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
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
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.