Postdoc in molecular biology with emphasis on embryology and epigenetics

About the position

A 100 % postdoc in applied biotechnology is available at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN), Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology. The position will run for 3 years, starting primo 2025. The postdoc will work at INN at campus Hamar and collaborate closely with Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo. The employee will be part of a large research group in reproductive biotechnology. 

Responsibilities and tasks 

The candidate will be part of a large research project, Zygote, running for six years with funding from The Research Council of Norway. The candidate will work 100 % on this project which have partners from the breeding and biotechnology industry (Geno, Norsvin, SpermVital, Klosser Innovation, NCE Heidner Biocluster) as well as the scientific partners Oslo University Hospital, SINTEF, OsloMet, SimulaMet and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. 

The research activities in Zygote are defined based on the companies' needs and will address new aspects from the research front. The main goal is to create a robust internationally competitive research and knowledge-based environment within sustainable breeding and applied biotechnology in the Inland to give the regional business community access to increased competence and research capacity for competitive advantages.

Zygote has four focus areas: 

• to elucidate physiological peripubertal mechanisms for accurate and early selection of individuals mature for sperm, milt and oocyte production
• to establish new methods, knowledge and tools for identifying ejaculates from different species and breeds that are compatible with good fertilization using different processing methods for semen and milt
• to generate new knowledge on oocyte and embryo quality parameters
• to improve existing and develop new preservation methods for gametes and embryos

The species to be included in Zygote are cattle, swine and different fish species.

The project leader is Professor Elisabeth Kommisrud. The postdoc/scientist will work specifically on topics connected to oocyte and embryo parameters focusing on techniques in molecular biology. 

Qualifications

Formal qualifications: 

• A strong experimental background in molecular biology and hands-on experience with molecular techniques e.g. ChIP-seq, MeRIP-seq or others (PhD or similar, equivalent to Norwegian doctoral degree) is required. Previous experience with (epi)genomic experiments and/or data analysis, bioinformatics and a thorough understanding of the relevant biology will be considered an advantage. Potential candidates have completed a PhD degree in molecular biology or biochemistry or similar fields. Eligible candidates need to have demonstrated excellence through publications in internationally highly ranked, peer-reviewed scientific journals. 
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills are required

Personal skills: 

• The candidate should be highly motivated and dedicated and have a strong interest in scientific research. The candidate should be able to work both independently as well as in the context of a team and be well organized. Good communication skills are required as the successful applicant is expected to interact closely with an interdisciplinary team of experimental biologists, computational scientists and molecular scientists.

Applicants should have an interest in the biology of fertility, preservation technologies and animal/aquatic breeding. 

A further preference will be given to candidates being highly motivated, with good teamwork and collaborative skills, organization and communication skills, and documented scientific publications or other writing experience.

For more information on the formal qualification requirements, see regulations to the Universities and Colleges Act. The assessment of which candidate is best qualified for the position is made after a comprehensive evaluation of education, experience and personal compatibility and other qualification requirements as formulated in the vacancy text, as well as motivation for the position.

The position and associated tasks must be carried out in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations for government employees, including also the Act on Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology, etc. Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, come into conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to take up the position at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. Necessary approvals must be maintained throughout the employment relationship.

We offer

• An exciting and challenging position at a developing institution
• A place in an ambitious and highly international environment.
• A challenging and exciting project with opportunities for personal and scientific development.
• An independent and flexible work setting that the successful candidate may to a large extent influence her/himself. Daily contact with inspiring skilled colleagues.
• A campus setting surrounded by forests and mountains with opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Position is paid and placed in position code 1352 post doc in the Government Salary Scale
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension, with among other things, good pension and insurance schemes.

For more information about INN University as an employer, please see here.

How to apply

Regsiter your application and CV electronically via "Apply for this job" on the job portal Jobbnorge. 

Your application must include:

• Application letter
• Comprehensive overview of education, diplomas, work experience, pedagogical experience, administrative experience, acquisition work, coordination experience and other qualifying activities
• Certified copies of diplomas and certificates
• Overview of externally funded projects 
• List of publication
• Comprehensive CVs, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, publication lists and documents/works to be considered must be submitted as electronic attachments or links to the application.

Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview and a test of practical teaching skills.

If you have any questions regarding uploading of attachments or other technical matters regarding the application, Jobbnorge customer service can be contacted. 

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.

For more information about the position, please contact Professor Elisabeth Kommisrud email: elisabeth.kommisrud@inn.no

General information

HINN believes that there is strength in inclusion and diversity. We desire employees with different competencies, professional combinations, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to an even better way of solving problems. We will facilitate for employees who need assitance to realise their goals. Relevant adaptations can be, for example, technical aids, adapting furniture or adjusting routines, work tasks and working hours.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, gaps in the CV or immigrant background, we shall call at least one applicant in each of these categories for an interview. In order to be considered as an applicant in these groups, the applicants must meet certain requirements. You can read more on this here: https://arbeidsgiver.difi.no/positivsaerbehandling.

We encourage applicants to tick in Jobbnorge if they have a disability, a gap in their CV or immigrant background. The ticks in the jobseeker portal form the basis for anonymised statistics that all state-owned enterprises report in their annual reports