PhD candidate - climate changes - weeds and cultivated plants

Key Information

NIBIO has a vacant 3-year PhD candidate position on the effect of climate change on competition between weeds and cultivated plants and how to deal with this in an integrated pest management (IPM) perspective.

The position will have workplaces in NIBIO Ås (main workplace) and NIBIO Særheim. Staying abroad for a shorter period may also be relevant.

Main responsibilities

The position is linked to the project "Weeds versus crops - the winner of climate change". The PhD candidate will be employed at NIBIO, Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Department of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in Forestry, Agriculture and Horticulture. It is assumed that the PhD candidate follows a 3-year PhD program at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The main supervisor will be at NMBU, Department of Plant Sciences and co-supervisors at NIBIO.

Main tasks will be:

• Develop methods and carry out experiments related to changes in the competition between weeds and crops at increased temperature and CO2 levels in a changing climate
• Specifically study changes in the plants' growth, reproduction, physiological processes (e.g. photosynthesis and respiration) and their response to herbicides
• Model the competition between weed and crop plant at increased temperature- and CO2 levels
• Analyze data and publish the research results in scientific journals
• Present results in relevant professional forums and in popular science channels
• Finalize PhD courses in accordance with a set course schedule
• Complete a doctorate within the PhD candidate period

Professional qualifications (required)

• Master's degree in plant science or plant biology with strong competence in plant physiology
• Qualified for admission as a doctoral student according to the current admission requirements at NMBU (note grade requirements)
  • more info: https://www.nmbu.no/en/research/phd/regulations_guidelines/node/19095  and https://www.nmbu.no/en/research/phd/regulations_guidelines/supplementary-regulations-phd
• Skills in experimental design, statistics and experience with R
• Good skills in English, both written and oral

Will be evaluated positively

• Good skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian, both written and oral
• Relevant experience from work with plant protection/ weed biology and/ or ecophysiology
• Research experience and good academic writing skills
• Experience with collaboration with/ assignments for plant health management and industry
• Experience with dissemination to user groups and the general public
• Driver's license for a passenger car (class B) valid in Norway

Personal qualifications

• Motivated, curious and engaged in scientific work
• Have the ability to work independently and in a structured manner
• Accurate and analytical
• Good communication- and collaboration skills
• Academic and personal abilities to complete the study within the time frame (3 years)

Salary and benefits

• Opportunity to work on an important social mission with focus on sustainability and future-oriented projects.
• Challenging, exciting and varied tasks in interdisciplinary teams
• A flexible everyday life with the opportunity to influence one's own work tasks
• A skilled professional environment with good colleagues
• A generous personnel policy with welfare schemes that focus on employees' different stages of life.

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale as PhD candidate positionl code 1017, salary grade 54 - 60 (NOK 501.200 - 553.500 per year), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which includes a good occupational pension scheme, occupational injury and group life insurance, and low-interest home loans.

Do you need more information?

Contact head of research/head of department Research Professor Ingeborg Klingen, mobile +47 93 09 22 11.

How to apply for the position

Please send your application with CV electronically via the link on this page. Please also submit diplomas (including courses and grades) and letters of recommendation as an attachment along with the electronic application.

Other information

We would like to point out that information about applicants may be subject to public disclosure, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven), Section 25. An applicant can request to be exempted from inclusion on a public list of applicants. If the request for confidentiality is denied, the applicant will be notified thereof.

About diversity and inclusion - for applicants living in Norway:
In accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service equal opportunities policy, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply - regardless of age, gender, functional disabilities, gaps in CV or national or ethnic background. As a government agency, we have the opportunity to provide positive special treatment for applicants who have a disability, gaps in their CV or immigrant background. Positive special treatment means, among other things, that you will more easily come to the interview. Read more about this here (in norwegian).

About NIBIO and the Department

NIBIO’s activities lie within agriculture, food, climate and the environment. The Institute conducts research and management support, and provides knowledge for use in national preparedness, governmental and district management, industry, and the society at large. NIBIO has approximately 700 employees present in all parts of the country. Its main office is located at Ås in Akershus. NIBIO is owned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Department of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in Forestry, Agriculture and Horticulture has the largest collective expertise within weeds, insects, mites and slugs in Norway. We perform Research, Development and Innovation within the field of biology and management of weeds and invertebrate pests in agriculture, nurseries, Christmas tree plantations and green areas.