Researcher in Microbial Biotechnology

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You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

   

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About the Job

We have a vacancy for a Researcher position in the Division of Microbial Biotechnology at IBT. This position will be part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation funded project “Carbon-efficient access to seaweed sugars in microbial bioprocesses (Weed2C)”, led by NTNU. The Weed2C project seeks to advance knowledge and develop methods for the valorization of brown and red seaweeds into high-quality, value-added compounds through microbial bioprocesses, thereby supporting a sustainable bioeconomy. The research focus of the reseacher to be hired will be on the microbial efficient carbon assimilation of seaweed derived sugars via the fine-tuning of the central carbon metabolism and especially the anaplerotic pathways of the industrial workhorse Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Special emphasis will be placed on differential gene expression profiling via transcriptomics, CRISPR tools, automated adaptive laboratory evolution, and the development of seaweed-based cell factories.

Your immediate leader will be Researcher Fernando Pérez-García from the Division of Microbial Biotechnology of the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at NTNU.

Duties of the position

• Upgrade and test red and brown seaweeds as microbial feedstocks.
• Use omics tools to characterize seaweed-based microbial cell factories.
• Develop microbial cell factories through genetic engineering.
• Apply analytical methods to characterize microbial cell factories.
• Perform microbial cultivations at various volume scales.
• Supervise master’s students specializing in biotechnology.
• Contribute to the development and submission of individual and collaborative scientific proposals.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and reports.

Required selection criteria

• Completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD in Biotechnology, Life sciences or a related field.
• You must have experimental experience in molecular biology work.
• Strong scientific background (Scientific track record).
• Good written and oral English language skills.

Preferred selection criteria

• Knowledge and skills in microbial biotechnology.
• Knowledge and skills in transcriptomic analyses.
• Knowledge and skills in CRISPR tools.
• Knowledge and skills in bioprocesses / fermentations at different cultivation scales.

Personal characteristics

• Motivated and ambitious personality with a general interest in science.
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Analytical mindset and good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate ideas and knowledge.

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The gross salary for the position of Reseacher (code 1109) is normally remunerated depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU

The position is subject to external funding and the period of employment is 3 years starting from the 1st of May, 2025.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily. 

About the application

The application and supporting documentation must be in English.

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.  If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result. 

The application must include: 

•  CV, certificates and diplomas 
• Academic works – only published - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works) 
• Details of the projects you have managed, including information about funding, duration, and scale
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions.  

In the assessment of the best qualified applicant, we will emphasize education, experience and personal suitability as well as your motivation for the position. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA. This means that we pay special attention to the quality and professional breadth of these works. We also consider experience from research management and participation in research projects. We place great emphasis on your scientific work from the last five years.

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.  

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Fernando Pérez-García, email fernando.perez-garcia@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Cecilie Skagfjord, e-mail: cecilie.skagfjord@ntnu.no.

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation. 

Application deadline: 07.02.2025