Research fellow (PhD candidate) in fish physiology

There is a vacancy for a research fellow (PhD candidate) at Department of biology (http://www.uib.no/en/bio) within fish physiology. The position is for a fixed-term period of four years and is associated with CtrlAQUA (Centre of Research-based Innovation in Closed-Containment Aquaculture).

About the project/work tasks:

CtrlAQUA is a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI) that will lay the foundation for the development of closed-containment concepts of the future (http://ctrlaqua.no/). With greater control of the production process, it will be possible to reduce problems associated with mortality and sea lice, and to reduce the production time for farmed salmon.

The overall focus of the centre will be innovations on one of the most sensitive phases in the salmon production cycle, the early seawater phase, the so-called post-smolt stage. The main innovation will be reliable and efficient production of post-smolts in closed systems on land or at sea.

The centre will contribute to better production control, fish welfare and sustainability in closed-containment farms. The centre is organized in four departments:

• Technology and environment

• Preventative fish health

• Fish production and welfare

• Education and recruitment

The candidate will primarily conduct his or her research within the department Fish production and welfare, associated with one or more of the projects within the department. Topics may include physiological adaptations to closed rearing systems in the sea, fish welfare in these systems, and the transfer between closed and open systems. Other topics may also become relevant during the period

Qualifications and personal qualities

• The applicant must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in biology/molecular 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 from work with fish is an advantage, including both experimental work in the field and lab. Likewise, we will emphasize experience with physiological and/or molecular biological methods in fish biology research, in particular research on adaptations to the environment, growth and welfare
• Candidates must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and have the necessary skills and ability to cooperate well with others
• Candidates must be proficient in both written and oral English. Good knowledge of the Norwegian language is an advantage

About the PhD position

The duration of the PhD position is 4 years, of which 25 % of the time each year comprises obligatory duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously held a recruitment position.

About the research training

As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within three months after you have commenced in the position. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer

• A good and professionally challenging working environment.
• Salary at pay grade 50 upon appointment (code 1017) Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• A position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise).
• Good welfare benefits.

Your application must include

• A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must 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, or official confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• Relevant certificates/references.
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list).
• Any publications in your name

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

Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.

Closing date for application: 14 August 2016

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting Professor Sigurd Stefansson, phone 55 58 44 70, e-mail sigurd.stefansson@uib.no.

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. It is also a goal to recruit people with immigrant backgrounds. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

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.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.