Fixed-term

About the position The Department of Animal and aquacultural sciences, Faculty of Biosciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has one vacant 3-year PhD–position. The successful PhD will work in a team with several researchers/professors including international collaborators, another PhD at the School of Veterinary Science focusing more on the physiological part, as well as master students and veterinary students assigning to do their thesis connected to this project. The main goal of the project is to identify reliable behavioral and physiological markers that signal good welfare and robust gut–brain health. While being a basic research project, insights from the project could guide the livestock industry towards more science-based enrichment practices. The project is divided into four main parts: 1. Test how hay and physical activity affect behavior, social interactions, cognition, and welfare. 2. Test how hay and physical activity influence physiological stress (via cortisol), gut inflammation, and the prevalence of stomach ulcers. 3. Test how hay and physical activity influence brain plasticity in regions linked to emotion and memory (the frontal cortex and hippocampus). 4. Integrates all data to uncover how enrichment influences the complex connections between brain, gut, and behavior. Main tasks Plan and conduct pig experiments, behavioural observations, behavioural tests, taking saliva samples for cortisol analysis, statistical analysis Collaborate closely with the PhD that will be hired at the School of Veterinary Science on the same project and the rest of the project team Process research data and publish findings as scientific publications and a PhD thesis. Complete mandatory courses for the PhD program. Present and discuss research at internal seminars, workshops, and international conferences 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 the goal to finish a PhD within 3 years. Competence The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree in animal science, biology, or a cand.med.vet. (veterinary) degree. Overall, an ethology profile needs to be present in the education, and preferably with a master thesis in ethology. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description. The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject. Required Academic qualifications A completed master’s degree that meets the admission requirements. Relevant academic backgrounds include animal or veterinary science, biology, preferably a master in ethology or with a behavioral profile in the education Excellent written and oral English The following experiences and skills will be emphasized: Documented experience of working with farm animals Comprehensive understanding and interest in ethology and animal welfare Experience with data handling and statistical methods Experience with behavioral observations and animal behavior analyses You need to: Be able to work independently and systematically as well as be a good team worker Possess critical thinking skills Have a strong motivation to work within this field and to complete a PhD as well as conduct the practical tasks that follows Be structured, solution-oriented, and able to manage various tasks and meet deadlines. Willingness to present at international conferences and publish papers Have good  communicational and social skills Remuneration and further information The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow, and is remunerated with a starting annual salary of NOK 550,800. Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars. For further information, please contact Prof. Inger Lise Andersen E-mail: inger-lise.andersen@nmbu.no, phone +47 90083226 Information for PhD applicants and general information to applicants Application To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. 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. Application deadline: 08.05.2026 Your CV must be entered in JobbNorge’s CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations of §15 of the Public Administration Act. 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 (maximum 1 page) Complete CV Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached. Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system. Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3). Names and contact details for two references Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge and working experience About The Faculty of Biosciences The Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT) aims to shape the future of food and bioproduction through teaching and research in biology and sustainable production and use of plants, livestock and fish. The faculty has a large project portfolio and an annual turnover of approximately NOK 250 million. BIOVIT is organized into seven research groups: Genome Biology, Breeding, Genetics and Food Production Systems, Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology, Ethology and Animal Welfare, Nutrition and Physiology for Monogastric Animals, Plant Biology, Sustainable Food Systems and Integrated Plant Protection, and Genetics, Evolution and Sustainable Plant Production. Additionally, the faculty has seven research support and laboratory units. BIOVIT is responsible for bachelor’s and master’s programs in aquaculture, biology, animal science, and plant

About us: Dr Teodora Trendafilova is supported by a Wellcome Early Career Fellowship. Her research aims to improve our understanding of the neurobiology of arthritis pain, focusing on the dynamic changes that occur over the course of the disease. In particular, her work investigates how the spinal cord and its interactions with the dorsal root ganglia evolve during chronic inflammation and contribute to persistent pain. Teodora is sponsored by Dr Franziska Denk at the Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre. As a successful candidate you would receive day-to-day guidance from Teodora. You would also benefit from the expertise and collaborative environment of Dr Denk’s established research group, who study peripheral neuro-immune-stromal cell interactions in chronic pain conditions. Within our teams, you would therefore have the opportunity to learn more about a wide variety of techniques relevant to pain research, as well as become a member of the Wolfson SPaRC – a world-leading translational science centre focused on neurological and sensory disorders. About the role: We are looking for somebody who has experience with the techniques required for this post, including stereotaxic injections, chemogenetics, histology and molecular biology. Some surgical experience is essential. Training will be provided in in vivo calcium imaging using our multiphoton imaging setup. The role also includes developing a novel approach for awake imaging, which may involve 8 weeks of training in the US. If you fulfil our essential criteria and are a dedicated researcher with enthusiasm for high-quality science, teamwork, and effective organisational skills, you will be a great fit for this position. Your funding will come from the Wellcome Trust and includes financial support for attending career development courses and an annual conference. A relocation allowance is also available for candidates moving from outside London. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 3 years. Ideal start date is 1st September 2026. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information. About you: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: Essential criteria PhD qualified in relevant subject area (Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences) or PhD near completion. Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. Should the successful candidate be awaiting the award of their PhD, the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spinal point 30 with the title of Research Assistant until confirmation of the award of the PhD has been received. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6, spine point 31. Experience with rodent surgery, preferably including stereotaxic injections. Proven ability to work as part of a team Ability to work independently, effectively planning and organizing one’s own time and workload Proven scientific writing and speaking skills Evidence of good problem-solving skills Desirable criteria Experience with in vivo recordings in rodents and computational analysis in the context of Ca2+ imaging Knowledge of the pain or arthritis fields Experience with rodent behaviour experiments Ability and willingness to travel for a collaborative visit of 8 weeks to the US Home Office Personal License PIL A-C Downloading a copy of our Job Description Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process. * Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. Further Information At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid

About Us The successful candidate will join our new MSCA Doctoral Network: VISIONBRAIN – Cutting-edge Human In Vitro And In Silico Biomedical Tools On Brain Disorders. This EU-funded project will train 15 early-stage researchers to develop human-relevant neuroscience tools beyond animal models, advancing next-generation in vitro and in silico New Approach Methodologies for complex brain disorders. We will host the successful candidate at the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences (FANS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London. The IoPPN aims to change and shape how we understand, prevent and treat mental health and other conditions that affect the brain. We work to transform care for people who are affected by mental health and neurological conditions, through world-class research, education and training, to serve communities locally and globally. About the role We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate to join us as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Candidate (fixed-term 3 years, 100%FTE) to develop computational models of the neonatal brain. The successful candidate will work on the intersection of neuroscience and new computational methods, combining mathematical and biophysical models with state-of-the-art diffusion and functional MRI data, in typically and atypically developing populations through the lifespan. Note: The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, and must not already hold a PhD/doctoral degree. About the project: Using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we are able to assess how brain regions are connected (structural connectivity) and communicate (functional connectivity). In this project we will use mathematical descriptions of neuronal spontaneous activity and network theory, to produce biologically plausible computational models of connectivity in the newborn brain, using state-of-the-art multimodal neonatal and adult MRI data. Computational models allow the inference of whole-brain neuronal dynamic characteristics underlying the association between local functional dynamics and structural connections. Such models help us integrate structural and functional networks, providing information not accessible using single modalities. Importantly, this approach needs to be reconsidered and adapted for the developing brain. To do so, we will use high-quality MRI data in a large cohort of infants (N~1000), including subgroups with clinical conditions. Our approach has the potential to deliver fundamental new insights into developing connectivity in typically and atypically developing individuals, improving our understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The role involves working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including academic and industry partners across Europe. This position is suited for an enthusiastic, curious and self-motivated individual willing to become a leader in the emerging field of computational neuroscience, i.e. embracing both computational/mathematical methods and applied neuroscience. This is a full-time post, and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 36 months. You will complete a PhD thesis, undertake mandatory secondments (3–6 months) with partner institutions, and participate in network-wide training events. Applicants must meet all MSCA DN eligibility criteria at the time of recruitment: Doctoral Status Rule: The applicant must not already hold a PhD/doctoral degree. Mobility Rule: The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the recruitment country (United Kingdom) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. PhD Enrolment Requirement: The selected candidate must be eligible to enroll in the doctoral program at King’s College London. What We Offer: 36-month MSCA employment contract MSCA allowances package (living + mobility; family allowance if applicable), in accordance with MSCA programme rules Comprehensive international training programme through the Doctoral Network (including courses, summer schools, and transferable skills training) Secondments with consortium partners Joint supervision and access to a multi-stakeholder ecosystem Full details and official call documentation:  https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks Direct link to the project:  https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101227124 Applications must be submitted by the PhD route (you can apply through HR too if you decide to submit both applications, but we need all candidates registered through King’s Apply): https://apply.kcl.ac.uk  About You Essential criteria Upper second-class bachelor’s degree (or higher) in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Highly organised with attention to detail Experience with research methods in neuroscience and neuroimaging (diffusion/functional MRI and/or EEG) Competency in statistics and programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) Strong interest in both neuroscience and computational methods Desirable criteria Strong interest in neurodevelopment and/or neurodevelopmental conditions Previous research publications or conference presentations (either as first-author or as a co-author) Machine learning and/or computational modelling experience Experience with brain network modelling and analysis Experience processing diffusion and/or functional MRI data Downloading a copy of our Job Description Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process. Further Information At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the