PhD Research Fellow

Position as PhD Research Fellow is available at Institute of Oral Biology.

The fellowship period is 3 years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

We are seeking a PhD Research Fellow for PhD prosjekt – Cell-to-cell communication in oral bacteria - Under supervision of Associate Professor Roger Junges.

More about the position

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 Dentistry.

• No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
• Starting date is preferably as soon as possible.

More about the project:

Oral biofilms are complex communities inhabited by a variety of commensal and pathogenic species. Within these communities, group behavior such as biofilm formation, bacteriocin production, virulence, and genetic exchange, is thought to be regulated by cell-to-cell communication circuits. In this PhD project, we aim to explore cell-to-cell communication in oral bacteria to better understand their physiological function and further explore their potential as druggable targets.

We seek a highly motivated and ambitious person to be part of a multicultural research team striving to advance microbial sciences. As a PhD research fellow, your responsibility is to carry through the project under supervision and a high degree of personal responsibility and willingness to engage in problem-solving is expected.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Dentistry 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. 

For the candidate we require:

• Applicant must hold a Master’s degree equivalent to a Norwegian Master’s degree in in a subject area related to the project, e.g. dentistry, medicine, microbiology or related area.
• has substantial research experience in microbiology or molecular biology.
• has experience with the design and execution of genetic engineering in bacteria.
• has multidisciplinary experience within areas of basic science.
• has good team-working skills as well as an ability to work independently.
• has availability to go abroad for short-term periods.
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English or and a Scandinavian language.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in a Scandinavian language is required for a 4-year fellowship including teaching duties.
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements: https://www.odont.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/supplementary-rules.html

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct high-quality independent research within a broad collaboration
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to work together with PhD and/or Master/Bachelor students in specialty field
• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition
• Strong practical and analytical skills
• Good communication skills
• Good social and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment
• High drive for science

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 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)
• Certified copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and
• Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• 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 with foreign diplomas are asked to send the original diploma with a Scandinavian or English translation. Foreign diplomas are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Translations must be certified.
• Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• All applicants will receive an email when the hiring process has finished.
• 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

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 the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to University of Oslo.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

Contact information

• Associate Professor Roger Junges – Institute of Oral Biology

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR Senior Adviser, Maria Nesteby

Apply for this job