About the Job

One Researcher position, funded for five years, is available in the Hamann research group in the ERC SYNERGY project HYDROSENSING at the Department of Biology in Trondheim. The project aims to determine how plants perceive drought stress and will involve close collaborations with three other research groups in Germany, Israel and the United Kingdom. In the context of the SYNERGY project the scientist to be employed will focus on investigating the mechanical characteristics of plant cell walls and how they change in response to drought stress and during development. This work will use advanced technologies such as Brillouin microscopy, molecular rotors and custom biosensors to characterize relevant cellular processes. Further information about the research areas of the groups involved in the SYNERGY project can be found in the following publications: Hu et al., Nature Plants 2023; Mehra et al., Science 2022; Bacete et al., PNAS 2021; Vaahtera et al., Nature Plants 2019.

The newly hired Researcher will join an international research group with members coming from seven different countries on three continents. The Hamann research group is part of the multiscale biology section, which consists of six research groups. The section performs research on different levels of biological organization ranging from the molecular to the ecosystem level to understand how molecular processes influence events taking place on the ecosystem level

Duties of the position

• Use advanced analytical technologies including Brillouin and atomic force microscopy as well as related techniques to characterize mechanical characteristics of cells and tissues.
• Improve existing and develop novel methods for research in plant mechano-biology.
• Supervise PhD and MSc students undertaking research projects in the scientific area.
• Attend international conferences, workshops and courses.
• Contribute to academic publishing.
• Participate in academic outreach activities

Required selection criteria

• PhD degree in Biology or Physics
• Expert knowledge in light microscopy, biophysical and/or cell biological research methods
• Very good written and oral English language skills
• Good bioinformatics skills and training in statistical methods
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals directly relevant to the project topic

Preferred selection criteria

• Good knowledge in biophysics / biological modelling
• Experience from previous postdoctoral research work.
• Knowledge about plant molecular, cell and/or stress biology in model and/or crop plants.
• Experience from supervision of MSc and PhD student research projects
• Active involvement in academic outreach activities

Personal characteristics

• Reliable
• Proactive and problem-solving attitude
• Eager to collaborate within and across sections and contribute to joint projects
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Organized / structured

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

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 remunerated depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

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

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily. 

The period of the position is five years. 

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.  If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include: 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• Overview of previous academic teaching and outreach activities
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• List of peer-reviewed publications (including a description of your contributions to the manuscripts in question if not obvious) or other relevant outputs (code, patents etc.).
• One page summary describing how you meet the required selection criteria listed above.
• Research plan 
• Details of the projects you have managed, with information about funding, duration and size 
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees 

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.  

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and 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. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Thorsten Klaus Hamann, email: thorsten.hamann@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Emilie S. Mikkelhaug, e-mail: emilie.s.mikkelhaug@ntnu.no.

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline:07.11.2024

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 7th November 2024
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Permanent
Place of service Adresse mangler, 7491 Trondheim