantity/quality on consumers during different seasons and along latitudinal gradients in the Barents Sea. To address this, dilution experiments should be performed during research cruises using natural Barents Sea plankton communities. Participation in research cruises to the Barents Sea are a prerequisite.

The analytical work includes microscopic analyses of phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities, flow cytometry, nutrient measurements and pigment analyses performed at laboratories at TBS and SeaLab (NTNU, Trondheim). A strong emphasis will be on national cooperation with partners of the Nansen Legacy project and international collaborations.

The position is supposed to start no later than 16. March 2020.

Qualification requirements

• The applicant must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in biological oceanography, marine ecology, marine/fisheries sciences, or limnology.
• Excellent knowledge in plankton ecology is required.
• We expect a strong interest in general ecological questions and experience in carrying out and analyzing ecological experiments including general statistics.
• Experience in experimental studies focusing on feeding preferences, food quality and quantity, diversity, impacts of environmental stressors on plankton communities will be considered as an advantage.
• Good written and oral English language skills. 

Personal characteristics

The successful candidate should be creative, with a strong ability to work problem oriented. He/she should also enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, 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

The gross salary for the position of Researcher code 1109 is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 523 200 before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. 

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 criterias 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.

Generell informasjon

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Nicole Aberle-Malzahn, e-mail: nicole.aberle-malzahn@ntnu.no

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.

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

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number NV 20/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 07.02.20

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.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.

Deadline 7th February 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary