Phd Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems (from 15.08.2020)
Deadline: 09.06.2020
University of South-Eastern Norway
University of South-Eastern Norway has about 18 000 students and about 1500 employees. The university is organized in four faculties, with instruction and R&D activities on eight campuses. The main profile of the university is to provide socially relevant education, geared towards specific professions, and adapted to the requirements of the workplace, as well as to produce applied research and development.
About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems from 15.08.2020.
The position is located at the Department of Microsystems (IMS) and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is campus Vestfold in Horten.
The focused research will be on micro- and nanotechnologies to improve and develop new equipment for automatic sampling and processing of environmental DNA (eDNA). Automatic environmental monitoring equipment provides a unique opportunity to montor the presence of different biological indicator species as well as alien species in Norwegian ecosystems such as rivers and lakes.
Appointment is for a period of three years. The position does not include teaching duties.
About the PhD-project
Good management of our natural environments depend on effective methods for detecting individual species and describing species diversity in a particular environment. Traditional methods are often labor intensive, difficult to standarize and often dependent on the expertise of individuals.
Automatic collection of water samples and analysis of environmental DNA is an alternative method for monitoring ecosystems, so we can avoid long-term efforts in fields with sample collection. We simply become more efficient and precise.
By filtering water through a fine-mesh filter, one can now capture DNA in the water and determine by genetic analysis which species it comes from. Thus, one can describe entire ecosystems only on the basis of a small water sample. In addition, such a DNA sample can be stored for a long time and thus consitute a historical reference sample for today's natural diversity in relation to future climate change to other influences.
The entire process of collecting and analyzing environmental DNA should be fully automated. The task of the PhD Research Fellow is to develop an effective and automatic filtration and collection system for environmental DNA, and to prepare this sample for analysis.
The end result of this PhD research is intended as delivery in a supplier development program where the Norwegian enviromental authorities who have annouced the need for new equipment for automatic monitoring of environmental DNA.
Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree or equivalent higher education qualifications in microsystem technology, system integration, molecular biology or closely related subjects. The applicant must have gained the degree within the commencement date.
It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university's doctoral program in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems, which requires an average grade B from Master's degree, in addition to grade B at the final master project.
Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.
Personal suitability for the position will be empasized.
We are seeking a person with good understanding of microsensors and -integration including materials and with background in molecular biology. Experience with medical devices is an advantage. Ability to perform experimental work as well as molecular biological methods such as PCR is necessary. Candidates sholud be independent and responsible, have strong analytic and creative skills, posess good communication capabilities including English writing skills, and be capable of working in a multidiciplinary research environment.
We offer
A professionally stimulating working environment
Good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 479 600 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.
In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 456 400 – 615 900 a year) may be considered.
A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.
Other information
Appointment to the position will be carried out by the Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellows. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews and must be prepared to present and discuss their projects.
The successful applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
There are few women employed in research positions at the Department, and consequently women are especially encouraged to apply.
Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.
Contact information
For more information about the position, please contact:
Associate professor Lars Roseng, phone: +47 31009044,
Professor Tao Dong, phone: +47 31009321 or
Professor Frank Karlsen, phone: +47 31009397 at Department of Microsystems
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:HR Advisor Kari L Foss-Pedersen, email: kari.foss-pedersen@usn.no
How to apply
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).
The following documents shall be attached to the online application:
Certified diplomas and certificates from university college/university
Master’s thesis
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.
Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application.
