We have a vacancy for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Bionanotechnology and Biomaterials group at the Department of Physics, section for Biophysics and Medical Technology. The objective of the PhD project is to develop novel experimental methods to study extracellular matrix (ECM) biomineralisation and to gain better understanding of the biomineralisation process. The position will allow the candidate to become expert in biomaterials research. The main supervisor of the PhD candidate will be Professor Pawel Sikorski.
Duties of the position
PhD candidate will work on a research project that focuses on studies of extracellular matrix (ECM) biomineralization in the context of bone tissue and bone tissue engineering. In particular, on applications of techniques such as electron microscopy, electron diffraction, optical microscopy and Raman scattering microscopy. The project aims at improving understanding of bone tissue by developing an innovative platform that facilitates spatially and temporally resolved, systematic investigations of the biomineralization process. Taken approach can be based on 3D cell spheroids and other 3D cell culture systems that replicate relevant aspects of the 3D environment found in vivo. The candidate will gain experience in design and studies of multicellular living systems, cell cultures, cellular biophysics and a wide range of characterisation techniques applied to cells, cell spheroids and produced ECM. This includes optical and electron microscopy and spectroscopy. The candidate will employ and develop data analysis tools.
The acquired knowledge, as well as developed experimental tools, are necessary to accelerate treatment development for disorders that involve regulation of biomineralization. The project will be conducted in collaboration with several national and international partners.
Required selection criteria
- You must have a professionally relevant background in biophysics, bioengineering, bionanotechnology or a closely related field.
- Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level.
- 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.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program.
- Strong interest interdisciplinary science and in applying methods from engineering and physical science to biology.
- Interests and skills in programming/data science/data analysis.
- Excellent English skills (written and oral).
The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and 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
- Documented collaborative skills
- Hands-on research experience in microscopy
- Previous specialization and research that includes or combines topics such as cell cultures, biophysics, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, scaffold materials for tissue engineering, hydrogels.
- Interest in model systems to study biological processes. Interests and education in basic cell biology.
Personal characteristics
- Enthusiastic and highly motivate
- Creative, good at finding solution
- Able to work effectively on their own and in a team
- Diligent, thorough, and hard-working
- Able to work structured and goal oriented
We offer
- exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
- an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- employee benefits
Salary and conditions
PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 501 200 per annum before tax. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years, with the possibility of up to one-year extension with 25% teaching duties in agreement with the department.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in biophysics, 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 applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.
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.
- A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- 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
A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional
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.
In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact professor Pawel Sikorski, email pawel.sikorski@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).
If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number 205/22 when applying.
Application deadline: 20.08.22
NTNU – knowledge for a better world
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 Physics
Our research and teaching are both experimental and theoretical, covering a wide range of disciplines. Our activities contribute to development of new medical technology and to finding solutions for the next generation’s communication technology, energy utilization and development of materials. The Department of Physics is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.