Position of Associate Professor in Molecular Biology and Genomics

About the position

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (Campus Bodø), Nord University, Norway, invites applications for a permanent position as Associate Professor in Molecular Biology and Genomics. The position will be embedded in the Genomics Division, which focuses on the study of the molecular building blocks of life (DNA, RNA and proteins), their role in biological functions, and the ecological and evolutionary processes through which they shape biodiversity. The Genomics Division covers research areas such as: Genome Biology and Genomics, Molecular Biology, RNA Biology, Molecular Developmental Biology, Molecular Ecology, Bioinformatics, and Aquaculture Genomics. 

The new staff member is expected to establish a research line within molecular biology and genomics, by bringing in expertise in high-throughput sequence technology, genome biology, RNA biology, or other fields that are complementary to the research of other staff members at the Genomics Division. It is desired that candidates have a background in molecular biotechnology or molecular biology. Overall, we expect the candidate to contribute to multidisciplinary research from molecular to cellular levels that leads to a better understanding of fundamental cell biology processes. Collaborations with scientific members of the faculty as well as the local hospital are highly welcomed. Key infrastructure at the Faculty of Biosciences with relevance to the position includes the genomics platform for high-throughput DNA sequencing, high-performance computing and data storage, as well as the zebrafish research facility.

The new staff member is expected to teach in the degree programmes offered by faculty. Specifically, the candidate will be responsible to courses in cell biology, methods in molecular biology, and in biophysics. Furthermore, the new staff member should contribute to courses in genomics at master and PhD level. The candidate is expected to supervise research projects of Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.

The position is located at the Bodø campus.

Duties and responsibilities

• Teach in and take on the responsible for courses, especially cell biology (in Norwegian), methods in molecular biology (in English), biophysics (in Norwegian and English), and various courses in molecular biology and genomics at master and PhD level
• Contribute to the development of the degree programmes of the faculty 
• Take responsibility for managing FBA’s genomic facility, including sequencing methodology and technology, high-performance computing servers, and data storage 
• Supervise bachelor, master and PhD students
• Develop your own research lineeller develop an independent research line.
• Maintain a good publication record
• Maintain an international scientific network
• Apply for external research funding
• Initiate and develop interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with colleagues at the faculty and the local hospital
• Contribute to the development of the academic community at the faculty
• Contribute to the organization of the faculty, for example by participating in working groups and committees, in the domains of teaching, research and management

Work tasks may change depending on the faculty’s research and teaching needs. For instance, after familiarizing with the education system, the new staff member must expect to take on the responsibility as programme coordinator during certain periods. The position allocates approximately 45% of time to research, 45% to teaching activities, and 10% to organizational tasks and outreach activities.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have a Doctoral Degree in Biology or a related field, with a specialisation within molecular biology. We are looking for a person with good technological and research qualities in molecular biology and genomics, as shown by a publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and hands-on skills in next generation sequencing. Candidates must also have a good track record in teaching molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics from Bachelor-level to PhD level. In addition, candidates must also have good organizational skills and should be capable of working well in an international, culturally diverse environment.

To meet the qualification requirements for Associate professor (uh. regulations § 3-6) a minimum of the following is required:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant subject area, or competence at an equivalent level documented either by scientific work or artistic work of the same scope and quality
• Educational competence
• Oral and written communication skills corresponding to fluent Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) and English is a requirement. This because essential teaching at the bachelor level and administrative duties are given in the Norwegian language, and that most scientific communications are given in English.

Educational competence means pedagogical or didactic competence to promote learning, including knowledge and skills in the development and implementation of teaching and supervision at university and university college level.

Nord University has supplementary provisions on educational competence. For further information please refer to NORDs requirements for educational competence 

Any applicants who are unable to provide documentary proof of adequate professional educational competence when employed must acquire such competence over the course of a two-year period. Nord University offers such a course on University Pedagogy which covers this requirement.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Educational qualifications from a college, university or equivalent
• Pedagogical skills including formal University Pedagogy course
• Experience from teaching in molecular biology/genomics and academic supervision at bachelor, master and PhD levels
• The candidate’s potential to contribute to the faculty’s degree programmes
• Research and academic track record with relevance to the position
• Quality of scientific publications 
• A research plan for the next 5 years
• The candidate’s potential to gain external funding for research
• Good skills in communication and collaboration with students and colleagues.
• Qualities that can contribute positively to the workplace environment
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) and English

We offer

The position is compensated according to Norwegian government regulations, code 1011 for associate professor (research-oriented). Salary by agreement. 

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

We offer

The position is compensated according to Norwegian government regulations, code 1011 for associate professor (research-oriented). Salary by agreement. 

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

General information

The state workforce should reflect the diversity of the population. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, an immigrant background, and otherwise diverse life experiences to apply.

Information regarding disabilities or gaps in a CV may be used for anonymized statistical purposes.

The person appointed must comply with 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 imposes requirements for the handling of protected and sensitive information. To enhance the security of recruitment processes, Nord may conduct background checks of relevant candidates. Security suitability will be considered.

Contact information

For information about the position, you can contact:

• Professor Steinar Daae Johansen (head of Genomics Division) at Steinar.d.johansen@nord.no; phone: +47 75 51 78 33

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an expert committee. Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview and trial lecture. These will be decisive for the appointment.

Application

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 21.06.2026

The electronic application must contain: 

• Cover letter
• Complete CV summarizing education, positions held, teaching and research experience, publications, administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• Copies of diplomas, transcripts and certificates
• Complete copies of up to 10 or 15 of the applicant’s most relevant publications / academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered, along with a list of those submitted. The doctoral dissertation must be attached as one of these 10 or 15 attachments. The list should include five publications that the applicant believes to be most important, along with the reasons why. The doctoral dissertation should be included.
• Pedagogical CV and reflection note in accordance with supplementary provisions for educational competence.
• Documentation of other activities which the applicant considers relevant to the position and desires to be considered in the assessment. 
• Contact information for 2-3 referees

All documentation to be considered is to be uploaded as attachments to the application.

Complete documentation in electronic form must be submitted by the closing date for applications.

After the application deadline 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 public any information about the applicant.

Ref.nr. 30255894

Questions about the position

Steinar Daae Johansen

Faggruppeleder

+4775 51 78 33

steinar.d.johansen@nord.no