PhD Candidate in molecular cell biology and microbiology at IKOM

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Norway; Vor Ort; NOK 522.000 - 638.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology is recruiting a PhD candidate for one project within the interdisciplinary initiative on Preparedness and Response to AMR. The four projects offer opportunities to learn from experts across IKOM and ISS departments.

The PhD candidate will engage in identifying and characterizing novel antimicrobial peptides, study their mechanisms, and evaluate activity with antibiotics against AMR isolates, while publishing results and contributing to

Qualifikationen

• Must have a relevant Master's degree in Molecular Cell biology and microbiology including a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS).
• Master students can apply but degree must be obtained before starting, no later than January 2027.
• Good written and oral English language skills.

Aufgaben

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate.
• Carry out research within the described framework.
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination.

Kenntnisse

Biochemistry

Molecular cell biology

Microbiology

English language skills

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Molecular Cell biology and microbiology

Jobbeschreibung

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Organisation/Company NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology Department Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 20 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo) Country Norway Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

NTNU is a broad-based university with atechnical-scientific profile and a focusin professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

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

About the position

We are recruiting a PhD candidate to one project which is part of four closely coordinated PhD projects in the NTNU interdisciplinary research project “ Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic” led by Professor Marit Otterlei, Department of Clinical and Molecular medicine ( IKOM ), and Professor Heidrun Åm, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, Department for Sociology and Political Science ( ISS ).

As the four projects are closely integrated PhD projects the candidates will have a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experts beyond the scope of their own primary research projects.

About the project

PhD project 1:New antimicrobial peptides for use as single agents and in combinationsbuilds on data indicating that human plasma represents a reservoir of novel naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Some of these peptides display potent antibacterial activity on their own and/or enhance the activity of existing antibiotics. In addition, these antimicrobial peptides may provide a valuable starting point for identifying previously unknown bacterial targets and vulnerabilities. The PhD 1 candidate will participate in identifying and characterizing novel antimicrobial peptides building on previous successful screening efforts. The project will include elucidation of their mechanisms of action and bacterial targets, optimization of promising peptide candidates, and evaluation of their antibacterial activity, alone and in combination with antibiotics, against clinical antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) isolates.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

• You must have a relevant Master's degree in Molecular Cell biology and microbiology or equivalent. Your degree must include a major independent project (minimum 30 ECTS) equivalent to a master’s thesis
• Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than January 2027
• 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.
• Good written and oral English language skills

Preferred selection criteria

• The candidate should have a strong background in biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and microbiology.
• Prior experience with bacterial cultures and microbiological assays, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and time-kill assays, is desirable.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and viability assays, as well as analysis of large datasets, particularly proteomic and genomic data, will be considered an advantage.

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• Work independently
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss your research with collaborators on the project as well as other professionals
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

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.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• CV
• Copy of Master's thesis. 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.
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Possibly publications etc. other relevant research work
• Possibly certificates
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here . If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) , please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.
NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment andCoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

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 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 have any questions about the position, please contact Marit Otterlei (professor), email [e-mail] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor Vebjørn F. Andreassen, e-mail: [e-mail] .

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

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.

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM):

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM) is NTNU’s largest department, with 450 employees. Our research and teaching help to improve treatment and health.

IKOM has expertise in basic, clinical and translational research within broad disciplinary areas. We study children’s and women’s health, cancers, blood disorders and infectious diseases, gastroenterology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, laboratory sciences and medical ethics. The Department offers teaching in medicine at master’s and PhD level. We also offer continuing education for employees in the health services.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Country Norway Geofield

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 4 years (3 years the doctoral work in addition to up to 1 year of career promotion work).

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout 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 be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.