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 – Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology (Sars Centre) is situated at the Marineholmen campus together with other research institutes at the University. The Sars Centre is partner with European Molecular Biological Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany and is organized directly under Rector at UiB.– Read more here.

PhD position

There is a vacancy for a PhD position at the Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology affiliated with the project “Neural circuits and behaviour in Ciona” in the lab of Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou. 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. The position is available from July/August 2021.

About the project/work tasks:

The research group ‘Neural circuits and behaviour in Ciona’ is interested in understanding the evolution , development and function of chordate nervous systems. Our work focuses primarily on the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis. The successful applicant will study how the larval behavioural repertoire is controlled by neuromodulators. The project will involve a combination of functional imaging, quantitative behavioural analysis, computational modelling and genome editing.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in a natural sciences related topic, 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
• Proven experience in quantitative analysis methods and computer programming is a requirement
• Prior experience with ‘emerging’ and/or ‘traditional’ model organisms in the fields of neuroethology and/or neurobiology and/or physiology is highly beneficial
• A strong motivation to perform research at an internationally competitive level is expected
• Some weekend duties may be required depending on project development, e.g for animal culture
• 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 at pay grade 54 upon appointment (Code 1017, pay range 20, alternative 10) in the state salary scale. Currently equal to NOK 482 200 gross p.a. 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 must be in English and 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: 07 June 2021.

General information:

Further information about the position can be obtained from:

• Group Leader Marios Chatzigeorgiou, email: Marios.Chatzigeorgiou@uib.no

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.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

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.

Apply for position