About the position

The Department of Biology has a vacancy for a 100% position as a PhD candidate for developing new tools for monitoring salmon lice based on molecular techniques. The overall objective of the PhD will be to develop and test novel sampling and laboratory methods for quantifying parasitic salmon lice in coastal waters for the effective management of the Norwegian Atlantic salmon farming industry. The appointment has a duration of four years, consisting of 75% PhD research and 25% teaching activities.

The candidate will have main office at NTNU Centre of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SeaLab),  the Department of Biology, but  also connected to the genetic laboratory at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). The primary supervisor of the candidate will be Professor Bengt Finstad (NTNU), with co-supervision from Drs. Frode Fossøy and Rachel Paterson (NINA), and Dr. Amy Ellison (Bangor University, UK).

Duties of the position

The candidate is expected to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve the overall objective described above. Specifically, this will entail

• molecular assays including DNA and RNA techniques
• field sampling of plankton communities
• analysing and interpreting data
• dissemination of work through scientific publications and conference presentations

A 1-3 months scientific visit abroad to Bangor University (UK) may be arranged during the PhD period.

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 Biology 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.

The candidate must have

• master's degree in a relevant program (e.g. ecology, parasitology, molecular biology or aquatic biology)
• high-level written and oral English language skills

Preferred selection criteria

The applicant should preferably have experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Aquatic field surveys
• Molecular techniques
• Parasite ecology
• Statistical analyses in R

Personal characteristics

Our preferred candidate will have

• excellent analytical skills
• high-motivation and independence
• strong organisation skills
• good communication and collaboration skills

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 479 600 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 4 years (75% PhD research; 25% teaching).

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Biology (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbi) 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.

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
• letter of motivation for a PhD in molecular ecology/parasitology
• academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment
• contact details (name and email 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.

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 Bengt Finstad, email bengt.finstad@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Solveig Ikdal, e-mail: solveig.ikdal@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 111/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 15.12.2020

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 Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 15th December 2020
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim