About the position

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at Dept of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES). The post doc position is associated with the project “Evolutionary and functional importance of simple repeats in the genome” (REPEAT), and it involves in addition to the research project, coordination and administration duties.

The REPEAT project is a collaborative effort between CEES and the Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (Evogene) at Dept of Biosciences. The ongoing REPEAT project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and University of Oslo as a selected frontier research project. As such, the candidate will be working in one of the leading research groups in Norway headed by professor Kjetill S. Jakobsen.

This is a four-year position with 25% devoted to research coordination.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

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

Starting date no later than 01.10.2019.

Project description

The project focuses on the functional modulation of regulatory mechanisms affecting the phenotype by variations in simple tri-nucleotide repeats (STRs) residing inside (coding) and in the vicinity (or in introns) of genes. Specifically, we will test the hypothesis that hypervariable coding/regulatory repeats are promoting the ability of a species or population to adapt to a changing environment. To address this, we will use Arabidopsis and Atlantic cod as model systems. In addition, we will also investigate other organisms representing diverse branches of the tree of life. The project is cross-disciplinary and will utilize genomics, bioinformatics, statistics and experimental approaches. The appointed postdoctoral fellow will work in a team consisting of several professors, researchers and 5 doctoral and postdoctoral candidates.

Job description

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate the functional effects of repeats and repeat-length variation at a populational level based on data from Atlantic cod and Arabidopsis (possibly other species). A major task will be to investigate the functional effects of candidate STR-containing genes in relation to environmental adaptations, fluctuating selective regimes and biotic factors. The REPEAT project is a transdisciplinary effort involving experimental approaches (cellular and molecular biology), genomics and computational (statistics and bioinformatics) approaches. We are seeking a candidate with an appreciation for evolutionary biology, solid experience with genomics as well as experimental biology (cell biology/molecular biology) and/or strong competence in computational biology and bioinformatics. The obligatory duties (25%) will include research coordination of the REPEAT project as well as administrative work associated with research projects lead by prof. Jakobsen. The research coordination duties include strategic planning, some administration, reporting, contributions to grant writing as well as research group management. The post doc will be a key position in a large research group and a potential step towards a carrier in research coordination and administration.

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 of being a leading research faculty. 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 genomics, molecular biology evolutionary biology. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• A strong background in genome analyses and/or experimental cell or molecular biology of Arabidopsis or bony fishes
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will also count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Experience with evolutionary biology is an advantage
• Fluent oral and written communication in a Scandinavian language will be an advantage
• Experience with research and project coordination will be an advantage

Personal skills

• We are seeking an experienced team player
• We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working candidate
• Genuine interest and motivation for research administration/research coordination

We offer

• Salary NOK 515 200 – 597 400 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
• A brief account (one page, as a separate file) of the applicant’s interest and motivation for applying for the research coordination and administrative duties
• 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 and the quality of the project as well as the candidates 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.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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 Kjetill S Jakobsen, phone: +47 22854602, e-mail: k.s.jakobsen@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-officer Nina Holtan, phone: +47 22854424, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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