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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 – International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology – Read more here.

PhD position: Evolution of Neurotransmitter Receptors

There is a vacancy for a 4-year PhD student position at the Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology in the research group of Dr Timothy Lynagh. The position is funded by Sars Centre core funding. The Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The place of work will be at the Sars Centre. The preferred starting date is 01 May 2020.

About the project/work tasks:

Work in the Lynagh group focuses on the evolution, function, and pharmacology of ligand-gated ion channels, receptors that mediate rapid communication between neurons, using molecular phylogenetics, mutagenesis, chemical biology, and electrophysiology. We currently plan to identify and characterize certain families of such receptors in marine invertebrates and compare them to other animals, with a view to establish novel evolutionary and pharmacological principles. In this PhD project, the candidate will perform molecular biology, electrophysiological experiments, and some microscopy and cell culture and animal maintenance.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent or must have submitted his/her master's thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded
• Laboratory experience in molecular biology (e.g. cloning, quantification of gene/protein expression, etc) or electrophysiology (or other assays of protein function) is essential
• Evidence for interest or experience in neurobiology and/or protein biophysics will be viewed favourably, and interest in the research of the Lynagh group must be demonstrated
• It is essential that the candidate has demonstrated the ability to work independently, careful planning of experiments, robust data analysis, and cooperative work with others in the laboratory
• Some weekend duties may be required depending on project development
• Proficiency in both written and oral English is required, and evidence for scientific writing ability will be viewed favourably

About the PhD position:

The duration of the PhD position is 4 years, of which 25 per cent of the time each year comprises required duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training:

As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 4 years. 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 professional, challenging and international working environment.
• Well-equipped, modern laboratories and facilities
• Salary at pay grade 54 (Code 1017/Pay range 20, alternative 10) in the state salary scale. Currently equal to NOK 479.600. Further promotions are made according to qualifications and length of service in the position
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise).
• Good welfare benefits

Your application in English must include:

• A brief letter describing the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• The names and contact information for at least 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
• Relevant certificates/references
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)

Please note that the entire application and relevant appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be lodged at Jobbnorge (jobbnorge.no).

Application Deadline: 23 February 2020

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting:

• Group Leader Timothy Lynagh, tel., +47 55 58 43 12, email, tim.lynagh@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.

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