Fixed-term

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically strong postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking genetic variation to appetite and obesity. This role will focus on translating genetic discoveries into biological insight, using a combination of cell biology, molecular approaches, and functional assays. Scientific Context Our research programme uses genetic approaches in dogs and humans to identify novel genes influencing appetite and obesity risk. These discoveries provide a powerful entry point into previously unrecognised biological pathways. This post will focus on understanding how these genes influence cellular and physiological processes, particularly in pathways relevant to energy balance, including neuronal signalling and adipose biology. The work forms part of a 5-year ERC-funded programme aimed at advancing fundamental understanding of obesity and informing improved approaches to prevention and treatment. The Role The successful candidate will lead experimental studies to define the function of genes and variants identified through genomic analyses. This is an opportunity to develop and apply advanced molecular and cellular approaches to uncover mechanisms linking genotype to phenotype. The project is inherently exploratory and will involve adapting and developing experimental strategies as new findings emerge. Responsibilities will include: Designing and conducting functional experiments to investigate candidate genes; Using cell-based systems to study gene function, regulation, and signalling pathways; Applying molecular biology approaches (e.g. gene expression analysis, genome editing, reporter assays); Developing and adapting experimental systems in response to emerging hypotheses; Working closely with computational genetics colleagues to prioritise and interpret findings; Leading publications and contributing to the broader direction of the project. The role offers significant scope to learn new techniques and approaches. We have a strong track record of establishing productive collaborations with specialists in complementary fields, particularly in cell biology, and actively support team members in building the expertise and partnerships needed to tackle new experimental challenges. About You We are interested in candidates who combine technical excellence with curiosity and a strong drive to understand underlying obesity biology. You should have a PhD (or be near completion) in cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, metabolism, or a related field and strong experimental skills in molecular and/or cellular biology. The successful candidate should have experience designing and executing hypothesis-driven research and have the ability to analyse and interpret complex biological data. Please see the Further Particulars for more details on the requirements for the role. Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded. Salary Ranges: Research Assistant: £33,002 – £34,610; Research Associate: £37,694 – £46,049 Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Eleanor Raffan er311@cam.ac.uk. Candidates interested in part time or flexible working are encouraged to discuss this in advance of application. Fixed Term: the funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance. Apply: Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. To apply for this post, please submit a CV, a motivation letter detailing why you want to be part of this project and how this post will be a good stepping-stone for your career. We also need the contact details for two people who can provide a professional reference. Please note that we will assume that you are happy for us to approach your referees at any stage, unless you indicate otherwise in the space provided on the form. The closing date for applications is 29 May 2026. Interviews will be held on 5 or 8 June. Please quote reference PM49600 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Apply Now

About the position At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Department of Production Animal Medicine, Section for Small Ruminant Research and Herd Health in Sandnes, a PhD position is available within the project PIG-ART: Optimization of advanced assisted reproductive technologies in pigs. This is a recruitment position with a duration of 3 years. The project aims to further develop and optimize methods within assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in pigs, including Ovum Pick-Up (OPU), in vitro embryo production (IVEP), embryo transfer, and competence building within gene editing. The PhD candidate will become part of an interdisciplinary research environment with expertise in veterinary reproduction, embryo technology, surgery, and molecular biology. The project is carried out in collaboration with Norsvin SA, the Faculty of Biosciences (CIGENE) at NMBU, and the University of Murcia in Spain. The project includes both fieldwork and laboratory work at NMBU VET Sandnes (SEARCH) and NMBU Ås (CIGENE). A research stay at the University of Murcia is planned as part of the doctoral work. The desired start date is 1 September 2026. The position will have its office location at the Section for Small Ruminant Research and Herd Health in Sandnes. The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment. Join this exciting project and contribute to increased sustainability in Norwegian agriculture! Main tasks The candidate will work with development and evaluation of reproductive technologies in pigs through: Further development and evaluation of Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) in sows Studies of oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) Development and testing of laparoscopic embryo transfer Competence building within gene editing of porcine oocytes and embryos Planning and conducting field trials and experimental studies Conducting a research stay abroad at the University of Murcia, Department of Physiology Analysis of biological and experimental data Preparing manuscripts that meet the requirements for publication in international journals and compile them into a doctoral thesis in accordance with the regulations for the PhD degree at NMBU Publishing results in international scientific journals Presenting results at national and international conferences Completing mandatory and elective PhD courses The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period. Competence To be eligible for the position, the candidate must meet the requirements for admission to the PhD programme in Veterinary Science at NMBU. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken. For more detailed information about the admission criteria, PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description. Required qualifications Veterinary degree (DVM / cand.med.vet.) Applicants completing their degree during spring 2026 may also apply but cannot assume the position until the degree has been completed Documented strong academic results Proficiency in English, both written and spoken Qualificiations considered an advantage Experience within reproductive biology or embryo technology laboratory work (IVEP, molecular biology methods) laboratory animals or clinical work with production animals (up to 2 years) statistical analysis and handling of biological data Interest in pig health and pig production Strong interest in scientific research Interest in the scientific scope of the project Scientific publications or academic work Driving licence class B Be proficient in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, both written and spoken Norwegian veterinary authorization, or eligibility to obtain such authorization Personal qualities We are looking for a candidate who: Is motivated to complete a research education and a PhD degree Has strong academic motivation and interest in research Is flexible during experimental periods involving animal and laboratory trials Works in a structured, accurate and independent manner Has good collaboration skills and can work in interdisciplinary teams Is flexible and able to participate in both field and laboratory work Thrives in an interdisciplinary research and teaching environment Remuneration and further information The position is placed in position code 1017 PhD. Fellow, NOK 550.800 – 660.000. PhD candidates are normally placed at salary level NOK 550.800. This is a temporary position with a duration of 3 years. Seniority promotion in the position. Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite for appointment to the PhD scholarship position. Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for PhD Research Fellows at universities and university colleges and in accordance with the Norwegian State Employees Act, the Security Act, and the Export Control Act. This position is a training/educational position. Grant-funded travel abroad should be expected. Interested in learning more about the position? We are happy to tell you more about life on campus. Contact Head of section: Marianne Oropeza-Moe, phone: +47 46950083, e-mail: marianne.oropeza-moe@nmbu.no. Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants Application Send application electronically via the link “Apply for this job” at the top of this page. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. Applications that are not submitted electronically via Jobbnorge by the deadline will not be considered. Application Deadline: May 15, 2026  Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge’s CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is in order to be able to comply with the regulations to the Public Administration Act §15. In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process. Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates. The following documents must be attached to the application: Motivation letter CV Certified copies of relevant academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor

YOUR TASKS The Gut-Liver ImmunoPharmacology Unit, in collaboration with the Hepatology Research Unit, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student for an innovative translational research project focused on liver diseases. In this project, you will play a crucial role in further unraveling the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. The ultimate goal of the research is to obtain a doctoral degree. What You Will Do: •    Investigate the mechanisms underlying chronic liver diseases using human samples, animal models, and in vitro assays. •    Utilize a variety of techniques, including but not limited to: o    qRT-PCR o    ELISA o    Western blot o    Luminex o    Flow cytometry and FACS o    (Single cell) RNA-seq WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR You hold a master’s degree in Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Veterinary Sciences. Excellent communication and writing skills in English. A driven and curious PhD student with a strong interest in immunology, hepatology and pharmacology. Experience with relevant techniques is a plus, but motivation and eagerness to learn are equally important. WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months. Your contract will start on 10/01/2026 at the earliest. The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits. INTERESTED? Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to lindsey.devisscher@ugent.be.We do not accept late applications. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Lindsey Devisscher (lindsey.devisscher@ugent.be, +32(0)9/332 56 65)