PhD position in Molecular Ecology

13 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of South-Eastern Norway

Department

Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences

Research Field

Environmental science » Ecology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Norway

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2024 - 00:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37,5

Offer Starting Date

1 Aug 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100% position as PhD Research Fellow in Behavioral Ecology from 01.08.24.

The position is located at the Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, and the immediate superior is the Head of the Department. The main work place is in Bø, in the Municipality of Midt-Telemark, Telemark County, Norway.

The appointment is for a duration of three years without teaching requirement. Depending on the Department's needs and the applicant's competence, a four-year appointment duration with a 25 % teaching requirement can be considered. There is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in Ecology within three months of accession in the position.

 

About the PhD Project
“Local adaptation in the red-belted bracket fungus Fomitopsis pinicola”

This project aims to investigate the genomic basis of local adaptation and the evolutionary mechanisms involved in this process. This will provide knowledge about organisms’ ability to adapt to a changing climate. We will address these topics through a landscape genomics approach combined with phenotyping, using the widespread and ecologically important wood-decay fungus Fomitopsis pinicola as our focal organism. The analyses will provide information about which genetic loci and phenotypes are most important for adaptation to environmental variation.

The following research questions are proposed:

• How has current and historic demographic processes shaped the genetic structure of F. pinicola in Norway?
• How is the fitness of individuals related to its native environment and substrate?
• What is the level of phenotypic plasticity in Fomitopsis pinicola?
• What is the level of structural genomic variation in Fomitopsis pinicola?
• How has selection to different environments resulted in genetic differences?

Publication of research results in international peer-reviewed journals is expected.

Requirements

Research Field

Environmental science » Ecology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in ecology/environmental sciences. The degree must be accomplished before application deadline.

If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills . You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires. Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Ecology within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Program, the candidate must have a grade B (weighted average) or higher in his/her Master’s degree or equivalent higher education.

Specific Requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• Qualifications in the field of evolutionary biology and population genetics
• Experience with culturing of fungi or bacteria
• Be familiar with a molecular ecology lab and modern sequencing technologies
• Experience with bioinformatic tools
• Good oral and written English skills
• The ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in team work

An ideal candidate should be creative, analytical, and highly self-motivated, and possess good collaborative skills. Demonstrable skills in the publications of scientific papers and experience in handling of biological samples. The staff at the faculty work within subject teams to a large extent, and the candidate must be motivated to share his or her knowledge and cooperate. Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

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.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Environmental science » Ecology

Additional Information
Benefits

Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 532 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 532 200 – 667 700 a year) may be considered.

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.

We offer

• A stimulating and growing research environment, with 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

•  Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and a lively student community oncampus

Selection process

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.

Additional comments

The primary supervisor will be Associate Professor Jørn Henrik Sønstebø at USN, and the secondary supervisors will be Assoc. Prof. Sundy Maurice from Univeristy of Oslo, and Assoc. Prof. Mona Sæbø from USN. The applicant will be part of the research group Molecular Ecology at USN.

Website for additional job details

https://www.usn.no/english/vacancies/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health

Country

Norway

State/Province

Midt-Telemark

City

Bø

Postal Code

3800

Street

Gullbringvegen 36

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/258050/phd-position-in-molecular…

Contact

State/Province

Midt-Telemark

City

Bø

Website

https://www.usn.no/english/

Street

Gullbringvegen 36

Postal Code

3800

E-Mail

[email protected]
[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED