About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD candidate at the Animal Physiology Section in the Department of Biology in the Group of Lena van Giesen: https://levangiesen.wixsite.com/labpage.

About the position

In the van Giesen lab we study sensory perception and processing in marine invertebrates. Navigating through a world full of complex information necessitates elaborate sensory organs that are capable of filtering and encoding relevant signals to guarantee the animals survival. These sensory cells and organs are the first connection between the outside world and the nervous system of the animal and are composed of complex cellular and molecular features that have evolved to suit the animal’s unique behavior. We have an interest in cellular physiology, to understand how these cellular and molecular determinants evolved to enable organisms to sense and adapt to their specific niche in the environment. We use different methods to investigate these questions including behavior, anatomy, transcriptomics and electrophysiology with a focus on marine invertebrates, such as corals and Cephalopods.

The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment on different aspects of cellular, molecular, and behavioral aspects of sensory perception in marine invertebrates and should have a general interest in cellular physiology, protein biochemistry and behavioral analysis as well as a basic background in R or transcriptome analysis.

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

Duties of the position

• To conduct research in the lab responsibly
• Collecting and analysing data relevant to the research question
• To participate in group meetings and discussions
• To attend to conferences and disseminate findings
• To engage in a collaborative research environment
• To assist MSc and other PhD students
• To write and defend a PhD thesis

Required selection criteria

• 5 years of higher education (BSc and MSc, where 120 credits are obtained) in Neuroscience, Molecular or Cellular Biology, Animal physiology, Biochemistry or another related field.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education. 
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program.

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  

Preferred selection criteria

• Strong scientific background in relevant area, good communication- and analytical skills.
• Very good written and oral English skills.
• The ability to work independently, in a structured manner and in collaboration with others.

Personal characteristics

• Enthusiasm for scientific research and lab work
• Self-motivated
• Good team player and collaborative skills
• Solution oriented
• Reliable

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 491 200 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 with the possibilities of 4 years with 25% duty work.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in [subject area] (Link to website, if applicable) 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
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• A copy of the master's thesis. If you recently have submitted your master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• A one-page research statement explaining what you think are the biggest knowledge gaps in marine sensory biology and how you would address them.
• Name and address of three referees
• If you have publications or other relevant research work

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 Lena van Giesen, email: lena.van.giesen@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Liv-Mari Granum, e-mail: liv.m.granum@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. 

Application deadline: 21.01.2022

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 21st January 2022
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service