Job description

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences (IBV).

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo. Tentative starting date 01.10.2020.

A two-year postdoctoral researcher position is available in the Undheim group, which is based at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences (IBV), University of Oslo. The person will be working on the project "Lacewing Venom: Linking molecular and phenotypic evolution", which is funded by the Norwegian Research Council. The project will study the micro- and macroevolution of venom as a complex character, and aims to establish venom as a model that allows integrating quantitative and molecular genetics in examining the evolution of complex traits.

The contract is 2 years but can potentially be extended by up to 6 months through an international research stay with project collaborators in Australia, Belgium, or USA.

Project description:

The project is highly multidisciplinary. Venoms of lacewing larvae will be characterised using a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach, and the evolution of their toxins studied by molecular evolution analyses. The micro-evolution of the lacewing venom system will studied by both molecular and quantitative genetic analyses of venom composition, toxicity, and venom associated traits. This will be done across several populations and further tested by artificial selection experiments in the lab.

The project is affiliated with both the Centre for Evolutionary and Ecological Synthesis, IBV, UiO, and Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, NTNU, and the postdoc will be part-take in events associated with both institutions. As recent and current Norwegian Research Council Centres of Excellence in ecology and evolution, CEES/UiO and CBD/NTNU provide exceptional intellectual environments for studying evolution of adaptive traits.

The postdoc will primarily be involved in studying micro-evolutionary properties venom. This aspect of the project includes transcriptomic analyses of venom glands, molecular evolution of toxins, analysing toxin abundances by quantitative mass spectrometry, measuring insecticidal activity, and contributing to field-collection and breeding of lacewings. There will also be opportunities for being involved in other aspects of the project.

More about the position

Development plan:

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.

The project is an international collaboration between research labs in Australia, Belgium, and USA. The postdoc will be encouraged to conduct an up to 6 months international research exchange in one of these labs in order to learn new techniques, such as state of the art methods in structural and functional characterisation of bioactive peptides.

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 aim, and will be 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 a molecular biosciences-related field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience with transcriptome data analysis, protein and peptide identification and characterisation by mass spectrometry, and molecular evolution is highly desirable.
• A background in venom research is not required, but experience working systematically with small arthropods or with very small volume samples is a major benefit.

We offer

• Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral 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, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. 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:

• Eivind A. B. Undheim, phone: +47 483 82 261, e-mail: e.a.b.undheim@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: Nina Holtan, phone: +47 22 85 44 24, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no.

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