About the position

The main research goal of the Department of Biology is to understand biological processes and to preserve the environment. The department takes an interdisciplinary approach to education and research that is deeply rooted in environmental biology. The cross-disciplinary strategic focus areas are climate change, biodiversity, pollution and sustainable use of natural resources.

The position to be filled will be based in the Marine Science group. The overarching aim of the Marine Science group is to perform world-leading research in the fields of marine ecology: This comprises biological oceanography, marine biodiversity, global change biology, sustainable use of marine resources and aquaculture research with strong interdisciplinary collaboration. There is a strong collaboration between the Department of Biology and the  Departments of Marine Technology and Cybernetics through the Centre of Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (AMOS, a center of research excellence). Permanent infrastructure is provided by NTNU’s Applied Underwater Robotics laboratory (AUR-Lab) and RV Gunnerus. In addition, we are partners in Ocean Space Centre in Trondheim and several NFR infrastructure programs, representing important means and opportunities for students and researchers in marine sciences and technology. Trondhjem biological station (TBS, part of Dept. of biology) is a main infrastructure hub for instrument-carrying robots and sensors for in-situ use through NTNU AURLab.

To complement the Marine Science group, we are aiming to hire a person with a strong track record in marine ecology with a focus on population and life-history dynamics of pelagic communities in time and space. The person employed will have her/his office and laboratories at Trondhjem biological station (TBS).

Duties of the position

As a new marine ecology member you will:

• Participate in work on marine ecosystem dynamics and interactions at different trophic levels, ranging from phyto- and zooplankton to fish
• Be expected to work with in-situ observations of pelagic ecosystems using state-of-the art hydroacoustic, optical or mechanical sensors together with population assessments to analyse dynamics, distribution patterns and long-term trends of marine populations in pelagic ecosystems over large temporal and spatial scales.
• Develop own independent research program supported by external funding.
• Be responsible for parts of the teaching in introductory and advanced marine biology and ecology courses in accordance with the relevant curriculum. Contribute to the MSc courses Experimental Marine Ecological Methods, Biological Oceanography and Enabling Technology for Marine Ecology as well as the BSc courses in Marine Ecology and Marine Biodiversity.

The department aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research collaborations between the Marine Science group and other groups in the department. The position should strengthen the research and teaching activities of the Marine Science group.

The position will have an approximately equal split between research time and teaching, in addition to other tasks (e.g. administration and strategic work for the Department/NTNU).

Required selection criteria

The applicant must hold a PhD in biology, or academic work of the same scope and quality, and document a strong research and academic competence in marine ecology, especially in the fields of ecosystem dynamics and interactions between different trophic levels, ranging from phyto- and zooplankton to fish.

You must document relevant basic competence for teaching and supervision at university/higher education-level, ref. Regulations. If this cannot be documented, you are required to complete an approved course in university teaching within two years of commencement. NTNU offers qualifying courses. 

It is a prerequisite that within three years of appointment, new employees who do not speak a Scandinavian language can demonstrate skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language equivalent to level three in the course for Norwegian for speakers of other languages at the Department of Language and Literature at NTNU.

Please see the Regulations concerning appointment and promotion to teaching and research posts for general criteria for the position.

Preferred selection criteria

• Ability for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstration of ability to conduct internationally competitive research, and to build a successful research group within the Marine Science group and other sections within the department of biology.
• The candidate’s ability to initiate projects and attract funding related to the research area.
• Hands-on experience in the field, excellent computational skills and/or experience with in-situ/time-series, including data analyses/interpretation.

The potential of the candidate to cooperate within the Marine Science group is emphasized together with the ability of the candidate to initiate research and tutorial agendas in the field of marine ecology, focused in the strategic vision of the Department of Biology, NTNU “Oceans - knowledge for a sustainable ocean”, the Marine Strategic Research Area” (2014 – 2023),   and   the   marine   strategy   of   the   Faculty   of   Natural   Science   at   NTNU.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a new colleague who is

• experienced in interdisciplinary research.
• experienced in teaching to educate the next generation in marine science.
• working in a strategic and coordinated manner with colleagues.
• ambitious and open to tackling new challenges.

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

In a position asAssociate Professor comes with a starting package for new research staff, opportunities for mentoring and is remunerated according to the Norwegian State salary scale. 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 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 that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Application Process

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

About the application

The application and description of the academic works to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

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.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

The application for this position and all relevant materials submitted must include the following:

• A complete CV with certified copies of relevant certificates, diplomas and a complete publication list, including information about SCOPUS ID, funding, duration and size.
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works)
• A description of the academic/artistic works that you regard as most relevant and that you particularly want to be considered in the assessment
• Name and address of three references
• Research plan
• Details of teaching qualifications based on "Documentation of applicant’s teaching qualifications in connection with appointment to an academic position at NTNU”

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.

In the assessment of the best-qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. You will be expected to deliver high-quality teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and undertake supervision of Masters and Doctoral candidates. Evaluation of these skills will be based on documented experience and relevant teaching qualifications. Applicants with teaching experience at university level are preferred. Quality and breadth of the teaching qualifications will be evaluated.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

Your application will be considered by an expert committee and the most suitable applicants will be invited to interview and to deliver a lecture.

General information

NTNU human resources policy objectives emphasize diversity and equality. Moreover, the Department of Biology actively pursues diversity and gender balance for a good scientific environment. Therefore, all qualified applicants regardless of their gender, functional ability, national or ethnic background are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

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.

Under the Freedom of 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. 

For further information, please contact Prof. Geir Johnsen (geir.johnsen@ntnu.no), Ass. Prof. Nicole Aberle-Malzahn (nicole.aberle-malzahn@ntnu.no) or the Head of Department Prof. Thorsten Hamann (thorsten.hamann@ntnu.no), at the Department of Biology. More information about the department can be found on http://www.ntnu.edu/biology.

Please submit your application and supporting documentation via jobbnorge.no. If you are invited for interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas. Mark the application with reference number: 71/20.

Application deadline: 08.07.2020

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 8th July 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Jobbnorge ID 188574