Control of major bacterial pathogens using bacteriophages in Norwegian aquaculture

About the position

A three-year PhD fellowship in Microbiology is available at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA), Nord University, Bodø, Norway.

The PhD position is for a dedicated student with a strong interest in studying the control of major diseases adversely affecting the aquaculture industry using bacteriophages. Bacterial infections in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) lead to disease conditions that include the formation of wounds and granulomas, resulting in poor growth, welfare, and quality problems. Although antibiotics can be used to treat these diseases, the use of antibiotics in aquaculture poses an environmental and public health threat due to the increase of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, bacteriophages are considered a better alternative because they are an eco-friendly approach that does not produce antimicrobial residues or resistance. This project aims to develop a bacteriophage-based approach for the control of bacterial diseases in Norwegian aquaculture.

The position is available from January 1st, 2025, at the Bodø Campus. Candidates are subject to Nord University’s residency requirement.

More info about Phd fellowship at Nord University: PhD in Biosciences

Qualification requirements

• The candidate should have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Biosciences, Biotechnology, fisheries science or any branch of life sciences with a specialization in Microbiology with a grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) for the program and the master’s thesis.
• Excellent skills in microbiological techniques of isolation, identification, and characterization of bacterial pathogens infecting cold-water fish species.
• Analytical skills and knowledge of research methods in phage biology inclusive of isolation, identification, techniques of enumeration, life cycle, one-step growth curve, molecular characterization and typing, scale-up, cloning and expression of lytic enzymes, phage fragmentation, and electron microscopy.
• Basic knowledge of Bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing.
• A good knowledge of statistical analyses (good command of R) will be considered an advantage.
• We are looking for highly motivated, creative and ambitious candidates with an excellent academic record, and the ability to work with other members of a multidisciplinary team.
• For non-native speakers, proficiency in written and spoken English, documented by either the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification or internationally recognized certificates, or proof of English as the medium of instruction during undergraduate and postgraduate studies is essential.
• The successful candidate will join the PhD program in Biosciences at Nord University and is expected to complete the study within the time frame.
• The candidate should fulfil the admission requirements and participate in the training component as specified in the regulations of the PhD program. The application for admission to the program must be submitted within three months after taking up the position. Admission requirements and regulations can be found on our website.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Themes and perspectives from the applicant's master's degree will be given weight in the assessment of candidates.
• Candidates will be evaluated on the quality of the project description and the plan for implementation over the three-year period.
• Personal suitability and motivation for applying for the position, detailing the Statement of Purpose.
• The applicant's description of the motivation for the doctoral work and the opportunities for implementation.
• Relevant research experience from previous research work will be considered positively.

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, NOK 532 200,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for borrowing, insurance and pension
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours
• Active university sports team

General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply.

If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations.

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by 22.09.2024

The application should include;

• Cover letter outlining the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position.
• Description of the project idea, maximum 3 pages, including the theoretical basis and the proposed methodology. Applications without a project description will not be considered.
• A complete curriculum vitae (education, work experience, and publications if any).
• Copies of academic degree transcripts for academic degrees (both bachelor’s and master’s degrees) and other relevant qualifications.
• Other activities that are considered relevant, such as list of publications and academic work.
• Names and contact details of up to 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number) including the Master thesis supervisor.
• Signed consent form PhD (if relevant).

All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.

Refnr. 30212751