PhD Candidate in Fish Ecophysiology

About the position

The theme of the PhD position is the physiological, behavioural, and evolutionary responses of fishes to temperature. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim Norway is seeking a new graduate student (PhD studentship) to research thermal biology in fish. The position starts in first half of 2023.

Common responses of fishes to climate warming include migration, acclimatization, and adaptation. This project will investigate both the acclimatisation and adaptation potential of fishes to changes in water temperature. The PhD project aims to fill major knowledge gaps in the field of thermal biology. The main questions that will be addressed are:

What are the physiological mechanisms underlying thermal performance and tolerance limits? What is the adaptation potential of these mechanisms?

What are the connections between the physiological and behavioural responses of fishes to temperature?

Which physiological and behavioural traits are important for shaping ecological fitness in a warming world?

To answer these questions the PhD student will use various physiological and behavioural measurements. The techniques will likely include in- vivo animal experiments, multi-generational experiments, thermal exposures, exercise respirometry, automated behavioural analysis, and more. The work will mainly be done at the well-equipped fish labs at NTNU, but research abroad is also likely (e.g., Sweden). Zebrafish and other species will also be used.

The Jutfelt Ecophysiology Lab investigates many different aspects of thermal biology in freshwater and marine fishes. The main supervisor will be Professor Fredrik Jutfelt, the co-supervisors will be decided later.

You will report to the Head of Department.

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.

Your immediate leader is Fredrik Jutfelt.

Duties of the position

• Participate in a large multi-generation experiment in collaboration with others Lead various experiments with fish
  Write scientific papers

Required selection criteria

• You must have a professionally relevant background in animal physiology.
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level
  or equivalent in animal physiology.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbi )
  Good written and oral English.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with fish in-vivo experimentation
• Experience with relevant practical and statistical methods
• Experience in environmental manipulation experiments with aquatic organisms

Personal characteristics

• Passion for robust and open science.
• Methodical and thorough when conducting experiments.
• Enjoy collaborative projects.
• Contribute to a social and fun workplace.
• Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

We offer

Salary and conditions

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 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 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Biology (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbi ) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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 daily.

About the application

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 your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include (Departments to choose from the following): 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees.
• If you have not completed the master's degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• Name and address of three referees.
• If you have publications or other relevant research work.

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, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . 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.

General information

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.

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.

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.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact, Fredrik Jutfelt email fredrik.jutfelt@ntnu.no . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Andrea Sommervold, e-mail: Andrea.s.sommervold@ntnu.no

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).

Application deadline: 15.02.2023

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.

Department of Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .

Deadline 15th February 2023
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim, Gløshaugen