About the position

The Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, invites applications for a researcher position within the field of molecular analyses of environmental DNA and bulk organismal samples (metabarcoding, metagenomics).

The NTNU University Museum is aiming to be a leading international institution within the field of molecular biodiversity.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene, and easy access to breath-taking natural landscapes. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is among the best of its kind in the world.

The position is permanent and financed by external project funding.

The position reports to head of the department.

Main duties and responsibilities

The person hired will conduct research within DNA metabarcoding/metagenomics on environmental DNA (eDNA). The person will:

• Obtain externally funded projects
• Do project management
• Do field work
• Process collected material
• Do molecular lab work
• Analyse data
• Publish in scientific journals

Qualification requirements

• PhD in biology, with a focus on biodiversity assessment using molecular tools, specifically metabarcoding and/or metagenomics.
• Experience with experimental design in projects using metabarcoding
• Hands-on experience with molecular methods and procedures for analyses of bulk samples, eDNA, and challenges associated with samples containing low levels of fragmented DNA
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses of high-throughput sequence data in metabarcoding/metagenomics
• Experience with statistical analyses of metabarcoding/metagenomics data and visualization of results

Desired qualifications 

• Experience in project aquisition and project management
• Fluency in a Scandinavian language is an advantage
• Good publication track record
• Experience with public outreach
• Experience in teaching and supervision of students

Personal characteristics

• Goal-oriented
• Ability to deliver
• Creative and resourceful
• Strong collaboration skills

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

The gross salary for the position of researcher code 1109 is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 515 200 – 619 300 before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. 

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

General information

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.

Questions about the position can be directed to professor Torbjørn Ekrem, phone number + 47 73597812, e-mail torbjorn.ekrem@ntnu.no

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. 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.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 24.05.2019

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.

NTNU University Museum  

The NTNU University Museum is one of Norway’s leading institutions in protection, conservation, exhibition and research related to natural and cultural material. We are one of Norway’s six university museums. The museum has two departments, a national laboratory for age determination, an exhibition and events section, and an administration. We have a master’s degree programme in applied archaeology, and extensive responsibilities for resource management under the Cultural Heritage Act.

Deadline 24. May 2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Place of service Kalvskinnet