About the position

A PhD fellowship is available at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University (Bodø, Norway) in molecular developmental biology.

The position is for 3 years and will be available from March 1st. 2020.

The candidate will join the project Innate Control of Early Embryonic Development, funded by Research Council of Norway (FriPro Toppforsk program). This cutting-edge project investigates regulatory mechanisms governing the transfer, modifications, and execution of parental developmental instruction at the onset of embryonic development. Zebrafish and medaka are vertebrate animal models. The approach is based on combination of high-throughput analyses of genetic and epigenetic information with functional genomics. The project’s consortium consists of internationally renowned academic experts in transcriptomics, proteomics, functional genomics, RNA biology, fish reproductive and developmental biology, epigenomics, and epitranscriptomics. Cooperative environment, innovative high-impact research topics, and research training and mentoring in relevant state-of-the-art methods at leading laboratories, will help the Fellow to build a competitive expertise in frontier science within developmental biology.

The candidate will study the regulation of early embryonic development, with emphasis on the onset of zygotic transcription of regulatory elements. Zebrafish and medaka will be model organisms. The study includes high-throughput transcriptomics combined with functional genomics. Prior knowledge and laboratory skills within genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular developmental biology are essential for successful accomplishment of the project.

Qualification requirements

The candidate should have an MSc degree (or equivalent) in natural sciences, preferably in one of the following fields: Developmental biology; Molecular cell biology; Genomics; Bioinformatics. The grades at the qualifying MSc examination needs to be C or better (ECTS scale from A-E) to be admitted to the program.

Education and experience in one or more of the following areas is required: molecular developmental biology, RNA biology, transcriptomics, or genomics.

Hands-on experience in RNA-seq, RNA bioinformatics, non-coding RNAs, or zebrafish development are advantageous for the position.

Proficiency in oral and written English is essential and must be documented either by the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification or internationally recognised certificates, such as TOEFL, IELTS, APIEL or similar. Skills in Scandinavian language is an advantage for the position.

The selected candidate will join the PhD programme in Aquatic Biosciences at Nord University and is expected to complete a doctorate within the three-year project period. The candidate should fulfill the admission requirements of this PhD programme at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture and participate in the training components stipulated in regulations of the PhD program. Application for admission to the programme must be submitted within three months after taking up the position. For admission requirements and regulations, see our see our web page.

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, LR 20, NOK 479.600,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

Suitably qualified candidates may be placed in code 1378.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for borrowing, insurance and pension.
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with steady 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.

The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply. Nord University practices moderate allocation according to gender quotas in accordance with the Basic Agreement for State Employees.

If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of recording whether this target is achieved or not.

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :

• professor Igor Babiak (e-mail: igor.s.babiak@nord.no ; telephone: +47 75 51 79 22
• office manager Irene Stork (e- mail: irene.stork@nord.no; telephone +47 75 51 74 42

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by November 15th, 2019

The application should include:

• Cover letter outlining the candidate’s motivation, relevant experience, and how she/he will contribute to the successful implementation of the project (maximum 1 page)
• A sketch of a potential research project on modulatory effects of environmental stressors on early embryonic epigenome and epitranscriptome in zebrafish (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae, including acquired knowledge and skills (emphasis on hands-on experience in relevant methods), and a list of publications and other scientific contributions
• Summary/extended Abstract of MSc thesis
• Certified copies of academic degree transcripts and any other relevant qualifications
• Contact details for at least two referees
• Signed consent form PhD (if relevant)

Applicants should not attach unsolicited documents, such as co-authored publications, high school transcripts, documents not relevant for the position, etc.

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

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

After the application deadline, an applicant list will be announced publicly. Applicants asking for confidentiality must specifically explain the reasons for this in their application. Even so, the information can be published if the reasons for confidentiality are not found relevant. In such the case, an applicant will be given notice prior to the announcement, and he/she will have opportunity to withdraw the application

Refnr. 30072082

Application deadline: 27.01.2020

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