Job description

Position as postdoctoral research fellow available at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is 3 years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities). The ideal starting date is 1. January 2021, and no later than 1. April 2021. No one can be appointed for more than one fixed-term period at the same institution.

The candidate will work in a project funded by the Research Council of Norway. The goal of the project is to make an inventory of surface-localized and secreted proteins of a fish pathogen, including bacterial toxins and adhesion factors relevant for the infection process. This could help in developing disease markers and vaccine candidates for the aquaculture industry. Key methodology for the project will be proteomics, molecular biology (cloning, knockouts in non-standard microbial species), protein expression and purification, and in later stages of the project, cell-culture based infection experiments using fish cells.

The research group of Professor Dirk Linke works on bacterial adhesion, bacterial transport processes, and other pathogenesis factors, in human and animal pathogens. The core group currently comprises 2 PostDocs, 2 PhD students, and several Master students, all working on different aspects of molecular microbiology with highly interdisciplinary methods, and in various national and international collaborations.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology or related fields. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The candidate must either provide proof of a strong background in molecular biology (ideally genetic manipulation of non-standard bacterial species), or proof of a strong background in protein biochemistry (ideally including but not limited to proteomics). Ideal candidates will have some background in both fields. Experience with fish cell culture methods is a potential bonus.

Personal skills

• Motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working
• Self-driven, but also with good teamwork and social skills
• Accurate and well-organized

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 583 900 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• postdoctoral development programmes

How to apply

The application must include

• Application letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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. 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).

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

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

For further information please contact:

• Professor Dirk Linke, phone: +47 228 57654, e-mail: dirk.linke@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan, phone +47 228 54424, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

Apply for position