About the position

A PhD position within the field of biophysics/bionanotechnology is available from September 1, 2019, at the Department of Physics. The appointments have duration of 3 years with possibility for 1 year extension with 25% teaching duties. The position is financed by The Norwegian Research Council, and the Centre for Research-based Innovation called Centre for Innovative Ultrasound Solutions.

Centre for Innovative Ultrasound Solutions.

The Centre for Innovative Ultrasound Solutions for health care, maritime, and oil & gas (CIUS) brings academia and industry together to address needs and challenges across all three sectors. The current PhD position will be in the field of health care using ultrasound to improve delivery of drugs and nanoparticles to diseased areas. https://www.ntnu.edu/cius

Department of physics

The position is organized at the Department of Physics. Currently, there are 26 professors, 14 associate professors, 4 adjunct professors, 71 PhD research fellows and 16 postdoctoral positions appointed at the Department of Physics. Further information is available at: https://www.ntnu.edu/physics

Our research spans a broad spectrum of natural sciences and technology, which in turn allows us to offer an education that provides a solid basis for future careers. Physics research is carried out in experimental as well as theoretical fields, often across conventional boundaries between disciplines. Our central research areas are biophysics, nanoscience, surface physics, modern optics, astrophysics, solar energy, materials science, and medical technology. Research staff at the institute makes a special effort to increase the awareness and understanding of the importance and impact of physics in our society.

Further information can be obtained from professor Catharina Davies, Department of Physics, NTNU, Phone. +47 73593688, e-mail: catharina.davies@ntnu.no

Main duties and responsibilities

The PhD candidate will work on the project “Acoustic Cluster Therapy (ACT) for improved treatment of cancer and brain diseases”. The project is in collaboration the company Phoenix Solutions AS in Oslo who developed a platform for ultrasound activated targeted drug delivery https://www.phoenixsolutions.no/. The explored concepts utilize an acoustic activated cluster (microbubble/ microdroplet) system to deliver drugs encapsulated in nanoparticles or free drugs at the targeted pathology. Of particular interest is delivery to tumors and across the blood-brain barrier to diseased areas in the brain, and to obtain new knowledge on the underlying mechanisms for the promising preclinical results already achieved.

The biodistribution of nanoparticles and model drugs will be assessed using (fluorescence) microscopy and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, as well as MRI, ultrasound imaging, ex vivo analyses, and histological examinations. The project involves studies in cell cultures and preclinical testing in mice, which require designing and building various experimental setups for ultrasound exposure and imaging. The student should have broad experimental experience and experience from imaging methods and image analysis, mathematical modelling and computer simulations, instrumentation and measurement techniques are an advantage. Knowledge on ultrasound is an asset.  It is essential that the student is willing to work with laboratory animals and thus willing to obtain the FELASA license.

For more information about the research activities see

https://www.ntnu.edu/physics/biophysmedtech/drugdel

Qualification requirements

The regulations for PhD programmes 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/lifelong-learning-policy/ds_en.htm

The position requires spoken and written fluency in the English language. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries outside Europe must document English skills by an approved test.  

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

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

Personal characteristics

The successful applicant is a highly competent, motivated and ambitious student. The student should hold very good grades and a Master of Science in physics, biophysics, medical technology, medical cybernetics, bionanotechnology or equivalent.

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 possibility for 1 year extension with 25% teaching duties. Appointment to a PhD position requires admission to the PhD programme.

For information about NTNU and Trondheim, see www.ntnu.no and

www.trondheim.no/engelsk

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please refer to the application number 31/19 when applying.

Application deadline: 07.06.2019

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 7. June 2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim