PhD position in zooplankton molecular ecology

About the position

Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Norway, invites applications from outstanding candidates for a three‑year PhD position in zooplankton molecular ecology. The successful candidate will be part of one of the ecology divisions, located in Bodø.

Calanus species play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems in the North Atlantic. You will use historical DNA from the zooplankton collections at Nord University to investigate how environmental and climatic factors influence the distribution of Calanus species in local fjords. This project will contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between climate change and plankton communities, and improve forecasting of changes in food‑web structure in Norwegian fjords.

We are looking for motivated, creative and ambitious applicants with an excellent academic record and the ability to collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary team.

Qualification requirements

• The candidate should have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, genetics, molecular ecology or equivalent fields.
• Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis.
• The grades at the qualifying MSc examination need to be B or better (ECTS scale from A-E) to be admitted to the PhD program.
• See admission requirements: PhD in Biosciences.
• Employment is conditional upon admission to the faculty’s doctoral programme. The final project outline must be approved no later than three months after the start of employment. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not available within this deadline, due to insufficient progress or failure to meet required duties. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page.
• Good written and oral English skills are required both written and oral. For non‑native speakers, proficiency in English is essential and must be documented by recognized certificates.

Good knowledge and practical experience in molecular ecology, population genetics, and statistical analyses is required. Interest and prior practical experience with molecular ecology of zooplankton is preferred. Practical experience with Calanus and/or DNA extraction from historical collections is highly desirable.

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Relevant experience from research work
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
• Personal suitability

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is NOK 550 800,-.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours
• Active university sports team

General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which sets requirements for the handling of classified and sensitive information. To increase security in the hiring process, Nord may conduct background checks on relevant candidates.

Please note that all our candidates may be asked questions necessary in this context. This includes questions about any potential connection to countries that PST has identified as key threat actors in its annual threat assessment.

The state workforce should, to the greatest extent possible, reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, Nord University encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds, and other diverse life experiences to apply. Information about disabilities or gaps in the CV may be used for anonymized registration purposes.

For this position, Nord University is cautious about hiring individuals with connections to  countries that PST has identified as key threat actors in its annual threat assessment.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations. For more information, see Nord`s website .

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics

Application

The application should include:

• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
• Applicants with education from countries outside Scandinavia with diplomas issued in a language other than English, must enclose witnessed diplomas in both the original language and authorized English translations
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit HK-dir approval of their master´s degree
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis
• Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activity that is considered relevant for the position, and wishes to be taken into account in the assessment

All documents must be uploaded as attachments as a PDF files to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.