Job description

A Postdoctoral Research fellow position in museomics/ancient DNA analyses is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo. The position is part of the research group ‘Frontiers in Evolutionary Zoology (FEZ)‘. The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to four years (25 % of which is devoted to required duties) with a starting date no later than 31.08.2020.

More about the position

The research group ‘Frontiers in Evolutionary Zoology (FEZ)‘ at the NHM currently includes three senior scientists with curatorial responsibilities for invertebrate collections, two PhD students, as well as several Master students.

The Natural History Museum Oslo houses the largest natural history collections in Norway, and has the strategic goal of strengthening cutting edge research on collection material. To further strengthen NHMs position in the field we seek a young and dynamic early stage researcher who implements and develops strategies and protocols for molecular approaches to analyze difficult collection material (e.g., samples that have been preserved in either formalin or other fixatives disadvantageous for DNA survival).

The successful candidate shall have a strong publication record and potential for collaboration with current NHM curators, especially from the FEZ research group. Senior scientists within FEZ focus on various topics including the systematics, taxonomy, and molecular evolution of selected marine invertebrate groups, staphylinid beetles, and parasitic flatworms. Given the general topic of the position, the successful candidate is expected to also cooperate with other researchers at the institution. The position offers also the opportunity to actively develop own research projects. Hence, dedication to attract external funding is expected. The museum also plays a leading role in postgraduate education in biodiversity and systematics through ForBio – Research School in Biosystematics and the candidate will help strengthening our profile through teaching and supervision of PhD students.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

The applicants are required to have

• a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in biology or equivalent. For candidates not having finished their doctoral degree the doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date of the call. An appointment is dependent on the defense of the doctoral thesis being approved
• a strong academic track record
• a strong background and practical experience in cutting edge molecular DNA methodology
• experiences in bioinformatic analyses of big genomic data sets
• team-working and networking skills
• fluent in English (written and spoken). Command of a Scandinavian language is an advantage

Desirable experience

Furthermore, the applicants have/are preferentially

• successfully acquired external funding for research projects
• experienced in having worked with natural history collections
• experienced in working with difficult templates for genetic analyses
• profound knowledge about systematics and taxonomy of invertebrates

Teaching and supervision skills of Master and PhD fellows is an advantage.

Evaluation of candidates will focus on the following:

Applications will be assessed with respect to the required qualifications. Candidates for the position will be selected in accordance with NHM’s strategic goal of strengthening collection-based research, and are expected to be in the upper segment of their research field. Interviews will be used in the assessment and appointment process. In addition to scientific qualifications particular emphasis will be put on personal capacities, such as collaboration, communication and networking skills as well as potential for scientific leadership.

We offer

• salary NOK 532 300 - 583 900 per year depending on qualification and seniority as PostDoc Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• challenging research questions and a friendly working environment
• full funding of the project research-related activities, including field work, lab work and presentation of results at international conferences
• membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include (as separate and numbered documents):

1. An informative application/cover letter including a motivation statement for the position

2. A separate one-page statement explaining how this position fits the career plan and interests of the applicant

3. CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work, scientific publications and other relevant experience)

4. Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records

5. List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluating committee

6. Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, affiliation, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number). The references will be contacted if necessary. Letters of recommendation are therefore not required for the initial application.

7. A one-page research sketch that illustrates the applicant’s prospect of research development in the field8. Pdf of PhD thesis (or equivalent) and potential publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluating committee

Applicants should deliver the application with the requested attachments (numbered as above) through our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to include an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon educational and scientific merits and the maturity and potential of the candidates to complete the project successfully within the given timeframe. Interviews with selected candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

About the position and project details:

• FEZ group leader: Professor Lutz Bachmann

About administrative questions and the application procedure: HR advisor Thomas Brånå

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