Postdoctoral Research Fellow within microbiology and molecular biology

Arbeidsplassen; Tromsø; On-site; NOK 490,000 - 530,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in microbiology and molecular biology for a 3-year fixed-term position aimed at preparing candidates for top academic opportunities. The role involves managing research projects, experimental design, and collaboration across multiple disciplines. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a related field and have relevant experience. The position is based in Tromsø, Norway, offering a vibrant research environment and flexible working conditions.

Benefits

Participation in interesting research projects

Good career opportunities

Supportive academic environment

Flexible working hours

Pension scheme through the state pension fund

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree is required, PhD defense must be completed before starting.
• Experience in experimental evolution and genetic manipulation is crucial.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage your research project.
• Conduct experimental design and execution.
• Perform enzyme production and purification.

Skills

Experimental evolution

Genetic manipulation of bacteria

Protein expression and purification

Biochemical characterization of enzymes

Documented oral and written fluency in English

Education

Doctoral degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or related field

Job description

Overview

Postdoctoral Research Fellow within microbiology and molecular biology

The position is a fixed term for 3 years and aims to support qualification for top academic positions. Applicants must be able to carry out the project across the full employment period. No person may hold more than one fixed term Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at the same institution. The workplace is UiT in Tromsø, and starts must be possible within a reasonable time after offer. Postdoctoral projects should, unless special circumstances indicate otherwise, include stays abroad with a duration of at least 6 months.

The project

You will join a vibrant and multidisciplinary research environment, collaborating with faculty, researchers, and students to advance microbiology and molecular biology. The project investigates how antibiotic resistance (AMR) enzymes shape the evolution, selection, and spread of resistance within biofilm communities. The aim is to uncover molecular mechanisms underpinning biofilm evolution and the role of AMR enzymes in this process. The research will be tailored to the candidate’s expertise and interests, with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and openness to learning new methodologies.

The overarching goal is a deeper mechanistic understanding of how biofilm formation and AMR co-evolve. The candidate will have access to laboratories with state-of-the-art infrastructure and will be integrated into an international network of collaborators in Spain, Canada, and The Netherlands, enabling cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional exchange. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report to Dr. Christopher Frøhlich and is expected to contribute to advancing the field while developing expertise at the interface of molecular biology and evolutionary microbiology.

The position

The position is at the Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, within the Host-Microbe Interaction (HMI) research group.

General information about the position:

• Fixed term for 3 years. Intended to provide qualification for work in top academic positions.
• Applicant must be able to carry out the project for the full employment period.
• No person may hold more than one fixed term Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at the same institution.
• Workplace is UiT in Tromsø. Start must be possible within a reasonable time after offer.
• Postdoctoral projects should include stays abroad (minimum 6 months).

The project (continued)

You will join a multidisciplinary environment and work on the same project details as above, including collaboration and methodologies.

Duties of the position

You will be working on the following tasks:

• Manage your research project
• Experimental design and execution
• Perform experimental evolution and selection
• Enzyme production and purification
• Biochemical enzyme characterization
• Write scientific papers
• Present your work at national and international venues

Want to know more about the position?

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Christopher Frøhlich:

• phone: [phone]
• email: [e-mail]

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field. If the PhD defense is not yet completed, provide documentation from the supervisor confirming that it will be completed before the start of the position.
• Experience in: experimental evolution, genetic manipulation of bacteria, protein expression and purification, biochemical characterization of enzymes
• Documented oral and written fluency in English. Nordic applicants may attach their high school diploma.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in AMR and AMR mechanisms
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and data analysis
• Working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language
• Experience in writing publications
• Experience in a biosafety level-2 lab environment

During assessment, emphasis will be on motivation, research potential, and personal suitability. We seek candidates who are motivated, creative, ambitious, and capable of problem-solving in teams and independently, with genuine interest in molecular evolution and AMR as well as dissemination of scientific results.

Assessment will emphasize submitted works and the project proposal, and may include attention to outreach and administrative experience.

UiT emphasizes quality, relevance, and significance of research in line with DORA.

We offer

• Participation in an interesting research project and group dedicated to improving human health
• Good career opportunities
• A supportive academic environment with dedicated colleagues
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund

Norwegian health policy ensures access to health and care services for all employees; employees are members of the National Insurance Scheme, including health care services.

More practical information for working and living in Norway is available at https://uit.no/staffmobility

Inclusion and diversity

UiT actively promotes equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, fostering an inclusive and safe working environment. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply and will adapt working conditions as needed for qualified applicants.

Application

Your application must include:

• Application letter
• CV
• Diplomas and transcripts
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Contact information for 2-3 references
• A list of your academic production and a description of your most important works
• Academic works you wish considered

Development plan required within three months of appointment and approved by the immediate leader with personnel responsibility.

If you are in the final stages of your PhD, you may apply and submit parts of your dissertation. Include a statement from your supervisor with the expected completion date. Documentation of the completed PhD must be submitted before commencement.

Documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications and documentation must be submitted via Jobbnorge by the deadline.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee based on written material and project description. Qualified applicants will be invited to interview; a trial lecture may be held.

General information

The appointment follows State regulations and UiT guidelines. Remuneration for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow is according to the State salary scale code 1352, with a 2% compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Employees are eligible for benefits under the pension fund, including sick leave, survivor benefits, and occupational injury/illness coverage. More at spk.no.

The successful candidate should contribute to departmental and university development. UiT promotes gender equality and may rank equally qualified applicants from underrepresented genders higher. Information about applicants may be included in the public applicant list under the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act.

Om bedriften

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus research university and the northernmost university in the world. Our location, research portfolio, and interdisciplinarity support solving future challenges. Read more about us at uit.no/helsefak.