Website University of Bergen
Last date to apply: 14.12.2025
Number of Positions: 01
Postdoctoral Research Fellow:
At the Michael Sars Centre there is a vacancy for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the research group headed by Pr. Lionel Christiaen. The position is for a fixed term of 3 years and is funded by the University of Bergen. The Michael Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) (www.embl.de). The place of work will be at the Michael Sars Centre. The preferred starting date is between January and April 2026.
About the project/work tasks:
The Christiaen lab uses a wide range of approaches, including molecular, cellular and embryological techniques, quantitative imaging, genomics including from single cells, genome engineering and computational biology methods to study development and regeneration, at a systems level, in tunicates. Tunicates, especially the genus Ciona, offer unique opportunities to leverage state-of-the-art experimental and computational techniques and approaches to study chordate development with a cellular resolution and at the genome scale. Specifically, efforts using systematic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, high-content imaging, data science and computational modelling are used to study the biomolecular networks governing cell fate specification and cellular behaviours, such as collective migration and oriented asymmetric cell divisions. New directions will leverage controlled culture conditions, the natural diversity of tunicate populations, single cell genomics, quantitative imaging, CRISPR/Cas9, and data science to probe the impact of environmental challenges on developing embryos at the systems scale.
Projects will comprise such approaches as (1) obtaining reference genome and transcriptome sequences for local species and populations; (2) Profiling embryonic development in response to environmental perturbations using single cell genomics, (3) contributing to population and quantitative genetics approaches to study the genetic basis of natural responses to environmental perturbations; (4) deploying functional genomics methods coupled with high-content phenotypic profiling approaches, and computational modelling to build provisional molecular networks; (5) leverage optogenetics and biosensors to probe the biochemical and biophysical underpinnings of development cellular processes with high spatial and temporal resolution.
We are seeking candidates with interests in developmental, cell and/or systems aspects of animal development, as well as studying embryos in Natura. The successful candidate will use a variety of methods, ranging from genome engineering to single cell genomics, population genomics and quantitative genetics. The candidate will work in close association with the group leader and other lab members with the aim to contribute to the further development of the project in line with her/his interests.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
- Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree (PhD) within developmental systems biology, developmental genetics and genomics, or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
- A track-record of ambitious creative thinking, realistic implementation and productive completion at an international level is required.
- Strong work ethics, rigor and discipline to complete defined tasks, including detailed reporting, are required.
- A strong motivation to perform research at an internationally competitive level is required, and will be evaluated based on past publications, collaborations and funding as well as competitiveness for national and international fellowships.
- Background knowledge and prior experience in the relevant fields of cellular and molecular developmental biology, genomics and systems biology, statistics and computational biology are advantages.
- Prior experience in analysing next-generation sequencing datasets, including from single cells, is an advantage.
- Organizational and communication skills are advantages.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others.
- Applicants must have good written and oral English skills.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position
The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.
About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:
The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. If the appointee lacks teaching experience, or other relevant qualifications, the employment period may be increased to 3 years and 3 months. Teaching and other duties will in such cases be added to the position. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.
Upon appointment, applicants must submit a project proposal for the qualifying work including a progress plan. It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.
We can offer:
- a good and professionally stimulating working environment
- position as postdoctoral fellow (code 1352 in the basic collective agreement) and a gross annual salary of NOK 657 000 upon appointment. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well-qualified applicant.
- enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
- a brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
- a detailed justification of your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements, explaining how you meet each criterion. Additionally, you should address the “advantages” mentioned above, as these will be taken into account when ranking the candidates.
- the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme.
- CV
- transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your PhD degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the thesis has been submitted.
- relevant certificates/references
- list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list with links
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at JobbNorge
General information:
For further details about the position, please contact: Group Leader Lionel Christiaen, +47 55584360, email: lionel.christiaen@uib.no.
For HR related questions contact: HR adviser Veronica Stålhand, +47 55584374, email: veronica.stalhand@uib.no.
Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.
We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.Further information about our employment process can be found here.