About the position

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.  

We welcome one PhD candidate to join the Bruheim lab in Autumn 2021 (https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt/research/micphys#/view/about). We focus on Deep Phenotyping of prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems using Advanced Cultivation Technology and Mass Spectrometry (MS) based Metabolomics, Fluxomics and Lipidomics. We have developed a suite of target and non-target MS methods, which we apply on a range of biological model systems and research questions.

The position is associated the new SFI (Centre of Excellence in Innovation) in Industrial Biotechnology hosted by SINTEF with NTNU, NMBU, NORCE and 15 industrial partners. The PhD project will be carried out in close collaboration with several industrial partners where we seek a deeper understanding of the selected microbial model systems’ behaviour under industrial processing conditions, also in comparison with purer defined conditions. Cultivation studies in micro and lab-bench scales bioreactors combined with 13C-label experimentation will be central in this project. The latter will require protocol developments in sample processing for MS analysis from complex media background. One main aim is to develop competence for efficient transfer of academic bioprocesses into high yield/ productivity industrial conditions.

You will report to Professor Per Bruheim.

Duties of the position

• Perform bioreactor cultivations at micro and bench top scales and other biochemical, microbial operations and assays
• Develop and apply protocols for MS analysis (Quantitative metabolite profiling and 13C-label studies)
• Close collaboration with industrial SFI-IB partners
• Presenting progress for the SFI-IB consortium and at scientific conferences, workshops etc
• Writing of scientific publications

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 biochemistry, microbial- / industrial biotechnology 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 within the topics described for this PhD position.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic record and scientific output.
• All applicants must be highly fluent in English (both orally and written).

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in cultivation of microorganisms incl fermentation technology/ bioreactor operation
• Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Personal characteristics

• Curiosity-driven personality with a general interest in science
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration
• Analytical mindset and good problem-solving skills
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas and knowledge

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 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Biotechnology (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbiot) 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 that you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in Norwegian or  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
• Cover letter (1-page, including contacts of up to 3 references)
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (1-2 pages, your previous research experience, such as your master thesis, and the motivation for applying to this position)

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

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 and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

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 Professor Per Bruheim, email: per.bruheim@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 NV-64/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 20.06.2021

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 Biotechnology and Food Science

Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Deadline 20th June 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gløshaugen