项目介绍

2026年10月12日

The Department of Biology has a vacancy for a

About the position

The Department of Biology (IBI) at NV faculty has a vacant 3-year PhD position for a marine macroalgae research in the Marine Sciences section  The position is part of a NTNU well known niche nationally using enabling technology for research and education of algal (phytoplankton, ice algae, macroalgae) dynamics to provide knowledge needed for better ecosystem function and management. This position will be shared with researchers at Department of Biotechnology and Food Science (IBT) focusing on biochemistry (also at NV faculty at NTNU). In addition, the PhD will also collaborate with SINTEF Industry (Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine) focusing on industrial applications. 

The overarching aim of the Marine Sciences section is focused on sustainable management, production, and utilization of biological marine resources. The announced position will be important in utilizing the momentum in educating the next NTNU generation of marine scientists using enabling technologies to understand, monitor and improve ecosystem health including reduction of human induced stress in the environment. Our departments do work with industry to find solutions and enhance the understanding of ecosystem function to utilize resources in a benign manner to provide “good ecology = good economy”.

The PhD candidate will be part of the EU Horizon project “Restoring ocean and waters in waterfront cities and their ports”. The specific objectives are to 1) protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, 2) prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters and 3) make a blue economy sustainable, carbon neutral and circular.

In Trondheim, our major environmental challenge is sewage and industry wastewater discharge into the Trondheimsfjord, inducing multiple stressors for marine production and biodiversity. Cascade effects, including replacements of kelp species with filamentous algae (“turf”), loss of fish and poor water quality.

Remedies approach: Restore declining population and habitats, including cultivation of kelp to remove excessive nutrients, heavy metals and provide biomass for products in the new blue economy. Our goal is to contribute to reduced pollution, better restoration, maintenance of biodiversity and improved water quality.

The main activities for the PhD will be to contribute to ensure habitat functions in macroalgae along coastal areas near Trondheim (restoration) which also include cultivation of seaweed at sites with different degrees of pollution level (e.g. nutrient loads and heavy metals). Identification, mapping and monitoring macroalgal growth zones and key environmental variables such as light, temperature, salinity, nutrient loads (e.g. nitrate, phosphate, silicate) by using different robotic platforms (using the operation pyramid comprising mini satellites, aerial drones, autonomous surface and underwater vehicles and moorings) in collaboration with Applied Underwater Robotic laboratory (NTNU) and Fjordlab (part of Ocean Space Centre in Trondheim of (NTNU & SINTEF) will be carried out.

The seaweed elemental composition will be analyzed for using cultivated seaweed as bioindicators (uptake of nutrients and pollutants), and biorefinery, including product development, for selected applications will be part of the project.

The hired candidate will be able to join a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team that is working on the development of new techniques to provide ecological, physiological and biochemical information needed for enhanced environmental monitoring and corresponding industrial applications.

The primary workplace will be at the Trondheim Biological Station, but changes in the place of work may occur during the project period.

Your immediate leader will be the head of the department of Biology.

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Provide time-series of Key Environmental Variables (KEV) in Trondheimsfjord and corresponding growth dynamics of selected macroalgal species comprising brown, red and green macroalgae
• Model species for natural habitats and growth cultures will be the kelp species Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta and the brown wreck Fucus vesiculosus
• Combine information on elemental composition and ecophysiology (eg. photosynthetic parameters and pigment composition) in model species to use the algae as bioindicators of water quality and habitat stress level
• Chemical characterisation of seaweed biomass (cultivated, from restoration areas and from wild populations)
• Development of sequential biorefinery on cultivated biomass (several end-products for increased valorisation)
• Separation of heavy metal rich fractions from biomass 
• Communicate with stakeholders along the entire cultivation seaweed value chain and stay updated on national/international regulations (monitoring, restoration)

• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s Doctoral Programme, see Section 6-1 of the PhD regulations for more information.
• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in marine biology, biochemistry or biotechnology for ecological or biochemical studies of marine micro- and/or macroalgae. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis
• You must have hands on experience with methods for in in situ and laboratory methods/observations to measure phytoplankton/macroalgal biomass and health status with focus on one/several topics related to biodiversity, biochemical composition, primary production and function)
• You must have a strong and relevant academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker academic background, you may be considered if you can document that you are exceptionally suited for a PhD education, for example through relevant work experience and/or peer-reviewed academic works
• Excellent written and oral English skills

• A MSc with experience from cross disciplinary work using enabling technology for marine ecology
• Experience in algal systematics, pigment and sugar chemistry, statistics methods, user/making codes in R or Python
• Experience using of underwater mobile platforms (e.g. pilot experience using Remotely Operated Vehicles) is beneficial
• Experience with seaweed hatcheries and cultivation
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian equivalent level A2

• Hands on and highly motivated to use your PhD project as a contribution for a better marine nature management locally and internationally (core of Remedies project)
• Demonstrated teamwork skills with ability to work closely as part of collegial teams, and to contribute to a good and inclusive working environment
• Excellent communication skills

• Exciting and challenging tasks in a strong international academic environment
• Opportunity to join the NTNU Observation Pyramid team that includes several departments and faculties, working locally, nationally and internationally
• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

Diversity

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.

Candidates will be evaluated based on documented qualifications. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity, ability status, or cultural, ethnic, or religious background. We especially encourage upcoming early career academics and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. To develop an inclusive and vibrant departmental culture, the Department of Biology maintains a standing committee focused on diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

Salary and conditions

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 3 years for the doctoral work. 

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Biology 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 cover letter explaining your interest and fit for this position max 1 page
• CV, diplomas, and certificates 
• Copy of Master’s thesis, else an abstract of 1000 words. If you have recently submitted your Master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Academic works that you consider to be most relevant and which you wish to be considered during assessment of your application (up to 5 items) 
• A list of your previous works, with details on where they have been published 
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees 

General information

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 regarding the position, please contact Geir Johnsen, Professor in marine ecology at IBI  geir.johnsen@ntnu.no, or Finn L. Aachman, Professor in biopolymer interaction at IBT finn.l.aachmann@ntnu.no. If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Alexander Nilsen Skomakerstuen (HR at IBI, NTNU) alexander.skomakerstuen@ntnu.no.

Application deadline: 25.11.2026

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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. 

via Unsplash

NTNU – knowledge for a better world

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 Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.