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 31 different countries. The faculty offers a PhD in Aquatic 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.
The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (Campus Bodø), Nord University, Norway, invites applications for a permanent position as associate professor in genomics. The position will be embedded in the Genomics Division, which focuses on the study of the molecular building blocks of life (DNA, RNA and proteins), their role in biological functions, and the ecological and evolutionary processes through which they shape biodiversity. The Genomics Division covers six main research areas: Molecular Ecology, Genome Biology, RNA Biology, Molecular Developmental Biology, Immunology and Aquaculture Genomics.
The new staff member is expected to set up a research line in genomics, for instance, by bringing in expertise in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, genome biology, functional genomics, population genomics, molecular ecology, epigenetics or other fields that are complementary to the research of other staff members. It is desired that candidates have a background in quantitative methods relevant to the faculty, such as computational biology and bioinformatics. Overall, we expect the candidate to contribute to multidisciplinary research aimed at making progress to the study of molecular processes from the cellular to the population level, leading to a better overall understanding of fundamental biological or evolutionary processes. Collaboration with members of the faculty is highly welcomed, both with scientists from the main research areas at the Genomics Division, as well as with scientists from other divisions. Key infrastructure at the Faculty of Biosciences includes a platform for high-throughput DNA sequencing, zebrafish and cell research facilities, and the “Prinsesse Ingrid Alexandra”, a brand new 35 m long research vessel for coastal research. The Faculty also has wet lab facilities and research portfolio on Tilapia as well as marine species such as Atlantic salmon and wolffish.
The new staff member is expected to teach in the degree programmes offered by the faculty. Specifically, the candidate will be responsible to courses in cell biology and/or molecular ecology, and contribute to courses such as molecular biology, quantitative methods or biodiversity (BSc Biology), to the development of new courses in computational biology or bioinformatics (MSc Biosciences), and to field-specific PhD courses such as population genomics and the use and analysis of high-throughput sequencing data. The candidate is also expected to supervise research projects of bachelor and master students.
The position is located at the Bodø campus.
The position may involve tasks at Nord University’s other campuses.
Tasks and responsibilities
As an Associate Professor you will:
teach in and take the responsibility over courses, and contribute to the development of the degree programmes of the faculty
supervise bachelor, master and PhD students
set up and develop your own research line
maintain a good publication record
maintain an international scientific network
apply for external funding
disseminate your research results and promote the societal relevance of your work
initiate and develop interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with colleagues
contribute to the development of the academic community at the faculty
contribute to the organization of the faculty, for example by participating in working groups and committees, in the domains of teaching, research and management
Work tasks may change depending on the faculty's research and teaching needs, and the biological background and skills of the employee. For instance, after familiarizing themselves with the education system, appointees must expect to take the responsibility of programme coordinator. The position allocates 45% of your time to research, 45% to teaching activities and 10% to organizational tasks and outreach activities.
Qualification
Applicants must have a Doctoral Degree in Biology or a related field, with a specialisation in genomics. We are looking for a person with good research qualities in these fields, as shown by their publication record in international peer-reviewed journals. Candidates must have a good track record in teaching and preferably in the acquisition of external research funding (both appropriate to their career stage). Candidates must also have good organizational skills and should be capable to work well in an international, culturally diverse environment. Relevant international experience and an international network are beneficial for the position, and so is experience with innovative teaching methods.
Formal qualification requirements for Associate Professor
For employment as an Associate Professor (research-oriented førsteamanuensis in the Norwegian system), a Norwegian doctoral degree is required, within the relevant field of study or an equivalent doctoral degree from abroad that is accepted as a Norwegian equivalent, or competence at a similar level documented by academic publication of the same scope and quality
Teaching experience from university/college and skills in respect of planning, implementation, evaluation and development of teaching and supervision. Due to an amendment in Regulations from 1 September 2019, Nord University have implemented supplementary provisions on educational competence. For further information please refer to Nord University’s website. Any applicants who are unable to provide documentary proof of adequate professional educational competence when employed must acquire such competence over the course of a two-year period. Nord University offers such a course in University Pedagogy which covers this requirement
Other qualification requirements:
Good oral and written presentation and communication skills in fluent English
Able to speak and write Norwegian (or another Scandinavian language) is preferred. Applicants who do not have one of the Scandinavian languages as their native language must document oral and written Norwegian language skills within two years
Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:
Academic track record with relevance to the position
Quality of publications within the last five years
The candidate’s potential to contribute to the faculty’s degree programmes
Experience with and involvement in international research networks and projects with external funding
Experience from teaching and academic supervision at bachelor, master and doctoral levels
Educational qualifications from a college, university or equivalent
Pedagogical skills
Solid record in dissemination and communication
A well-developed research plan for the next 5 years
Good skills in communication and collaboration with students and colleagues.
Qualities that can contribute positively to the workplace environment
Good oral and written presentation skills in English and Norwegian (or possibly another Scandinavian language)
Conditions of employment
We offer the position according to government regulations, code 1011 Associate Professor. Salary by agreement.
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 for the position. Nord University practices moderate allocation according to gender quotas in accordance with the Basic Agreement for State Employees.
If applicants indicate that they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.
The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture has a current gender imbalance within the permanent academic staff. Thus, we encourage qualified female candidates to apply for the position.
Contact information
For information about the position you can contact:
Applicants will be evaluated by an expert committee. Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview and trial lecture. These will be decisive for the appointment.
Application
Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of January 16th 2023.
The electronic application must contain:
A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position
Complete CV summarizing education, positions held, teaching and research experience, publications, administrative experience and other qualifying activities.
Copies of diplomas, transcripts and certificates
Complete copies of up to 10 of the most relevant publications / academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered. The doctoral dissertation should be included
A list of five self-selected ‘best publications’, along with the reasons why
a statement of your teaching goals and experience
a description of your scientific interest and plans for the next five years
Documentation of other activities which the applicant considers relevant to the position and desires to be considered in the assessment
Contact information for 2-3 referees
All documentation to be considered is to be uploaded as attachments to the application.
Complete documentation in electronic form must be submitted by the closing date for applications.
After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special 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.
