PhD-POSITION in antimicrobial resistant genes in environmental and clinical samples

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, a PhD-position (100 %) 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 position is part of the project “Surveillance and Metagenomic Tracking of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Environmental and Clinical Samples using Machine Learning Approaches”, funded by the University of Bergen and Trond Mohn Foundation.

The project will investigate the presence, diversity, and abundance of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in human and wastewater samples by means of metagenomics data. Machine learning and mathematical modelling will be used to correctly assign the ARGs to their bacterial host. Knowledge of ARG reservoirs will be essential to map the spread of ARGs from the environment (wastewater) into the clinic (population-based and clinical cohorts), and to explore whether medication use or other clinically relevant metadata can explain the increase in antibiotic resistance seen in the last decades.

The candidates work tasks will be to:

• Analyse metagenomic data from different sample types
• Use clinical and population-based metadata to explore the associations between medication use and prevalence of ARGs
• Prepare samples for DNA extraction and library preparation for metagenomic sequencing
• Data collection and linkage of registry data

• the applicant must hold a master`s degree or equivalent in medicine, molecular biology, biomedicine, microbiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or a related discipline
• the applicant must have experience with working with big databases
• knowledge of statistical tools such as R and STATA is a requirement
• experience form laboratory (wet lab) work will be an advantage
• knowledge of machine learning is desirable
• experience from work on data from large population studies is desirable
• having published or co-authored a scientific article within relevant research fields will be of advantage
• experience from relevant research projects will be considered as positive
• the candidate should be able to work independently and in teams, and in a structured manner
• proficiency in written and oral Norwegian will be an advantage
• fluency in oral and written English is a requirement

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 required that the applicant enclose a review from NOKUT 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 www.nokut.no/en  for more information about NOKUT’s general recognition. The review from NOKUT may take some time and the application should be sent to NOKUT as soon as you have decided to apply for the position. If no answer within the application deadline, you must enclose documentation from NOKUT that they have received your application.

Language qualifications: http://www.uib.no/en/med/115526/english-language-requirements-phd-admission

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.

The PhD-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.

• Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
• salary at pay grade 54 (code 1017/pay framework 20.10) NKR 491 200 before taxes, in the state scales. Further increases in salary will be based on seniority in the position. For applicants with at least one year of employment in a position as a General Practitioner or Dentist, salary level 56 NKR 507 600. Medical specialist starts on wage level 59 NKR 534 400
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

• a brief account of the applicant`s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• 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 required that the applicant enclose a review from NOKUT 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 www.nokut.no/en  for more information about NOKUT’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 NOKUT that they have received your application
• documentation of language skills (English) http://www.uib.no/en/med/115526/english-language-requirements-phd-admission
• complete list of publications and scientific work you want to be evaluated
• any publication in your name
• two referees (name and contact information)

For further information please contact Randi J Bertelsen e-mail: [email protected] , phone: 99674046

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

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.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here .