Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Global challenges regarding energy and climate change, the environment, health, food safety, technology and renewable solutions, use and conservation of land and natural resources, and development of the bio-economy, requires greater effort. NMBU is well equipped to conduct further research in these fields. NMBU's expertise spans entire value chains and includes both basic and applied research.

On 1 January 2014, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the University of Life Sciences merged and became –NMBU, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NMBU has 1700 employees and 5200 students, and is currently located on two campuses – Ås, about 30 km south of Oslo, and Adamstuen in Oslo. In 2020, the new research- and education-building for veterinary science will be completed and all of NMBU will then be located at Campus Ås.

Further information about NMBU is available on www.nmbu.no

The Faculty for Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position in insect/fungi ecology.

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) has about 200 employees and undertakes teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy and nature based tourism. The faculty has approximately 600 students and 90 PhD-students. The employees at the faculty are highly reputable experts within their respective scientific fields, nationally as well as internationally and perform a high level of scientific production. For more information: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/mina.

Research project

The position is funded by NMBU, and the person to be employed will work on the project “Effectiveness of insect vectored spore dispersal in dead wood systems”.

Wood decay fungi, being the main decomposer of coarse woody debris, are generally considered to be wind-spread, with a high degree of random and misplaced propagule dispersal. Recently, insect vectoring has been suggested as an additional potential dispersal mode, with the clear advantage of bringing fungal propagules directly to a suitable habitat. The main aim of this project is to test the ability of beetles to facilitate dispersal and colonization of non-mutualistic wood-decay fungi. We will set up an experimental study system and combine field and lab approaches to identify fungal and insect trait that may promote dispersal efficiency. DNA metabarcoding will be used to identify fungi. The project is a continuation of an earlier project and previous data will be combined with new achievements.

The supervisor team consists of Prof. Tone Birkemoe (NMBU) as main supervisor and Prof. Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson (NMBU) and Prof. Håvard Kauserud (University of Oslo) as co-supervisors.

Main tasks

The successful applicant will:

• Plan and conduct field- and lab work, analyze, interpret and present results.
• Write scientific articles for international publication, and a doctoral thesis, according to the requirements for a doctoral degree at NMBU.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first six months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period (three years).

Academic qualifications

The applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The successful candidate must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are at MSc level. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies, and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.

Required Academic qualifications

• A background in one or more of the following topics: i) insect ecology, ii) fungal ecology, iii) dispersal ecology
• Ability to perform extensive lab- and field work and statistical analyses

Desired Academic qualifications

• Experience in DNA-metabarcoding
• Experience in R programming
• Experience in beetle and fungi identification
• Experience in dispersal ecology

Personal skills

Required personal skills

• Strong scientific capacity and analytical skills
• Good social and collaboration skills and ability to work independently
• High motivation for the position
• Driving license

Desired personal skills

• Creativity and ability to find solutions to practical problems

NMBU offers:

• An academic institution with focus on environmental sciences and dedication to professional development, dissemination and competence.
• An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities.
• Attractive welfare schemes and benefits package.
• Beautiful rural surroundings with proximity to Oslo and the Oslo fjord.
• Access to excellent hiking and outdoor activities.
• Kindergarten for children of employees.

Remuneration

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow. The salary for PhD-position starts at wage grade 51 wage framework 20/ alt 7 (NOK 449.400) in the Norwegian Government pay scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.

Further information

For further information, please contact Prof. Tone Birkemoe.

E-mail: tone.birkemoe@nmbu.no Phone +47 92049331.

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 31.08.2018

Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Publications should be included electronically within the application deadline. The relevant NMBU Faculty may require further documentation.

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty for Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås by 31.08.18. Please quote reference number 18/03933

If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

A compulsory contribution of 2 % is made to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. A good working environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of gender, physical ability or cultural background. The workplace will if necessary be facilitated for persons with disabilities.

According to the Freedom of Information Act § 25 the list of applicants for this position may be made public irrespective of whether the applicant has requested that his/her name be withheld.

Apply for this job