Postdoctoral position within medical entomology and virology
Deadline: 02.05.2023
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
NMBU's focus is a joint effort for a sustainable future. Our university will contribute to securing the future of life, through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation.
NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 500 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.
NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.
We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at
The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) develops research-based knowledge and educates civil engineers and lecturers needed to reach the UN's sustainability goals. We have approximately 150 employees, 70 PhD students and soon 1500 students. The education and research at REALTEK cover a broad spectrum of disciplines.
This includes data science, mechanics and process engineering, robotics, construction and architecture, industrial economics, environmental physics and renewable energy, geomatics, water and environmental engineering, applied mathematics as well as secondary school teacher education in natural sciences and use of natural resources such as in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture. The workplace is in Ås, 30 km from Oslo.
What is it really like to work at the Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) at NMBU?
Medical entomologist for a postdoc position to study zoonotic spillover processes in Southeast Asia
About the position
The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 2-year postdoctoral position related to medical entomology and spillover viruses. The position is 100% for 2 years. The position is vacant immediately.
The candidate will join the PANDASIA project and other relevant transdisciplinary projects with research partners in Europe and Southeast Asia. These projects are conducting research on zoonotic pathogen spillover processes and social-ecological drivers in local settings in Thailand and Laos. The specific tasks for this postdoc are to collect data to understand the involvement of insects in indirect spillover processes in hotspot areas in Southeast Asia. We are seeking someone with strong research background in entomology and virology with experience in field collection methods and laboratory genomic methods. The position involves extensive periods of field and laboratory work in SE Asia.
The position is funded through NMBU and is associated with the project Pandemic literacy and viral zoonotic spillover risk at the frontline of disease emergence in Southeast Asia to improve pandemic preparedness (PANDASIA), which is funded by Horizon Europe.
The successful candidate will work independently but in close collaboration with the PANDASIA team and other relevant projects. Main workplace is in Ås, Norway (30 km south of Oslo), but with extensive field work in Southeast Asia.
We are exploring opportunities for providing training in genetic laboratory methods and bioinformatics as part of the position. The position includes a lumpsum for operational expenses, travel and field work (NOK 67,000 in total). There are opportunities to seek additional funding if needed.
Relevant project information
Background information about current relevant projects can be found on these websites:
Other relevant projects carried out by the Water and Read about some of my projects here
Main tasks
The successful candidate will carry out the following tasks:
Develop mosquito and fly sampling protocols with the project team.
Plan, lead and carry out mosquito collections.
Oversee insect handling, transport, storage, and identification.
One or both of the following:1. Nucleic acid extraction from insects for PCR analysis to mosquito identification and viral DNA and RNA detection and iDNA analyses.2. Collect and analyze ecological, environmental and climate data of importance for insect development and species diversity.
Statistical analysis.
Writing reports and scientific manuscripts for publication.
Competence
Required qualifications:
PhD in medical entomology, entomology or other relevant topics.
Research experience in medical entomology / entomology with published work in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience from entomological field work, mosquito/other insect trapping or collections, insect handling, sorting and identification.
Experience from genetic laboratory work including PCR analyses and virology and/or experience from ecological, environmental and climate data collections and analyses
Experience in working independently using statistical applications and/or mathematical modelling approaches
Experience working in vector-borne disease endemic tropical countries, particularly in SE Asia
Excellent written and spoken English skills
The following experiences and skills will be an advantage:
Understand concepts of vector capacity and vector competence
Knowledge of virological aspects of vector-borne disease
Knowledge of remote sensing technology and GIS analysis
Knowledge of ecological principles
Required personal skills:
Excellent communication skills
Excellent personal and time management skills
Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office
Skills in the use of statistical software, especially Stata and R
Desired personal skills:
Self-motivated, able to work alone and in a team
Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
Positive and problem-solving attitude
Flexibility, and able to work under pressure with tight deadlines
The successful candidate will work closely with the Project Coordinator, Dr Hans J. Overgaard.
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow, salary grade 62-77, (NOK 573.900 - 765.600), depending on qualifications. Seniority Promotion included in position.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of their application are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law cannot be recruited by NMBU.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Hans J. Overgaard, Project Leader, Email: hans.overgaard@nmbu.no; phone: +66 811234879
Pursuant to the Personal Data Act, we will hereby notify you that the report of the expert committee will be sent to all applicants.
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application deadline: 2 May 2023
Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.
The application must include:
Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.
A 2-3 page project concept note outlining a potential project of interest including background, objectives, hypotheses, outcomes and relevant literature.
