Postdoc in molecular medicine/biomaterials

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 42,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here .

The position is within an interdisciplinary team connected to the NTNU Health project "Tailored biomaterials with reduced immune responses". The overall goal of the project is to unravel biomaterial-host interaction for enabling novel designs of biomaterials in biomedical applications. The use of biomaterials in biomedical applications such as immune barrier in cell therapy represents a growing field and promising concepts for improving human health, but future therapies are challenged by the host responses towards the biomaterials. 

In an interdisciplinary approach between the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM ) and the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences (IBT ) at NTNU we are developing materials (biotechnology) and exploring their host response by mapping surface-proteins (proteomics) and immune profile/mechanisms (immunology). A total of three positions (one PhD and two post docs) are connected to the project. 

The postdoc position will focus on host responses to biopolymers, with focus on hydrogels, by mapping their interactions with host proteins. The appointment has a duration of two years and with no teaching duties. The postdoc position is available at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM) and will report to professor Geir Slupphaug within the Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core (PROMEC) at NTNU and The Central Norway Regional Health Authority.

The postdoc is expected to take the main responsibility for planning and implementing experiments involving different biomaterials relevant for biomedical applications with a particular focus on hydrogels and alginates. The work will include mapping of host factors (e.g. from human plasma) binding to different surface-modified biopolymers by employing various methods, including mass spectrometry and immunological assays. The candidate will also be responsible for bioinformatic analysis of host binding factors to identity affected biological pathways. The postdoc candidate is also expected to participate in evaluation of biomaterials in mice models with subsequent microscopic analyses. The candidate will be responsible for reporting relevant research results to the project consortium, to attend project meetings, and to write and publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals. We are seeking a team worker that is ambitious and highly motivated, who enjoys planning and executing laboratory work

You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD in molecular biology/protein functional analysis. 

Other qualifications:

• Experience in fields related to the project such as protein mass spectrometry, immunological assays, imaging and pathway analysis
• Good written and oral English  language skills 

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant   

• Experience in protein:protein and protein:ligand characterization

• Experience in biological pathway analysis

• Ability to work independently and with scientific, experimental and/or technological creativity
• Motivated and excellent team player with positive attitude and with high ambitions on behalf of yourself and the group

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 545 300 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. 

 The period of employment is 2 years.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. 

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis. 

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English 

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.  

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include: 

• CV, certificates and diplomas 
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's-, master's- and PhD degrees.  
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 items) 
• Research plan 
• Name and address of three referees 
• Motivation letter

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education.  If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well. 

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. 

Working at NTNU 

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.  

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The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.  

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As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Geir Slupphaug,  e-mail [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Vebjørn F. Andreassen, e-mail: [email protected]  

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .  

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 30.9.2021 

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM):

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM) is NTNU’s largest department, with 450 employees. Our research and teaching help to improve treatment and health.

IKOM has expertise in basic, clinical and translational research within broad disciplinary areas. We study children’s and women’s health, cancers, blood disorders and infectious diseases, gastroenterology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, laboratory sciences and medical ethics. The Department offers teaching in medicine at master’s and PhD level. We also offer continuing education for employees in the health services.