LEDIG STILLING VED UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN

PhD position: Developmental Systems in a Simple Marine Chordate

Deadline: 20.12.2022

University of Bergen

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.


Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology (Sars Centre) is situated at the Marine­holmen campus together with other research institutes at the University. The Centre is organized as an independent research center placed within the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science and partner with European Molecular Biological Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany. – Read more here.

PhD position:

There is a vacancy for a 4-year PhD position at the Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology affiliated with the project “Developmental and Cellular systems in a Simple Marine Chordate ” in the lab of Dr. Lionel Christiaen. The position is funded by Sars Centre core funding. The Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner with The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The position is in collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bergen. The place of work will be at the Sars Centre.

About the project/work tasks:

The Christiaen lab uses a wide range of approaches, including molecular, cellular and embryological techniques, genomics including from single cells, genome engineering and computational biology methods to study development and regeneration, at a systems level, in tunicates. Tunicates, especially the genus Ciona, offer unique opportunities to leverage state-of-the-art experimenal and computational techniques and approaches to study chordate development with a cellular resolution and a the genome scale. Specifically, efforts using systematic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, high-content imaging, data science and computational modeling are used to study the biomolecular networks governing cell fate specification and cellular behaviors, such as collective migration and oriented asymmetric cell divisions. New directions will leverage controlled culture conditions, the natural diversity of tunicate populations, single cell genomics, quantitative imaging, CRISPR/Cas9, and data science to probe the impact of environmental challenges on developing embryos at the systems scale.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

  • The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in biology, and must have submitted the master’s thesis for evaluation prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded
  • Experience in either molecular cloning, developmental and cell biology, quantitative image analysis, and/or genomics and computational biology are defined advantages
  • Prior experience with ‘emerging’ model organisms in the fields of genetics, developmental biology, cell biology and/or molecular physiology is beneficial
  • Prior experience in analysing next-generation sequencing datasets is beneficial, but not essential
  • We are seeking a candidate with interests in developmental, cell and/or systems aspects of animal development
  • A strong motivation to perform research at an internationally competitive level is expected
  • Background knowledge of the relevant literature is a strength
  • Creative thinking and the ability to identify important questions and design scientific approaches is a strength
  • Impeccable work ethics, rigor and discipline to complete defined tasks, including detailed reporting, are strong advantages
  • Organizational and communciation skills are defined strengths
  • The ability to work both independently and to cooperate with others in a structured manner is essential
  • Proficiency in both written and oral English is a requirement

About the PhD position:

The fellowship position is for a fixed term of 4 years, of which 25% will comprise obligatory duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results (e.g. supervision of Master students, conference attendances). The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed as a research fellow/research assistant or the like.

About the research training:

As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years (without other mandatory tasks at the centre). A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within two months after you have commenced in the position. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer:

  • A good and professionally challenging working environment
  • Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) according to the state salary scale upon appointment. This currently constitutes of a gross annual salary of NOK 501.200. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position
  • Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
  • Good welfare benefits

Your application in English must include:

  • A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position
  • The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis
  • CV
  • Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees, or official confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted
  • Approved documentation of proficiency in English unless exempt, see here: English language requirements for PhD admission
  • Relevant certificates/references
  • Publication list (if any)

The application and appendices with certified translations into English must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Closing date for application: 20 December 2022.

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting:

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

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