About the position

The NTNU University Museum is seeking a highly qualified, ambitious and motivated candidate for a PhD-position “Arini parrot biosystematics and genomics”. The position will focus on the application of genomic and ecological approaches to answer biosystematic questions about the evolution and demographic history of neotropical parrots in the tribe Arini.

The position is available from July 1st 2021, thus master students graduating before this date can apply. The period of employment is 3 years. A 4 years period with 25% of the time allocated to collection work, teaching and public outreach may be considered for the candidates with the right background and motivation.

Applications should include a cover letter (max. 1 page) that includes a statement of motivation, summary of scientific work and research interests; and that demonstrates how the applicant’s experience satisfies the qualifications for the position.

The work of the PhD candidate will be closely associated with the Holomuseomics research group at the Department of Natural History (NTNU University Museum) and will be advised by Associate Prof. Michael D. Martin. The project will be conducted using the NTNU University Museum’s computational resources and specialized genomics laboratory facilities.

Duties of the position

The successful candidate will conduct his/her research on reconstructing phylogenetic trees and completing species distribution models in order to test hypotheses about the evolution and demographic history of neotropical parrots in the tribe Arini.

The successful candidate will perform work in the field (specimen sampling from both live populations and museum collections) as well as in the laboratory (data generation), and computational analysis (bioinformatic processing, de-novo assembly) of the data. The work will involve genome sequencing of modern and ancient samples from across Central and South America.

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 inevolutionary biology, phylogenetics, or closely related fields 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.

• Excellent written and verbal communication ability in English.

Required experience

• Phylogenetic tree reconstruction using whole-genome data
• Avian molecular systematics

Preferred selection criteria

It is highly advantageous to have experience in:

• NGS laboratory and computational analysis methods
• De-novo assembly of genomes
• Experience with species distribution modelling
• Familiarity with the UNIX command-line
• Publication of scientific research
• Spanish language, to communicate with S. American collaborators
• Fieldwork experience in the Neotropics

Personal characteristics

• Good cooperative skills
• Motivated
• Able to deliver
• Highly goal-oriented

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

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 or 4 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in biology  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 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:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• The master thesis (or a draft if not yet submitted)
• 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.

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.

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 Associate Professor Michael D. Martin, email mike.martin@ntnu.no or acting Head of Department Torbjørn Ekrem. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR-manager Christen Torvik.

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: 30.05.2021.

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 Natural History

We conduct research in biogeography, biosystematics, evolutionary biology and ecology with a focus on biodiversity. The Department is responsible for developing and maintaining the Museum’s natural history collections, including the botanical garden at Ringve in Trondheim. The Department of Natural History is one of two departments at the NTNU University Museum

Deadline 30th May 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service