There is a vacancy for a Researcher position at the Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology (www.sars.no) in the research group headed by Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou. The position is for a period of 2 years and is funded on the Sars Centre core budget. The Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) (www.embl.de). The place of work will be at the Sars Centre. The preferred starting date is between September and November 2022.

Work in the Chatzigeorgiou group focuses on studying the evolution, development and function, of chordate nervous systems, using the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis as a model organism. We perform developmental and functional studies with the aim to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the ability of Ciona larvae to sense a diversity of sensory cues and elicit ethologically relevant behaviours. This project will characterise at multiple levels the brain circuits that mediate mechanosensation and chemosensation in the larva. The first part of the project will focus on leveraging cutting-edge microscopy methods in combination with Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators to understand the functional organization of these circuits. The second part will make use of genome editing, optogenetic and chemogenetic perturbations in combination with quantitative behavioural analysis to study how these circuits generate ethologically relevant behaviours. It is expected that the successful applicant also collaborates with other members of the workgroup, including students and postdocs.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded
• Experience with advanced functional imaging techniques (i.e. Calcium and/or Voltage Imaging) and quantitative analysis of behaviour is essential
• Evidence for proficiency in advanced functional imaging and quantitative behavioural analysis is essential. This should come in the form of previous publications in respected peer-reviewed journals
• Experience working with model and/or non-model organisms will be viewed favourably
• Evidence for collaborating with others and teaching junior lab members or interns will be viewed favourably
• Some weekend duties may be required depending on project development, e.g for animal culture
• Proficient written and spoken English is essential, and evidence for communicating results effectively (e.g. writing articles, presenting work at conferences) will be viewed favourably

We can offer:

• A professional, challenging and international working environment.
• Well-equipped, modern laboratories and facilities
• Salary at pay grade 61 (code 1109 / 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 in English must include:

• A cover letter of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information 2-3 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 publications or other relevant scientific work

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at JobbNorge.

Applications by e-mail only will not be considered.

Application Deadline:  15th June 2022.

General information:

Further information about the position can be obtained from Group Leader Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou, tlf +47 55 58 43 58, email: Marios.Chatzigeorgiou@uib.no.

The state workforce 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.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

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