NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.
NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en
About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally.
Do you want to work with microbial food production?
About the position
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has vacant a 3-year Postdoctor/Researcher position in the field of fermentation processes. The position is funded by a national research center for Industrial Biotechnology (SFI-IB).
The goal of the project is to assess the food potential of novel fungal strains and to develop fermentation processes and downstream processing to make microbial food.
The position is placed in the BioRef research group consisting of 15 people. The group has several ongoing projects involving fermentation processes, both aerobic and anaerobic. It has access to excellent bioreactor facilities from 1 L to 100 L scale and relevant equipment for downstream processing. The group has a strong publication record in the fields of fermentation processes, applied enzymology and biogas research. It has a close cooperation with other research groups at the Faculty, including research on topics like fundamental enzymology and food science.
Main tasks
Basic fungal microbiology
Cultivation of fungi in bioreactors
Develop continuous fermentation processes
Production of microbial biomass
Development of downstream processing pathways
Characterization of biomass using advanced analytics
Investigate food physical properties
Write and publish high-level scientific publications
These tasks will be conducted in a vibrant research environment with multiple ongoing projects at the Faculty.
Competence
Required academic qualifications:
PhD degree in microbiology, biotechnology or bioprocess technology
Laboratory skills in microbiology
Experience with running fermentations in bioreactors
Good research performance during the PhD and, if applicable, as a post-doctoral researcher, preferably documented by high quality scientific publications
Experiences and skills related to some of the following topics are desirable:
Cultivation of filamentous fungi
Continuous fermentation processes
Hands-on experience with downstream processing of microbial biomass
Knowledge of drying processes
Development of novel foods
Relevant analytical methods
Knowledge of a Nordic language
Personal qualities:
We are looking for a candidate who is ambitious, curious, motivated and able to work in a strong research environment.
The ideal candidate will combine the following personal qualities:
Hard-working and accurate
Creative and independent
Ambitious
Genuinely interested in scientific research and its industrial applications
Good social and collaborative skills
Good communicative skills, orally and written, in English, and, preferably in a Scandinavian language
Practical/technical skills
Remuneration and further information
The researcher will be placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow, salary grade 62-70 (NOK 604 900-692 400) or in government pay scale position code 1109 Researcher, salary grade 62-70 (NOK 604 900 – 692 400) on the Norwegian Government salary scale, depending on qualifications. The positions follow ordinary meriting regulations.
To apply for this vacancy, please go to www.jobbnorge.no and register a new user if necessary. Then, find the position, and click the 'Apply for this job' button. This will route you to the online application form. Fill in the required personal information and the application letter. For simplicity, you do not have to complete the academic CV in the online system. Instead, upload your complete CV as a pdf file along with an application letter, degree certificates and transcripts of academic records. The application letter must be specific and motivate why you apply for this position.
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.
Application deadline: February 9th 2025
Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.
