2 PhD positions at the Department of Biomedicine

• English

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At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of  Biomedicine, 2 full-time PhD-positions is available for a period of four (4) years or max 4 months after completed the PhD-degree, if this is achieved within a shorter time than four years. The positions include 25 % required duties such as teaching, exam work or supervision, depending on the demands at the department. 

The positions is part of the project “Hub Molecules of Life" (HubMOL), jointly funded by the University of Bergen and the Research Council of Norway.

The startup date will be as soon as possible.

In all living organisms, there is a subset of small coenzyme molecules that participate in thousands of biochemical reactions, thereby enabling and coordinating metabolism. In the course of evolution, the same molecules have attained more and more key roles as regulators of virtually all biological processes, often through posttranslational protein modifications. This is illustrated, for example, by the use of NAD in a multitude of metabolic reactions and at the same time as substrate for ADP-ribosylation and protein deacetylation. The highly interdisciplinary HubMOL project aims to unravel the mechanistic principles of how these hub molecules of life interact to enable and control both metabolism and signaling. The project combines world-leading competences in synthetic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and advanced technology development with experts from Norway, Austria and the USA. Through their direct association with established medical research centers (NeuroSysMed with a focus on neurodegeneration, KG Jebsen Center on Parkinson's Disease), the core scientists will closely collaborate with clinicians to apply the findings from basic research to disease diagnostics and treatment.

HubMOL is an interdisciplinary, international project with partners in Norway, Austria and the USA. The successful candidate will work in the group of the project leader, Prof. Mathias Ziegler, at the Department of Biomedicine, who is leading studies on metabolism and signaling, closely collaborating with Prof. Ines Heiland, who is an expert in metabolic modeling. Active participation in and contribution to joint project meetings and workshops is expected. 

The successful candidates is expected to engage in this sub-project with diligence and a high level of independence, initiative and problem-solving capacity. The position will require being constantly updated with methodological developments and advances in the field. At the same time, this position will offer substantial opportunities for career development and growth. The candidate will work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, generate extensive experimental data sets and analyze them using advanced bioinformatics methods. 

The work tasks for position 1 include to:

• Design and conduct in-vitro experiments using recombinant enzymes in order to investigate catalytic properties of key enzymes
• Design and conduct cell culture experiments suitable for investigating mechanistic principles of how signaling by small molecules, such as NAD, CoA or FAD, controls processes related to metabolism and signaling
• Collaborate with clinical scientists and analytics specialists to identify and recapitulate pathogenic mechanisms or diagnostic markers in model systems
• Actively contribute to regular online network meetings and annual workshop meetings

The work tasks for position 2 include to:

• Design and conduct cell culture experiments suitable for investigating mechanistic principles of how signaling by small molecules, such as NAD, CoA or FAD, controls processes related to metabolism and signaling
• Conduct quantitative analyses of hub molecules and their derivatives in biological samples using LC-MS; use bioinformatics tools to integrate the data with proteomics and transcriptomics analyses
• Collaborate with clinical scientists and analytics specialists to identify and recapitulate pathogenic mechanisms or diagnostic markers in model systems
• Actively contribute to regular online network meetings and annual workshop meetings

• The applicant must hold a master`s degree or equivalent in biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology or a relevant related field, or must have submitted his/her master's thesis in one of theese fields for assessment prior to the application deadline. 
  It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded before the start of the position.
• Documented knowledge of metabolic pathways, ideally, in coenzyme metabolism.
• Publications in internationally renowned journals is an advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluent verbal and written English language skills are a prerequisite, please see documentation requirements .
• The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated to carry out a PhD project at a top international level in an interdisciplinary team.
• Work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others.

For position 1:

• Experience working with cell culture and genetic engineering (CRISPR-Cas etc.).
• Documented competence in enzymology and protein chemistry, experience working with recombinant proteins.

For position 2: 

• Experience working with culture of human cells and pharmacological manipulation.
• Familiarity with computational tools for experimental and omics data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation (such as LCMS) is an advantage.

Applicant whose education is from another country than Norway, need to also attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is also required that the applicant enclose a review from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) whether the education in question (bachelor and master's degree) is of a scope and level that corresponds to the level of a Norwegian master’s degree. Please see https://hkdir.no/en/ for more information about HK-dir’s general recognition. The review from HK-dir may take some time and the application should be sent to HK-dir as soon as you have decided to apply for the position. If no answer within the application deadline, you must enclose documentation from HK-dir that they have received your application. Please note that the automatic recognition offered by HK-dir is not sufficient and will not be accepted as basis for admission to the PhD programme. Applicants with education from a Scandinavian country or medical degree from the EEA area and a license to practice medicine in Norway are exempt from the requirement for HK-dir assessment, see Admission requirements at the Faculty of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine | UiB .

The duration of the PhD positions 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 recruitment position.

PhD positions are fixed term positions. You cannot be employed in a PhD-position for more than one fixed term period at the same institution or have had similar employment at an institution in the region. 

Organized research training (PhD program):

The candidate must take part in the University of Bergen approved PhD programme leading to the degree within a time limit of 3 years. You must have admission to the organized research training (PhD program) at the Faculty in order to qualify for the position. 

Application for admission to the PhD programme, including a project plan outline for the training plan must be submitted no later than three months after the date of commencement.

• Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment.
• Salary NOK 540 500 (code 1017, pay grade 55) in the state salary scale. For applicants with at least one year of employment in a position as a General Practitioner or Dentist, salary NOK 557 100 (code 1017, pay grade 57). Medical specialist starts on salary NOK 575 400 (code 1017, pay grade 59). 
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Good welfare benefits .

• The applicant needs to state clearly which position he/she is applying for.
• A brief account of the applicant`s research interests and motivation for applying for the position(s). 
• 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.
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts of grades. Applicant whose education is from another country than Norway, need to also attach a certified translation of the diploma and transcript of grades to English or a Scandinavian language, if the original is not in any of these languages. It is also required that the applicant enclose a review from HK-dir whether the education in question (bachelor and master degree) is of a scope and level that corresponds to the level of a Norwegian master’s degree. Please see https://hkdir.no/en/ for more information about HK-dir’s general recognition. This may take some time and we recommend you to apply as soon as you know you will apply for this position. If no answer within the application deadline, please enclose documentation from HK-dir that they have received your application.
• Documentation of language skills (English)
• Complete list of publications and scientific work you want to be evaluated.
• Any publication in your name.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Professor Mathias Ziegler, phone: +4755584591 or e-mail: [email protected].

University of Bergen must follow Norway’s export control regulations when processing applications for this position.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

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.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here .

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

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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. 

There are five departments and eight centres at Faculty of Medicine.

Apply for this job
Deadline

25th June 2024

University of Bergen

Bergen

Scope

Fulltime (2 positions) Fulltime (%)

Fixed Term

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