Postdoc in marine biotechnology at University of Bergen-PhD microbiology-Apply

Description & Details:  We are living in a world with strongly increasing needs for sustainable and nutritious marine resources for food and feed production. Microalgae are primary producers, and with their interesting biochemical composition they represent a considerable and unexploited resource. The aquaculture industry needs a stable supply of feed resources in sufficient quantities and quality for future growth, in particular the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which so far has been ensured by inclusion of fish oil. However, the global supply of fish oil is limited and emerging high-value omega-3 markets are competing for this resource. New sources of EPA and DHA must be fully developed to cover the global demand, and marine microalgae are regarded as a promising alternative as the primary producer of all EPA and DHA in marine food webs. By the establishment of the NAM pilot facility, we are taking the first step to demonstrate in a relevant scale, the concept of providing phototrophic microalgae biomass for the exploitation of this valuable resource into feed, food and high-value products. NAM will conduct research on microalgae cultivation and optimization in close collaboration with international collaborators and with industry stakeholders.

The main tasks will be related to establishing and scaling up pilot photobioreactor systems, conduct cultivation experiments, optimize productivity and contribute to stable operation conditions. This work will be integrated with other UiB and Uni Research scientists working on other projects along the microalgae value chain.

Qualifications and personal qualities
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate that has background in one or several of the following research fields: microbiology, marine microbiology, algal physiology, or algal biotechnology. In addition, the candidate should fulfill the following requirements:

·         the applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within microbiology or another field relevant for the project, or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.

·         experience from up-scaled cultivation of marine microalgae is a prerequisite

·         experience with bioprocess or productivity optimization will be considered an advantage.

·         the candidate should be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others.

·         Proficiency in both written and oral English.

About the position of postdoctoral fellow

The position of postdoctoral fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. The fixed-term period for this position is 4 years of which 25% will be comprised of mandatory work, such as teaching and supervision. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral fellow at the same institution.

Upon appointment, applicants must submit a project proposal for the qualifying work. The project proposal must be prepared in cooperation with the project manager/supervisor and must also include a schedule. It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.

We can offer

·         a good and professionally challenging working environment.

·         salary at pay grade 57 (Code 1352) upon appointment. This currently amounts to an annual salary of NOK 486.100 gross p.a. 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 research statement that describes the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position

·         the names and contact information for two referees, one of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme (or for the applicant’s doctoral degree)

·         CV

·         transcripts and diplomas and official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted

·         relevant certificates/references

·         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.

Closing date for application: 22 August 2016

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