Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in evolutionary venomics is available in the Undheim group at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date is on or after January 2, 2023, but no later than March 31, 2023.

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, or for a period of 4 years, with 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department.

Project description

The Undheim group is interested in questions in evolutionary biology that relate to how evolutionary innovations and novelties emerge and how they interact across levels of biological complexity. Animal venoms are excellent models for this purpose: They are cocktails of bioactive polypeptides (“toxins”) that often potently and selectively target important physiological processes in their victims, and that have evolved through the modification of existing “housekeeping” proteins and peptides.

A major focus of the group is to gain an understanding of the molecular under-pinnings of evolvability using the venoms from lacewings (order Neuroptera) as models, which was recently funded by the European Research Council. The candidate will work with the macro-evolutionary aspect of this project, studying the mechanisms by which neuropteran venom proteins arose and have diversified using a broad range of methods, including proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, functional assays, molecular evolutionary analyses, and structur-al biology. The project will also involve collaborations with other research groups both nationally and internationally (e.g., The University of Queensland, Australia).

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

The following qualifications are required:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biology.
• Foreign completed degrees (M.Sc.-level) must correspond to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• At least two of the following additional qualifications:
  • Molecular evolution and phylogenetics
  • Proteomics
  • Comparative genomics or transcriptomics
  • Venom biology
  • Toxin activity assays

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until December 01, 2022, to complete the final exam.

Experience in more than two of the additional qualifications is an advantage but not a requirement.

The following skills are also desirable:

• Broad knowledge about evolutionary theory
• Entomology insect taxonomy
• Experience with collecting and identifying insects
• Ability to work independently but also interact with other members of the group

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/ and http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, and transcripts of records
• Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency if required
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Eivind Undheim, e-mail: e.a.b.undheim@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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