Skip to main content
EURAXESS

Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Ecology

University of South-Eastern Norway The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
3 Apr 2024

Job Information

Organisation/Company
University of South-Eastern Norway
Department
Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health
Research Field
Environmental science » Ecology
Researcher Profile
Established Researcher (R3)
Country
Norway
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
37,5
Offer Starting Date
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100 % position as Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Ecologyfrom 01.08.2024.

The position is associated with the Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Bø in Telemark.

 

This post-doc position is within the EU project “Biodegradable delivery systems for plant pathogens control of horticultural crops through bioactive agents” (BioBIVE).

The BioBIVE project proposes an innovative solution based on the development of bio-based and bioactive delivery systems to control the plant pathogens of different horticultural crops decreasing fossil-based materials and pesticide use, minimising environmental footprint. In BioBIVE, bioactive agents’ incorporation (basic substances, phlorotannins, microorganisms) into biodegradable delivery systems (mulch film, biochar, sprayable mulch film) will improve the crop yield and health, resulting in innovative, sustainable, and eco-friendly agricultural solutions. The proposed systems ewill be tested in real-life case studies on three highly relevant European crops (tomatoes, carrots, strawberries), which have been chosen based on key socio-economic aspects.

The post-doc position will be involved in strawberry trials in Norway using biochar as the delivery system. The biochar that is produced by one of the partners will be micronized and pre- and post-treated with bioactive agents. The formulations will need to be evaluated for impact on soil and plants following the cropping season. Pathogen reduction will be evaluated in vitro by means of molecular methods like qPCR or NGS to monitor the antagonists' emergence and pathogen decline over time.To evaluate the biochar-based mulching systems on strawberry crop under humid conditions, trials will be performed in commercial farms located in the south-eastern part of Norway.

The appointment is for a term of 2 years. Depending on the Department's needs and the applicant's competence, 25 % teaching requirement can be considered, with corresponding extension of the appointment period.

Requirements

Research Field
Environmental science » Ecology
Education Level
PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications

Applicants must have a Norwegian doctorate or equivalent education abroad inGenetics/Molecular biology. The applicant must have gained the degree within the application deadline.

The staff at the faculty work within subject teams to a large extent and the candidate must be motivated to share his or her knowledge and cooperate. Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

The successful candidate should have:

  • Strong background in molecular ecology laboratory including modern sequencing technologies.
  • Strong background in applied statistics and bioinformatics.
  • Experience with culturing of fungi or bacteria.
  • Experience with biochar applications used for antimicrobe control is an advantage.
  • Good oral and written English skills.
  • The ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork.

An ideal candidate should be creative, analytical, and highly self-motivated, and possess good collaborative skills. The candidate must be willing to work in an international interdisciplinary team. Demonstrable skills in the publications of scientific papers and experience in handling of biological samples.

Specific Requirements

When assessing applicants, emphasis will be placed on

  • Scientific and educational qualifications.
  • Professional competence and scientific production within molecular genetics.
  • Publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
  • Teaching experience and competence within genetics or related areas.
  • Administrative experience and competence.
  • Ability to obtain external funds.
  • Research management, participation and research projects and research dissemination.
  • Experience from research-driven innovation and industry collaboration.
  • Experience from international researcher mobility.
  • Other relevant competence.
  • Personal suitability and motivation for the post.
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Good
Research Field
Environmental science » Ecology
Years of Research Experience
4 - 10

Additional Information

Benefits

We offer

  • A professionally stimulating working environment.
  • Good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
  • A good social environment
  • Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan
  • Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

Salary

The position as postdoctoral fellow (postdoktor) (code 1352) is placed in the state salary scale at levels 62-75 (NOK 604 900 – 759 100), depending on seniority.

A statutory contribution will be made from the employee’s salary to the state pension plan.

Selection process

The Academic Appointments Board is responsible for appointments to academic positions at University College of Southeast Norway. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews.

The successful applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply to the position.

It is an aim of personnel policy that the academic staff of University College of Southeast Norway should reflect the composition of the general population. It is therefore a personnel policy objective to achieve a balanced age and gender composition on the faculty and to recruit people from ethnic minority backgrounds. People from ethnic minority backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information act § 25 2 paragraph, information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even though the applicant has requested non-disclosure. The applicant will be informed if his/her request has been declined.

 

Contact information:

For more information about the position, please contact:

Associate Professor Mona Sæbø Støren ph.: +47 40281217 email: mona.sabo@usn.no

Head of Department Live Semb Vestgarden ph.: +47 35952797

email: live.s.vestgarden@usn.no

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:

Advisor Benedicte Riise Thorstensen, email: benedicte.r.thorstensen@usn.no

Additional comments

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).

1. Certified diplomas and certificates from university college/university

2. PhD thesis

3. Any scientific publications and a list of these

4. Three references (contact information)

If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills. You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires. Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired. 

Please note that all documents must be translated into English or a Scandinavian language by an authorized translator.

Click here to read more about the recruitment process for scientific posts at the University of South-Eastern Norway.

Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application!

Website for additional job details

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
University of South-Eastern Norway
Country
Norway
State/Province
Telemark
City
Postal Code
3800
Street
Gullbringvegen 36
Geofield

Contact

City
Bø in Telemark
Website
Street
Gullbringvegen 36
Postal Code
3800
E-Mail
euraxess@usn.no