PhD Research Fellow in Functional characterisation of ctenophore neurons
Deadline: 03.02.2024
Publisert
University of Bergen
The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.
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PhD Research Fellow in Functional characterisation of ctenophore neurons.
There is a vacancy for a 4-year PhD position at the Michael Sars Centre affiliated with the project “Tracking the deep evolutionary origins of neurons” in the lab of Dr. Pawel Burkhardt. The position is funded by an ERC consolidator grant (ORIGINEURO). The Michael Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner with The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The position is in collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bergen. The place of work will be at the Michael Sars Centre.
About the project/work tasks:
The Burkhardt group combines comparative biological systems in the laboratory to understand when and how first synapses, neurons and nervous systems evolved. The group is particularly interested in studying the nervous system of ctenophores. Ctenophores are strong candidates for being the sister-group to all other animals. Given their phylogenetic position characterizing the nervous system of ctenophores promises to reveal fundament insights into the evolutionary origin of neurons. We are looking for a highly self-motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with interests in evolutionary biology, neurobiology and cell biology. The project will focus on the functional characterisation of ctenophore neurons. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to undertake research using morpholino knockdowns and Crispr/Cas9 knockouts, calcium imaging, laser ablations and electrophysiology to understand whether ctenophores nerve net neurons are excitable and how they communicate with each other. The successful candidate will work in close association with the group leader and other lab members with the aim to contribute to the further development of the project in line with her/his interests.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in biology, or must have submitted the master’s thesis for evaluation prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
Routine experience in standard molecular and cellular biology techniques is required.
Practical experience in gene delivery and gene knockdowns/knockouts is required.
Background knowledge of the relevant literature is a requirement.
Practical experience in light & fluorescence microscopy and with calcium imaging are advantages.
Specific experience with ctenophores is an advantage.
Impeccable work ethics, rigor and discipline to complete defined tasks, including detailed reporting, are advantages.
Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
Proficiency in both written and oral English is a requirement.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position:
The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.
About the PhD position (applies to university PhD positions):
About the PhD Research Fellow:
The duration of the PhD Research Fellow is for a fixed term of 4 years, of which 25% will comprise obligatory duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results (e.g. supervision of Master students, conference attendances). The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed as a research fellow/research assistant or the like.
About the research training:
As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years (without other mandatory tasks at the centre). A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within two months after you have commenced in the position. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer:
A good and professionally stimulating working environment
Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This currently constitutes of a gross annual salary of NOK 532.200 (equivalent to pay grade 54). Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position
Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
CV
Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the master's thesis has been submitted.
For HR related questions contact Senior Executive officer, Vivian Stegen Jacobsen, Vivian.jacobsen@uib.no.
The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.
We encourage women/men to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
For further information about the recruitment process, click here.
