About the position

Full-time position as a Principal Engineer is available at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo.

The Undheim group is seeking a Principal Engineer. The position is permanent with external funding for 4-year. The group studies animal venoms to better understand evolutionary interactions of traits across levels of biological complexity and was recently awarded a European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC StG) to study the molecular mechanisms that underlie the evolutionary potential of complex traits.

For this project we are using lacewings (order Neuroptera) as our model organisms, which we maintain as cultures in the lab. The successful applicant will be responsible for breeding and maintaining these cultures as well as assisting in venom collection from larval neuropterans, collection of tissue samples, and field collection of new specimens.

Work tasks

The main task will be maintenance and breeding of lacewing cultures in the lab and maintenance of cultures of different prey species.

The engineer will also contribute to collection of lacewings and other neuropterans in the field, venom extraction from neuropteran larvae, and some simple general lab work. Some administrative tasks associated with the research project are also relevant.

Qualification requirements

The following qualifications are required:

• Relevant education (Biology or another related field) from university or college, minimum equivalent to bachelor level. Other relevant competence may replace the educational requirement.

• Good verbal and written proficiency in English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language.

The following qualifications are desired:

• Documented experience with maintenance of and working with arthropod lab cultures, or similar.

• Experience with large scale insect cultures, particularly Chrysoperla carnea

• Knowledge in insect taxonomy, particularly Neuroptera

• Experience with basic lab work

• Motivation for doing field work (collection of insects)

• Some administrative experience with research project administration/coordination will be an advantage.

Personal skills

• The candidate should be a structured, service minded person who enjoys working both independently and as part of a team.
• Personal suitability, including initiative, teamwork ability, accuracy, and sense of responsibility, will be emphasized.

We offer

• salary NOK 468 300 – 516 100 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as principal engineer, position code (1085)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter

• CV (complete overview of education and work experience)

• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters for recommendation

• Names and contact details of three references (names, relation to candidate and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our recruiting system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Formal regulations

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition.

Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

• Eivind Undheim, phone: +47 4838 2261, e-mail: e.a.b.undheim@ibv.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR adviser Nina Holtan, phone: +47 22 85 44 24, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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