The position

The Department of Chemistry seeks a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate to join the polymerase research team focusing on applied research (MDxPol – Marine DNA polymerases as tools for next generation Molecular Diagnostic solutions). Particularly this applies on characterization and development of enzymes originating from the arctic marine environment for use in molecular biology and diagnostic applications. The PhD candidate will also be part of NorStruct, the Norwegian Structural Biology Centre.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT – Developing the High North

UiT is a multi-campus research university in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Credibility, academic freedom, closeness, creativity and commitment shall be hallmarks of the relationship between our employees, between our employees and our students and between UiT and our partners.

Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry is host for the Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences, a national centre for excellence, the Norwegian Structural Biology Centre (NorStruct), and is partner in Centre for Bioinformatics. The Department is also host for the national graduate school in biocatalysis, BioCat.

As a student, you will enter an international and collegial environment, and be enrolled in the Department of Chemistry PhD school, and the Norwegian ‘BioCat Graduate School in Biocatalysis, which provides top-level graduate courses in both scientific and transferable skills, arranges national PhD conferences and offers generous travel stipends for student research visits to collaborator laboratories.

The position’s field of research

The research project involves working on DNA polymerases for use in basic and applied research. The PhD candidate will investigate and map residues involved in the mechanisms of strand-displacement DNA synthesis and substrate recognition of DNA polymerases. Main focus is on characterizing and designing new enzyme variants in order to understand regions and residues essential for strand-displacement DNA synthesis. The candidate will employ a variety of methods in molecular biotechnology (such as DNA mutagenesis, recombinant protein production and purification, enzymology and structure biology).

The insights obtained will create new basic knowledge on the functional aspects and roles of residues involved in strand-displacement DNA synthesis in A-family DNA polymerases and can be further used to develop novel enzymes with application relevant properties in close collaboration with Life Science industry.

Contacts

For further information about the position and project, contact:

• researcher Yvonne Piotrowski phone: +4777623358, yvonne.piotrowski@uit.no
• researcher Atle Noralf Larsen phone: +4777644478, atle.larsen@uit.no

Qualifications

This position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biotechnology, biochemistry or molecular biology with an average of Norwegian equivalent grade of C or better on relevant courses.

Qualification with a Master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your Master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis. You must document completion of your degree before commencement in the position.

Documented knowledge in mutagenesis, recombinant protein production and enzyme characterization will be considered highly advantageous for this position.

Both a strong academic record and a genuine interest in conducting research are essential to qualify for the position. This must be demonstrated by your Master’s thesis, academic record, and other application materials (see below). Personal suitability for the position will also be emphasized.

Documented fluency in English is required, and working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language is desirable due to teaching obligations.

The applicant must be able to document proficiency in English that satisfies the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification, either as a native language, via undergraduate education in a Nordic country, or by test scores as described below. Further details about requirements for admission to PhD studies is available via links here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

Assessment

The assessment will emphasize academic performance, motivation and personal suitability for the position. You must be willing to engage in the ongoing development of your discipline and the university as a whole. During the assessment process, emphasis will be put on your potential for research, as shown by the Master’s thesis and other academic works, relevant research experience and academic performance and teaching experience and/or qualifications.

Teaching experience and/or qualifications will be considered an advantage. In addition, we may consider work experience or other activities of significance for the PhD studies.

Application

Your application must include:

• Cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests
• CV - summarizing education, positions and academic work
• Diplomas and transcripts from completed degrees
• Documentation of English language proficiency for PhD-studies, with a preferred minimum score of 6.5 on each part of the IELTS test, or minimum scores of 22, 22, 22 and 25 (reading, listening, speaking and writing, respectively) on the TOEFL test.
• 2-3 references with contact details
• Master thesis, and any other academic works

Documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. We only accept applications through Jobbnorge.no

We offer

• Involvement in an interesting research project
• A good academic environment with dedicated colleagues
• A large degree of independence in work
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund

More practical information for working and living in Norway can be found here: Welcome to UiT!

The appointment is for a period of 4 years, and the nominal length of the PhD program is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % of each year, and will consist of teaching or other duties for the department.

Remuneration of PhD positions is in salary code 1017. In addition to taxes, a further 2 % is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

General

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, you will not be eligible for the position.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

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