The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science has a vacancy for a

PhD Candidate in Microbiology

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities? As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.

A PhD in Microbiology is available at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science (https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt) in the Microbial Biotechnology research division (https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt/research/microbial#/view/about)

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

A PhD position is available at the Bruheim research group (https://www.ntnu.edu/employees/per.bruheim) which focuses on Deep Phenotyping of prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems using Advanced Cultivation Technology and Mass Spectrometry (MS) based Metabolomics, Fluxomics and Lipidomics (https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt/research/micphys#/view/about).

This PhD project is one of four closely coordinated PhD projects about to be recruited to the NTNU funded research project “Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic” lead by Professor Marit Otterlei, Department of Clinical and Molecular medicine (IKOM) https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/309380

This particular PhD project (numbered 2 of the 4 – see the link) will focus on emerging technologies for characterization of mode of operation and activity of synthetic and natural peptides already developed characterized with potent antibacterial activity against important pathogenic bacteria by the Otterlei lab. Central technology will be mass spectrometric based analysis at metabolite and protein levels as well as metabolic flux characterizations as well as traditional microbial cultivation and bioanalytical assays.  There will be close collaboration with the Otterlei lab and PhD project 1.

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population’s collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. 

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. 

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 580 000,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The employment period is 4 years (3 years the doctoral work in addition to 1 year of career promotion work). 

The candidate is ideally expected to start in the position in winter/early Spring 2027.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Biotechnology, (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phbiot) within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt 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 exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Per Bruheim,  e-mail: per.bruheim@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR advisor Cecilie Skagfjord, e-mail: cecilie.skagfjord@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 20.11.2026

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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 
The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech 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. 

NTNU – knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.