PhD scholarship on Wheat Drought Tolerance: Integrated Phenomics–Genomics Approaches
Deadline: 28.02.2026
Publisert
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About the position
The Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Biosciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position related to integrated phenomics–genomics framework for drought tolerance in wheat.
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on the development and validation of an integrated phenomics–genomics framework to identify novel root architecture and physio-morphological traits conferring pre-anthesis drought tolerance in wheat.
The project is embedded within the SmartWheat project at NMBU, which aims to deliver breeding solutions to climate-induced drought stress threatening wheat production in Norway and northern Europe, using advanced phenotyping, imaging technologies, AI-based analyses, and digital twins.
The PhD candidate will work on spring wheat genotypes adapted to Norwegian and northern European growing conditions, combining controlled polytunnel experiments, open-field trials, and root phenotyping. A research stay abroad at Wageningen University (The Netherlands) or Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (Germany) is planned for this position.
The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
The overarching goal is to support the breeding of climate-resilient wheat varieties by identifying drought-adaptive traits and translating them into breeding-relevant tools.
Specifically, the PhD project will:
Quantify drought effects on plant physiology, morphology, phenology, and yield stability under pre-anthesis drought stress using conventional measurements and sensing technologies
Assess canopy temperature and reflectance using thermal, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging in tunnels and field conditions
Characterize root system architecture (RSA) using high-throughput, non-destructive phenotyping methods (e.g. X-ray CT, rhizotron imaging) to identify adaptive traits for drought.
Linking root traits to physiological indicators of drought tolerance
Identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with drought-adaptive traits through genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Develop and validate non-invasive drought phenotyping protocols relevant for breeding programs
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to open-access datasets and protocols
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
Competence
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position 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 master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Plant Science, Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Physiology, Genetics, or a related discipline
A strong academic background relevant to plant stress biology or crop improvement
Good written and oral English language skills
The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:
Experience in plant phenotyping, drought stress research, or root biology
Familiarity with imaging technologies, statistical analysis, or quantitative data analysis
Experience with R, Python, image analysis, or genetic data analysis (GWAS) is an advantage
Motivation to work in interdisciplinary and international research environments
You need to:
Be able to work independently and take initiative
Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Have good collaboration and communication skills
Motivated to contribute to high-quality scientific publications
Willingness to work in the field during summer to follow up the field experiments throughout the season
The position requires presence at NMBU, Ås, Norway, and includes an international research stay therefore you need to be willing to travel
Be available to start in Mid-May 2026
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow, and is remunerated with a starting annual salary of NOK 550,800.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.
For further information, please contact Dr. Sahameh, researcher.)
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: 28.02.2026
Your CV must be entered in JobbNorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations of §15 of the Public Administration Act.
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
Complete CV
Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). 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.
About The Faculty of Biosciences
The Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT) aims to shape the future of food and bioproduction through teaching and research in biology and sustainable production and use of plants, livestock and fish. The faculty has a large project portfolio and an annual turnover of approximately NOK 250 million.
BIOVIT is organized into seven research groups: Genome Biology, Breeding, Genetics and Food Production Systems, Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology, Ethology and Animal Welfare, Nutrition and Physiology for Monogastric Animals, Plant Biology, Sustainable Food Systems and Integrated Plant Protection, and Genetics, Evolution and Sustainable Plant Production. Additionally, the faculty has seven research support and laboratory units.
BIOVIT is responsible for bachelor’s and master’s programs in aquaculture, biology, animal science, and plant science, as well as English-language master’s programs in Agroecology, Plant Sciences, Feed Manufacturing Technology, and Genome Sciences. BIOVIT also offers Ph.D. programs in animal science and plant science. Currently, the faculty has about 550 bachelor’s and master’s students and 90 Ph.D. students. BIOVIT employs approximately 230 staff members and has its own faculty administration.
