Post doc position in marine primary production in Polhavet 2050 (PH2050)

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

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

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About the position

The Department of Biology (IBI) has a vacant 3- year postdoctoral (PD) position for a marine phytoplankton ecologist in the Marine Sciences section at Trondhjem biologiske stasjon (TBS). The position is part of a NTNU well-known niche nationally using enabling technology for research and education of algal (phytoplankton, ice algae, macroalgae) dynamics to provide knowledge needed for better ecosystem function and management.

The overarching aim of the Marine Sciences section is focused on sustainable management, production, and utilization of biological marine resources. The position will be important in utilizing the momentum in educating the next generation for Arctic research to strengthen research, education, and innovation in marine sciences at NTNU. It will contribute within the national project on the Arctic Ocean 2050 (PH2050). Cross-disciplinary activities will be designed in marine primary production and biodiversity using new monitoring tools available for 18 research partner institutions. This position is expected to contribute to the collection and analysis of data from advanced sensors attached to moorings and robotic platforms operating in space, air, sea surface and/or underwater for the study of marine phytoplankton, such as the Observation Pyramid (OP). We ask for a candidate with expertise in the collection and analysis of data from in situ sensors on different instrument-carrying platforms in Arctic environments, collected over different time and space scales, related to phytoplankton biomass, biodiversity, primary production and function as core themes.

The hired candidate will be able to join a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team that is working on the development of new techniques to provide ecological information needed for enhanced environmental monitoring. We are looking for a candidate who can create synergies with the 18 partners in PH2050, including several departments at NTNU.  Collaboration with colleagues at the Departments of Biology, Marine Technology, Engineering Cybernetics and Chemistry are highly relevant. The employed candidate will be a member of the Marine Sciences section team based at TBS, with teaching and research activities in this area. The department is hosting the Master-program in Ocean Resources (MSOCEAN), designed to give students a broad understanding of the interactions in the marine sector across fields of marine ecology and enabling technology.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

As a new employee at IBI and member of the Marine Sciences section you will:

• Provide light regime data and photosynthetic parameters in open and ice-covered waters in the Arctic Ocean.
• Research in phytoplankton ecology using in-situ observations underwater and at surface, provide ground truth data for space-borne sensors and moorings (time-series data), such as in the Observation Pyramid (OP).
• Combine information from key environmental variables from time-series measurements from moorings, ArcLight observatory with corresponding effects on biology.
• Aid development and use of ice-tethered moorings and sensors from NTNU in PH2050.
• Aid in hands-on work and mentoring and collaboration with some NTNU PhD candidates associated with PH2050.
• Contribute to teaching and develop pedagogical competences in a relevant area of the department programes.

Required selection criteria

• Your PhD, or academic work, must be within marine algal photosynthesis (ice algae, phytoplankton and macroalgae) using fluorescence kinetics (e.g. Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometry or Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry).
• You must have a minimum of 1 year of relevant research experience in addition to your PhD.
• You must have research experience related to phytoplankton ecology with focus on physical coupling (environmental variables) and use of underwater mobile platforms (e.g. Remotely Operated Vehicles).
• You must have hands on experience in in situ and laboratory methods/observations to measure phytoplankton biomass, biodiversity, primary production and function.
• You must have a relevant scientific track record according to your career stage.
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English equivalent level.

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

If you do not already have educational competence that meets the requirements for a position as associate professor in Norway, NTNU will arrange for you to acquire such competence during the employment period. In such cases, you will also be assigned relevant teaching as part of the career-promoting work.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations concerning the degrees of philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

As a result of the new Act relating to universities and university colleges with associated regulations of 01/08/2024, NTNU has, during a transitional period (for decisions on employment in recruitment positions before 1 August 2025), chosen to use the terms of employment in the old regulations of 31 January 2006 no. 102 on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, research fellow, scientific assistant and specialist candidate

Preferred selection criteria

• A PhD with experience from previous projects in the Arctic (eg. Nansen Legacy research program) using enabling technology for marine ecology.
• Experience with the use and interpretation of bio-optical (spectral absorption, reflectance and fluorescence) and photosynthetic parameters (PAM and/or FRRf fluorometry) in marine phytoplankton, ice algae and macroalgal eco-physiological research.
• Previous research cruise experience in Arctic conditions.
• Teaching experience from higher education courses (MSc & PhD level) is beneficial.
• Good oral and written presentation/teaching skills in Norwegian/Scandinavian and English.

Personal characteristics

• Hands on and highly motivated to work in cross-disciplinary teams to provide excellent research and to be aiding in teaching next generation in Arctic research.
• Demonstrated teamwork skills with ability to work closely as part of collegial teams, and to contribute to a good and inclusive working environment.
• Excellent communication skills.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting job with an important social mission
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance throughout the postdoctoral program and together with you we will prepare a career plan, which containsthe skills and knowledge you will acquire
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

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.

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

Salary and conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 633 400,- per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important to keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and to 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 bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed

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:

• A cover letter explaining your interest and fit for this position.
• CV, diplomas, and certificates.
• Academic works that you consider to be most relevant and which you wish to be considered during assessment of your application (up to 5 items).
• A list of your previous works, with details on where they have been published.
• A 1-page statement of teaching interest and competence in the field of the position.
• A 1-2 page statement of research interest and competence in the field of the position.
• Your research and teaching statements should highlight how you intend to use remote- and in-situ observations of phytoplankton using underwater, surface, in air or space-borne sensors for research and educational activities.
• Names and contact information for 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. Description of the documentation required can 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 works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

If you have had leave or another break in your career, it is important that this is stated in your application so that the selection committee can take this into account and that the amount of your research may be reduced as a result.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal qualities. Motivation, ambitions and potential for research will also be emphasized in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and is committed to follow evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment DORA and the obligations in CoARA (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 be exempt from entry on the public list of applicants, 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 regarding the position, please contact Professor Geir Johnsen (Professor in Marine Ecology at IBI) geir.johnsen@ntnu.no or Professor Bjørn Egil Asbjørnslett (Director of NTNU Ocean & Coast Strategic Area) bjorn.e.asbjornslett@ntnu.no.

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Consultant Alexander Skomakerstuen alexander.skomakerstuen@ntnu.no.

If you find this position interesting, and in accordance with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

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.