About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD candidate at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The PhD Research Fellowship will be situated in the Artificial Pancreas Trondheim (APT) research group. In accordance with our mission to develop a fully automated double intraperitoneal Artificial Pancreas, we are soliciting for a PhD position for 100% during 3 years from 01.03.2021 to 29.02.2024.

The position is particularly suited for a person with experience in internal medicine and/or endocrinology and/or pharmacology. However, a master`s degree with similar or related background will also be evaluated. 

The Artificial Pancreas Trondheim (APT) research group was formally established during autumn 2013. It was in part based on research on glucose sensors and related topics that have been performed at our university and hospital for a decade. The APT research group now holds expertise in medicine (endocrinology, pharmacology and anesthesia), medical cybernetics, biosensor technology and optical spectroscopy.

The APT research group explores the possibility of combining continuous intraperitoneal (IP) glucose sensing and IP insulin delivery in a robust closed-loop control device (artificial pancreas). The primary long-term aim of APT is to establish a robust artificial pancreas that normalize or close to normalize glucose levels in patients with diabetes. During this process APT also keep a sharp eye on the potential for patenting and commercialization of inventions.

This PhD project is a subproject within the overall APT research agenda. The focus of this PhD project will be on enhancement of subcutaneous insulin absorption during clinical studies.

Our research project "Double Intraperitoneal Artificial Pancreas" has been included as one out of six first research projects in the National Centre for Digital Life funded by the Norwegian Research Council.

The APT group also have another research project with the National Centre for Digital Life. This project “Listening to the patients” focus on early meal detection by advanced monitoring of abdominal sounds and is an integrated part of the research portfolio on artificial pancreas within the APT group.

You will report to Dr. Sverre Christiansen and Professor Sven Magnus Carlsen. 

Duties of the position

• Perform several smaller clinical studies, mostly in patients with type 1 diabetes, where we study if technical and/or pharmacological techniques can enhance the subcutaneous absorption of insulin
• To recruit and perform the clinical follow-up of the study participants and analyse and describe the data for subsequent publications. It is possible that part of the data will be postponed from publication if they show patentability potential.
• Be an integrated member of the APT research group and participate in all relevant internal meetings and discussion.

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 [subject area] 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.

Due to the handling of study participants you must be able to communicate in a Scandinavian language. 

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.

Preferred selection criteria

• Clinical experience from internal medicine, in particular endocrinology, or from pharmacology.
• A medical degree (MD) and a valid Norwegian Medical Practitioners License which has been authorized in Norway.
• Experience in transdisciplinary work.
• Good written and oral English

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 482 200 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 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in medicine within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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.

The position is subject to external funding.

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

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in Norwegian or English.

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. 

The application must include :

• Applicant's CV (including list of publications, relevant former positions and references) and copy of relevant certificates and diplomas.
• Short statement on the applicant's personal qualifications and motivation for the position.
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works)
• Short statement from a former supervisor/tutor/teacher.
• Name and address of three referees
• Other relevant attachments

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 evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

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.

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.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Sverre Christiansen, telephone +47 72 57 18 72 or +47 45 25 37 76, email sverre.christiansen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR advisor Elisabeth Myrvang, e-mail: elisabeth.myrvang@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. 

Application deadline: 18.12.20

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 Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM):

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM) is NTNU’s largest department, with 450 employees. Our research and teaching help to improve treatment and health.

IKOM has expertise in basic, clinical and translational research within broad disciplinary areas. We study children’s and women’s health, cancers, blood disorders and infectious diseases, gastroenterology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, laboratory sciences and medical ethics. The Department offers teaching in medicine at master’s and PhD level. We also offer continuing education for employees in the health services.

Deadline 18th December 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Øya