About the position

The Biopolymer NMR Group (https://folk.ntnu.no/aachmann/) is looking for a candidate to be hired for three-year PhD position in the Alginate Modifying Enzymes project (AlgModE). The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and hosted by the Norwegian biopolymer laboratory (NOBIPOL) at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU. NOBIPOL is a multidisciplinary research group devoted to the field Biopolymer Engineering, with focus on the science and technologies of marine polysaccharides such as alginate. Based on more than 60 years of continuous research in the field, NOBIPOL possesses competence and experience in all aspects related to science and technology of marine polysaccharides. The current activities of NOBIPOL take place in close collaboration with the Department of Physics and the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at NTNU, as well as SINTEF, other national and international research organisations, and industry.

The PhD candidate in the AlgModE project will address the fundamental difference of two classes of alginate modifying enzymes: epimerases and lyases. The determination of their catalytic mechanism, which at present remains largely unclear will be the main target. There is large interest in these enzymes, both academic and applied within the project’s consortium (NTNU, SINTEF, DTU and Station Biologique de Roscoff) as well as in the larger polysaccharide modifying enzymes research community. 

You will report to Prof. Finn L. Aachmann

Duties of the position

The PhD candidate will have following tasks:

• Experimental design
• Genetic engineering and protein production
• Biochemical protein characterization
• Structural characterisation with NMR, X-ray and SAXS
• Activity screening with define alginate substrates
• Write scientific papers and a PhD thesis

The goal of the to-be-recruited PhD candidate is to create a deeper understanding of difference of alginate modifying enzymes and how this can be applied to form tailormade alginate structures. 

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 biotechnology 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 required selection criteria:

• Master in Biotechnology or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale
• Experience with gene technology, protein expression and purification
• Protein biochemistry or enzymology
• Documented excellent oral and written English skills

Preferred selection criteria:

• Structural characterisation by NMR, X-ray or SAXS
• Experience with carbohydrate analysis (e.g. linkage analysis, monosaccharide, HPAE-PAD)
• Experience with analytical chemistry methods (e.g. FPLC, CD, FS, ITC, MS)
• Competence with computer based analytical tools
• Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

Personal characteristics

The applicant should be motivated, creative and ambitious, with a strong ability to work problem-solution orientated both in teams and independently. The applicant should be genuinely interested in scientific research and its industrial applications as well as scientific dissemination.

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 Biotechnology 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.

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 English or Scandinavian language. Together with the application we request an up to one page "Personal motivation letter" for the position.

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 :

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• One page Personal motivation letter with a suggested research outline for the project
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 3 works)
• Name and address of three referees

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, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in this position announcement.

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.

In accordance with The Public 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 Professor Finn L. Aachmann, email: finn.l.aachmann@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-35/21 when applying.

Application deadline:  25.05.2021

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 Biotechnology and Food Science

Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 25th May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen