About the position

A PhD position is available at the Department of Biology. The appointment duration is 3 years with the possibility of one year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the department. The position is financed by the NTNU.

Job description

The theme of the PhD position is thermal biology (physiology, behaviour and evolution) of fish. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim Norway is seeking a new graduate student (PhD studentship) to research thermal biology in fish. The position starts in 2019.

As climate change is making aquatic habitats warmer, fish can respond by migration, acclimatization or adaptation, but most often combinations of these strategies. This project will investigate both the acclimatization and adaptation potential of fish to thermal challenges. The PhD project aims to fill major knowledge gaps in the field of thermal biology. The main questions that will be addressed are: Which physiological mechanisms limit thermal performance and tolerance? How adaptable are these mechanisms? What are the connections between thermal physiology and behaviour? Which physiological and behavioural traits are most important for ecological fitness in a warming world?

To answer these questions the PhD student will use various physiological and behavioural measurements. The techniques will likely include in-vivo animal experiments, thermal exposures, exercise respirometry, neurophysiology and calcium imaging, automated behavioural analysis and more. The work will mainly be done at the well-equipped fish labs at NTNU, but research abroad is also likely (e.g., Sweden, India, Australia). Zebrafish will be the main species used but other species may also be possible.

Information about the department

The strategy of the Department of Biology is to understand biological processes of life for sustainable use and conservation of the environment. The Department has an interdisciplinary approach to education and research that is deeply rooted in environmental and evolutionary biology as important links between the different sub-disciplines (cell- and molecular biology, systems biology, physiology, ethology, ecology, population genetics, marine biology, aquaculture, biodiversity and environmental toxicology). The Department of Biology is the host of the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), which is a National Centre of Excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway and NTNU. For more information about the department and CBD go to: http://www.ntnu.edu/biology and https://www.ntnu.edu/cbd. Detailed in-formation on our PhD programs is found at: https://www.ntnu.edu/nv/phd

Ecophysiology and the study of anthropogenic stressors, including the effects of climate change, is a priority research area at the Department of Biology. The Animal Physiology section has broad national and international research collaborations and the permanent scientific staffs are recognized as international leaders and researchers in their respective disciplines. The Jutfelt fish ecophysiology lab conducts ecophysiological research on fish at NTNU, but also abroad at locations such as Kristineberg Marine Station in Sweden, India, and Australia. Further information about the lab is available at: https://www.ntnu.edu/biology/fish-ecophysiology 

Qualification requirements

PhD candidate:

The applicant must have an MSc (or equivalent) in biology or related subjects. Experience with fish handling and fish physiology will be considered an advantage. The regulations for PhD programs at NTNU state that a Master degree or equivalent with at least 5 years of studies and an average grade of A or B within a scale of A-E for passing grades (A best) for the two last years of the MSc is required and C or higher of the BSc. Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: http://ec.europa.eu/education/tools/diploma-supplement_en.htm

The position requires spoken and written fluency in the English 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, postdoctor and research assistant.

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 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years (with the possibility of one year extension with 25% teaching duties). Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme in Biology. 

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

Appointment takes place on the terms that apply to State employees at any time, and after the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

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. 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.

Further information can be obtained from Associate Professor Fredrik Jutfelt, Department of Biology, NTNU, fredrik.jutfelt@ntnu.no. Information about the Department can be found at: https://www.ntnu.edu/biology. 

About the application:

Applications with a short motivation text, CV, copies of transcripts, certificates from both Bachelor and Master, possible publications and other scientific works, the full Master thesis, and reference letters should be submitted. 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. List contact details to three references that you have worked closely with.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number NV- 68/15 when applying.

Application deadline: April 15th 2019

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 15.04.2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Jobbnorge ID 166069