About the position

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.

Approximately 65 million people worldwide suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It has been estimated that it will be the third most common cause of death globally by 2020. About 30 000 – 40 000 new cases are diagnosed each year in Norway. Research has shown that biomarkers in saliva can predict COPD exacerbations 2-3 days before they occur. The goal is to make a system consisting of a sensor that detects biomarkers in saliva and an app that can analyse the results. Ideally, the system shall be intuitive enough for patients to use it themselves. USN is partner of a large-scale research project funded by Oslofjordfondet aimed to develop the saliva biosensor and smartphone APP. The research project attempts to reduce hospital admissions from COPD exacerbations by early detection and early medication, but also by giving patients more control over their own health, thereby reducing anxiety, which is also involved in exacerbations.

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacant temporary position as PhD Research Fellow in Integrated bio-electronic sensors for saliva screening.

The appointment is for a term of 3 years without teaching duties.

The position is associated with the Department of Microsystems and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Campus Vestfold, at Bakkenteigen in Horten.

Responsibilities and duties

The position is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research (KD). The work of the PhD candidate will be affiliated with the Oslofjordfondet project KOLS, with Moss municipality as the project owner.

As biomarkers in saliva can be used to predict COPD exacerbations 2-3 days before they occur, the project aims to develop a bio-electronic sensor coupled with a signal processing system for precise analysis of salivary biomarkers that can be used to predict COPD exacerbations. The research work of the candidate will assist municipal health service in maintaining COPD diagnosed patients in stable phase. The sensor may involve electro/biochemical or optical methods. The project tasks will involve design, fabrication, prototype development, signal processing, data analysis, statistical modelling and some programming.

The position will also involve activities in close communication with users. Ideally the final system will be a point-of-care system that is sufficiently user-friendly so that patients can operate it on their own. User-involvement, user-friendliness and portability are important aspects of the design and prototype development.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Tao Dong, tel: +47 968 22 443 at Department of Microsystems/Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Norwegian master degree or equivalent education abroad on bioelectronics, biomedical engineering or applied microtechnologies with experience on microfabrication. ASIC design, sensor and biosensing technology, optoelectronic sensors and bio-signal processing.

Candidates with research experience on body-fluid assays, especially saliva diagnosis or urinalysis will be preferred. Experience with MatLab, Python, CADENCE VIRTUOSO ADE, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, C++, LabView is an advantage. Documented experience in writing academic publications, either or both international journal articles and international conference articles.

The applicant must have gained the degree within the commencement date. Applications from candidates that have completed the PhD degree will not be considered for this position.

Applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language must provide evidence of good demand of English language, both written and spoken.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university's doctoral programme in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems.

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 realize common objectives.

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

We offer

• A professionally stimulating working environment.
• Good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
• A good social environment
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

Salary

PhD position (code 1017) NOK 449 400 a year. A statutory contribution will be made from the employee’s salary to the state pension plan.

Additional information

The Academic Appointments Board is responsible for appointments to academic positions at University of South-Eastern Norway. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews, and final decision will be taken afterwards.

The successful applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply to the position.

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.

Women researchers are highly encouraged to apply.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information act § 25 2 paragraph, information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even though the applicant has requested non-disclosure. The applicant will be informed if his/her request has been declined.

How to apply

University of South-Eastern Norway uses online applications. We therefore ask applicants to register their application and CV online by clicking on the “Send application” link to the right. The application must include the following document:

• Transcripts/academic results according to CV
• List of scientific publications if any
• Summery of master's thesis
• Names and contact information of three referees

Please note that all documents must be translated into English or a Scandinavian language by an authorized translator.

It is the applicant's responsibility to upload all relevant documentation within the application deadline.

Send application