PhD Position in Evolution of Invertebrate Photoreceptors at Sars International Centre and University of Bergen, Norway

The Sars International Centre and The University of Bergen/Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences are now offering a research fellow (PhD position) for 3 years on the project Evolution of Invertebrate Photoreceptors. Uni Sars Centre is a partner of The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL),

and a department of Uni Research AS, affiliated with the University of Bergen. The place of work will be at the Sars Centre.

The research group offering the position and headed by Harald Hausen is interested in the origin and diversification process of animal cell types and does comparative research on the molecular, structural and functional level in several invertebrate taxa. The PhD project focuses on integrative characterisation of photoreceptors in different species for evolutionary analysis. This involves fine structural investigations, expression analysis of genes involved in phototransduction, signalling and cell type specification as well as developmental, physiological and behavioural studies. Next generation sequencing based transcriptome data are currently generated for several species to facilitate efficient molecular investigations. Most relevant methods are in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, CLSM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Applicants must have achieved a master degree or equivalent, or have submitted their master thesis for assessment by the application deadline. It is a prerequisite, however, that the formal admission requirements for the PhD programme are met before appointment can be made.

Applicants should have a strong interest in evolutionary developmental biology. Profound knowledge of molecular methods and/or advanced microscopy (CLSM, TEM) is necessary.

The research fellow must take part in the University’s approved PhD programme leading to the degree within a time limit of 3 years. Application for admission to the PhD programme, including a project plan outline for the training module, will be worked out in collaboration with the research group in question.

The fellowship period may be reduced if the successful applicant has held previous employment as research fellow.

The teaching language will normally be Norwegian, however, English will be an option.

Starting salaries at level 48 (code 1017/LR 20.8) in the Civil Service pay grade table, currently NOK 383.900 gross p.a.; following ordinary meriting regulations.

For further information regarding the position and scientific content of the project please contact Dr. Harald Hausen, Group Leader (harald.hausen@sars.uib.no +47 555 84303).

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

State employment shall reflect the multiplicity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. The University of Bergen has therefore adopted a personnel policy objective to ensure that we achieve a balanced age and sex composition and the recruitment of persons of various ethnic backgrounds. Persons of different ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principles of public openness when recruiting staff to scientific positions.

Information about the applicant may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if his/her request is not respected.

Written application, in English, including a summary of education and work experience (including copies of education transcripts and attestation of work experience), a brief statement of research interest and personal motivation (all in three identical copies), along with contact information for two referees, should be sent by postal mail to: Sars International Centre, Administration Office, Bergen High Technology Centre, Thormøhlensgt. 55, 5008 Bergen, Norway.

Applications by e-mail only will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 17 June 2011.

Quote reference number 2011/1665

Further Scholarship Information and Application