About the position
We have a vacancy for a researcher position in biotechnology at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science (IBT). The appointment has a duration of 2 years. The position is part of the project “MikroRAS”, funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund. In this project, we examine the effects of particle load and salinity in pilot-scale experimental recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) on water quality, fish welfare and the systems’ microbiomes. The project is coordinated by NIVA (Section for Fish Ecology and Aquaculture) and is a collaboration between NIVA, Marineholmen RASlab, Centre for Computational Biology at the University of Bergen (UiB-CBU), and NTNU-IBT. The focus for the announced position will be on analyses of the bacterial communities associated with the fish, water, and biofilms in the system, with the aim to increase our knowledge about how the smoltification, salinity, and particle load influences RAS microbiomes. The research work will involve both 16S rRNA amplicon analyses and shotgun metagenomics. The work will be performed mainly at NTNU-IBT but will also involve short-term research stays at UiB-CBU.
The preferred start date for the position is within February 2023.
Your immediate leader is Professor Ingrid Bakke.
Duties of the position
- The researcher is expected to take the responsibility for the experimental work associated with the microbiome analyses (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-amplicon library preparation), processing of sequencing data, and analyses of the processed sequencing data (including multivariate statistics)
- The candidate will be responsible for reporting research results to the project consortium, to attend project meetings, and to publish results in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Required selection criteria
Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, or environmental microbiology, or a corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.
Other requirements:
- Comprehensive hands-on practical experience with DNA-based molecular methods, including experience with DNA/RNA extraction, and generation and analyses of 16S rRNA gene amplicons.
- Experience in processing 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing data
- Experience with the use of multivariate statistical methods for analyses of DNA-based microbiome data
- The candidate must have good written and oral English skills, and be experienced in writing scientific manuscripts
Preferred selection criteria
- Experience with processing and analyses of shotgun metagenome sequencing data
- Knowledge about fish production and water treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
- Experience with programming (e.g. R, Python, Unix) and setting up automated bioinformatics pipelines.
Personal characteristics
The successful candidate is flexible and co-operative, enjoys interdisciplinary research and working in teams. He/she has good communication skills, both orally and written. The ability to work independently and to organize and prioritize own work within the project timetable is essential. Other important qualifications are good practical and analytical skills, a critical approach to the research work, and the ability to keep accurate and up to date records.
We offer
Salary and conditions
The gross salary for the position of Researcher (code 1109) is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 544 400,- before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund,
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.
The position is subject to external funding.
It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation must be in English.
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. 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:
- An up to one-page personal motivation letter
- CV (including publication list), certificates, and diplomas
- Transcripts and diplomas for master’s degrees.
- Names and contact information for three relevant referees
In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position.
NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.
General information
NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and 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 Professor Ingrid Bakke, e-mail: ingrid.bakke@ntnu.no
If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
Application deadline: 14.11.2022
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 Biotechnology and Food Science
Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Deadline 14th November 2022
Employer NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary|
Place of service Gløshaugen
