项目介绍

2026年4月23日

PhD position

There is a vacancy for up to two PhD Research Fellows at the Michael Sars Centre affiliated with the project “Molecular, cellular and developmental marine living systems in a variable ocean”. The position is for a fixed-term period of 4 years, with 25 percent of the time each year dedicated to required career-promoting work. The position is financed by the University of Bergen. 

About the project/work tasks:

The Christiaen lab uses a wide range of approaches, including molecular, cellular and embryological techniques, genomics including from single cells, genome engineering and computational biology methods to study development and regeneration, at a systems level, in tunicates. Tunicates, especially the genus Ciona, offer unique opportunities to leverage cutting edge experimental and computational techniques and approaches to study chordate development with a cellular resolution and at the genome scale. Specifically, efforts using systematic CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, high-content imaging, data science and computational modelling are used to study the biomolecular networks governing cell fate specification and cellular behaviours, such as collective migration and oriented asymmetric cell divisions. New directions will leverage controlled culture conditions, the natural diversity of tunicate populations, single cell genomics, quantitative imaging, CRISPR/Cas9, and data science to probe the impact of environmental challenges on developing embryos at the systems scale. The projects offer opportunities for collaborations both locally and internationally.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in biology or must have submitted his/her master’s thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
• Experience in either molecular cloning, developmental and cell biology, quantitative image analysis, and/or genomics and computational biology is required.
• Experience with ‘emerging’ model organisms in the fields of genetics, developmental biology, cell biology and/or molecular physiology is an advantage.
• Experience in analysing next-generation sequencing datasets is an advantage.
• We are seeking a candidate with interests in developmental, cell and/or systems aspects of animal development.
• Impeccable work ethics, rigor and discipline to complete defined tasks, including detailed reporting, are required.
• Background knowledge of the relevant literature is an advantage.
• Creative thinking and the ability to identify important questions and design scientific approaches is an advantage.
• Organizational and communication skills are advantages.
• A strong motivation to perform research at an internationally competitive level is expected.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must have good written and oral English skills.

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position 

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications. 

About the PhD position:

The duration of the PhD Research Fellowship is 4 years, with 25 percent of the time each year dedicated to required career-promoting work related to research, teaching, and dissemination of results.

The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training:

As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer:

• Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
• Salary as a PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This currently amounts to an annual salary of NOK 568 700 before taxes. Further salary increases are made according to the length of service in the position. 
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• a brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• a detailed justification of your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements, explaining how you meet each criterion. Additionally, you should address the “advantages” mentioned above, as these will be taken into account when ranking the candidates.  
• the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis 
• CV
• transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the master’s thesis has been submitted  
• relevant certificates/references
• approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
• a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list with links)

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.