At the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway, there is a vacancy for a postdoctoral research fellow position within Deep Sea Microbiology. The position is for a fixed term of 3 years and is associated with the externally funded project “INDEPTH: Life at the limits: diversity, adaptation strategies and bioprospecting of microbes living in the Arctic deep-sea habitats”, GRIEG EEA-Norway grants. INDEPTH is led by the University of Gdańsk, with partners from Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, University of Warsaw and National Science Centre and University of Bergen.
About the project
INDEPTH focuses on deep-sea ecosystems located on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. A proposed key outcome of the project is the identification and characterization of metabolic pathways and enzymes (including novel ones) enabling microbes to thrive in deep-sea habitats. The successful candidate will work on genome analysis and on the characterization of secreted enzymes (proteases, nucleases, lytic enzymes) in major proteolytic microbial lineages widespread and abundant in Arctic deep-sea ecosystems. Moreover, the candidate will take part in the in silico identification and characterization of enzymes that may advance knowledge on genome maintainence and evolution (DNA replication/transcription enzymes, DNA/RNA ligases, helicases, recombinanses and SSP proteins) in microorganisms adaptated to thrive under extreme environmental conditions. Abroad research stay with partners in the INDEPTH project could be a possibility.
Work tasks
- Annotate putatively secreted enzymes in marine proteolytic microbial lineages.
- In silico identify, in (meta)genomic data, enzymes of interest in the INDEPTH consortium.
- Perform phylogenetic analyses of enzymes.
- Optimize heterologous expression of enzymes in Escherichia coli.
- Perform biochemical characterization of selected secreted enzymes.
Qualifications and personal qualities
- Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within microbiology, molecular biology / genetics ,bioinformatics or other relevant field, or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD degree has been awarded.
- Experience with in silico identification and selection of enzmes in marine (meta)genomic data is a requirement.
- Experience with phylogenetic analysis of enzymes is a requirement.
- Experience with heterologous production of enzymes encoded by marine viruses and bacteria, respectively, is an advantage.
- Experience with the production of psychrophilic and thermophilic marine enzyme is an advantage.
- Experience with DNA modifying enzymes is an advantage.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
- Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written English.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position: The position requires skills and motivation to work in a large international research consortium.
About the position of postdoctoral research fellow
The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. If the appointee lacks teaching experience, or other relevant qualifications, this work can be added to the position. The fixed-term period for this position is 3 years. The position may be extended by up to one year (maximum 4 years in total) if the appointee is granted externally financed research stays abroad. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.
For postdoctoral research fellow positions associated with externally financed projects, the completion of the project proposal for the qualifying work, as well as a progress plan, will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor and head of department.
It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.
We can offer
- A good and professionally stimulating working environment
- Salary at pay grade 61 (code 1352 / pay range 24, alternative 5) according to the state salary scale upon appointment. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 553 500. Further promotions are made according to length of service. For particularly highly qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered.
- Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include
- A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
- The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the the main advisor from the PhD programme.
- CV
- Transcripts and diplomas and official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted
- Relevant certificates/references
- List of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
- Publications (as applicable)
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge
General information
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Prof. Ida Helene Steen, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen. Email: Ida.Steen@uib.no, Phone: +47 993 46 963, or Dr. Runar Stokke, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen. Email: runar.stokke@uib.no, Phone: +47 55 58 38 33.
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.
Further information about our employment process can be found here.
About The University of Bergen (UiB)
The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad.
There are seven departments and several centres at Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments.