The Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position in evolutionary plant biology.
In the project, the candidate will investigate the convergent evolution of traits involved in adaptation to seasonal, temperate climates in the grass family. The goal is to unravel mechanisms underlying convergent evolution, including recurrent evolution of coding and regulatory genomic regions, as well as horizontal gene transfer of genes involved in adaptation. The project will build on previous studies in our research environment on convergent evolution of life history strategies (recurrent evolution of annuality) and fructan synthesis in the grass sub family Pooideae.
The candidate will study the genetic basis for the evolution of these traits. The project will largely consist of bioinformatic and phylogenetic analyses on already available genomic material but will also include an experiment to generate ATAC-seq data.
The applicant is made aware of that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the Faculty. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.
Main tasks
Tasks
- Comparative genomic analyses
- Phylogenetic analyses
- Generate and analyze ATAC-seq data
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
Competence
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree or a cand.med.vet. degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Required Academic qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology, bioinformatics or plant science
- Background in bioinformatics analyses and/or programming
The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:
- Experience with genome evolution research
- Experience with studies of evolution of grasses
- Experience with phylogenetic methods
- Strong background in statistics
Personal qualities:
- Curiosity and creativity
- Ambitious, accurate and self-driven
- A genuine interest in scientific research
- Collaborative and social
- Good oral and written communicative skills in English
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD fellow. PhD fellows are normally placed in pay grade 54 (NOK 491.200,-) on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.
Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.
For further information, please contact Professor Siri Fjellheim, E-mail: siri.fjellheim@nmbu.no; phone +47 67232801
Information for PhD applicants and general information to applicants
Application
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button above. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Application deadline: 01.08.2022
In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.
Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Complete CV
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Di-ploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
- Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
- Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English
- Names and contact details for two references
- Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works)
About The Faculty of Biosciences
The Faculty of Biosciences (BIOVIT) aims to help shape the future food- and bio-production through teaching and research within biology and sustainable production and use of plants, livestock and fish. The faculty has an annual turnover of approx. 250 million kroner. The faculty is organized into nine research sections: Genome Biology, Breeding and
Quantitative Genetics, Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology, Ethology and Animal Environment, Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Agroecology, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Plant Protection and Food Crops, Plant Biology and Biotechnology. The faculty has seven large and small research centers and laboratories, including a Center for Outstanding Innovation – Foods of Norway. The faculty is responsible for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aquaculture, Biology, Animal Science and Plant science as well as English-language master’s degrees in Agroecology, Plant Sciences, Feed Manufacturing Technology and Genome Sciences.
The faculty is responsible for PhD degrees in animal science and plant science. The faculty currently has about 690 bachelor and master students and 90 PhD students. The faculty has about 240 employees and its own faculty administration.
The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
NMBU has a particular responsibility for research and education that secures the basis for the life of future generations. Sustainability is rooted in everything we do and we deliver knowledge for life. NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 300 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.
NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.
We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no.