PhD in alpine and arctic terrestrial ecology

Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Norway, invites applications from outstanding candidates for a three-year PhD position in alpine and arctic terrestrial ecology.

This PhD-project will investigate the diversity, biomass and metabolite responses of coprophilic fungi to gradients within alpine and arctic ecosystems in Norway. The candidate will assess important biotic and abiotic factors that governs the fungal community and how their decomposition ability may change in under current and future climate scenarios.

Novel eDNA techniques such as DNA metabarcoding in combination with advanced statistics forms the methodological framework for the position, together with field work in beautiful alpine and arctic landscapes in Norway.

The successful candidate will be part of the Ecology research division at FBA.

The contract will be for a 3-year period.

The position is to be located in Steinkjer, central Norway, and will be available from 1st April 2025.

Candidates are subject to Nord University’s requirement for residency at the institution

Qualification requirements:

• A master’s degree in ecology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field.
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree
• Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis
• The grades at the qualifying MSc examination needs to be B or better (ECTS scale from A-E) to be admitted to the PhD program.
• See admission requirements:  PhD in Biosciences
• It is assumed that the person who is hired is admitted to the faculty’s doctoral program Final project outline with plan for the doctoral work must be approved and agreed upon no later than 3 months after accession. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not available within this deadline, due to lack of annual reporting of progress and/or serious failure in progress and in duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page
• It is expected that the candidate is proficient in English with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• It is a requirement that the candidate has experience within molecular DNA work including DNA isolation and PCR.
• It is expected that the candidate has general knowledge about either statistical modelling or bioinformatic handling of large sequence data.
• Within this position, the successful candidate must be able to conduct field work in remote alpine and arctic areas, hence field experience in general and experience working within remote areas in specific, will be considered an advantage.
• Experience with scientific writing (e.g. having published scientific paper) is a strength but not a prerequisite.

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Relevant experience from research work within the abovementioned areas
• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study. Project outline with description of project idea and plan for implementation
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
• Personal suitability

We offer:

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, NOK 532 200,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Benefits within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• Creative and collegial working environment
• 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.

If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.

Application process:

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations.

The Faculty of Bioscience at Nord University reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics

Application:

Applications must be submitted electronically by 15.10.2024

The application should include:

• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file
• Project description of 3-5 pages where you explain the idea for the PhD project, theoretical anchoring and methodological approach
• The project outline should include a progress plan A plan for how the fellowship period is intended to be used
• Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activity that is considered relevant for the position

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 period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in some 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 any information about the applicant public.

Nord University:

Through research, education and social engagement, Nord University contributes to the creation of a sustainable future.
In cooperation with society, business and industry in Northern and Central Norway, our 11,500 students and 1,350 staff promote innovative solutions and knowledge-based practice, both locally and internationally.
Nord University has four strategic focus areas: blue and green growth, sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, societal security, and health, welfare and education.

Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA) educates people with the aim of promoting sustainable and innovative development to meet global challenges in food production, climate and environment. The faculty is an international arena for education, research and knowledge dissemination, with employees and students from 39 different countries. The faculty offers a PhD in Biosciences. FBA has 900 students and 165 employees in Bodø and Steinkjer. The professional community is organised into the following divisions: Aquaculture, Ecology, Genomics and Animal Science, Production and Welfare and Algae and microbial biotechnology.