There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in molecular parasitology and fish immunology at the Department of Biological sciences. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department). The position is financed by the University of Bergen and connected to the FHF-project “SaliVax – DNA-vaccines against salmon louse saliva”.
Start date 1st of April 2023
About the project/work tasks
As of today, salmon lice represent one the main challenges for the Norwegian salmon farming industry, as they diminish the fish welfare of both wild and farmed salmonids. The project will take a closer look at the host-parasite interaction between salmon and salmon lice, where the salmon lice’s glandular secretion will be in focus. Recently, we have characterized a number of proteins that appear to be important in the host-parasite interaction, e.g. by dampening immune responses and blood coagulation in the host. The main goal of the PhD project is to investigate whether it is possible to use these proteins in a DNA vaccine against salmon lice. In addition to testing the DNA vaccine’s potential to prevent lice infestation, new constructs and injection methods will be tested to see whether this can increase the mucosal immune response. The project will thus not only be aimed at salmon lice but has the potential to increase knowledge in general about the use of DNA vaccines against mucosal pathogens. The PhD student will work in the Sea Lice Research Centre (SLRC), together with researchers that have a long and wide experience with salmon lice.
You can find more information about the SaliVax project here.
Qualifications and personal qualities
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in aqua medicine, molecular biology or biology. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 01.04.2023. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
- Experience from molecular biology laboratory work is a requirement.
- Experience with cloning, vaccines, immunology, fish and pathogens 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 written and oral English.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
About the PhD position (applies to university PhD positions)
The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed over the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the head of department upon appointment.
The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).
About the research training
As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer:
- a good and professionally stimulating working environment
- Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 501 200 (equivalent to pay grade 54). Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
- 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 referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis
- CV
- transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master’s degree. Your master’s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a confirmation from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 01.04.2023.
- relevant certificates/references
- approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
- a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
- any publications in your name
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
General information:
For further details about the position, please contact associate professor Aina-Cathrine Øvergård, Department of Biological Sciences, e-post aina-cathrine.overgard@uib.no, telephone +47 55 58 44 64.
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.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
For further information about the recruitment process, click here.
Life as a PhD candidate at UiB
Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=nrtp6VxMeJ4%3Fautoplay%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1%26playsinline%3D0%26rel%3D0%26start%3D0%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobbnorge.no%26widgetid%3D2
About 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.