PhD position in Genomics – insights into anisakidosis

About the PhD fellowship:

Increasing anthropogenic disturbance of marine ecosystems is linked to a rise in disease incidence. Fisheries currently face significant pressure from climate change in the marine environment, while providing a vital source of essential protein. The selective focus of intensive commercial fisheries notably alters life-history traits and disease susceptibility. This study promises unprecedented resolution of parasitic marine nematode genomes, examining their role in disease and identifying potential gene targets for intervention. 

The faculty seeks to recruit a PhD candidate (3 years) to work in this research field. In this project, advanced genomic methods will be employed to investigate an emerging zoonosis caused by anisakid nematode parasites. The first task will involve generating high-quality, chromosome-level reference genomes for selected species using long-read and long-range technologies. Subsequently, genome-wide divergence between taxa will be quantified from the chromosome-level reference genome alignments. Historical and population comparisons will also be undertaken.

This PhD position will be associated with the Ecology and Animal Science, Production and Welfare divisions of the faculty, located at the Bodø campus. The PhD candidate will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in the new faculty building, as well as the laboratories at the Research Station in Bodø. Available research infrastructure includes Next Generation Sequencing platforms, local servers, and ship time using access to Faculty and IMR vessels – making fluency in a Scandinavian language a necessity for this project. 

The position is offered for an initial period of 3 years, including a 6-month probationary period. The selected candidate is expected to start no later than January 31, 2026. The position ios based in Bodø, Norway. 

Candidates must comply with Nord University’s residency requirements.

Qualification requirements

The candidate should hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular ecology, or a related field. A good knowledge and practical experience in molecular ecology, population genetics, and statistical and bioinformatic analyses are required. Interest and prior practical experience in genomic analysis and bioinformatics is preferred. We are seeking highly motivated, creative, and ambitious applicants with an excellent academic record and the ability to collaborate effectively with other members of a multidisciplinary team.

• A master’s degree in a relevant field of study is required. Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the
• programme in total and the master’s thesis. See admission requirements: PhD in Biosciences
• A good knowledge and practical experience in molecular ecology, population genetics, and statistical and bioinformatic analyses is required.
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree
• It is assumed that the person who is hired is admitted to the faculty’s doctoral program. The final project outline, including a plan for the doctoral work, must be approved and agreed upon within three months after admission. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not available within this deadline, due to a lack of annual reporting of progress and/or serious failure in progress and in duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page
• For the position, good English skills are required, both written and oral. For non-native speakers, proficiency in oral and written English is essential, documented by either the Norwegian Higher Education Entrance Qualification or internationally recognised certificates. 
• Ability to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language will be considered as strong merit and will be highly weighted in the selection process. If the candidate does not document proficiency in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish at level A2, then the doctoral fellow must complete a language course equal to 15 ECTS before the end of the fixed-term period.

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study. Project outline with description of project idea and plan for implementation. 
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion. Relevant experience from research work
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically
• Personal suitability

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at wage level 54, NOK 550 800,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale.

• Benefits from the Government Pension Fund, like better deals on loan, insurance, and pensions
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours  
• Active university sports team

General information

The person who is appointed must abide by the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which imposes requirements for handling protected and sensitive information. To enhance the security of the hiring process, Nord may conduct background checks on potential candidates.

Please note that all our candidates may be asked questions necessary in this context. This includes questions about any connections to countries that the PST has assessed as high-risk in its open threat assessment. The state workforce should, to the greatest extent possible, reflect the diversity of the population. Therefore, Nord University encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds, and other diverse life experiences to apply. Information about disabilities or gaps in the CV may be used for anonymized registration purposes.

For this position, Nord University is cautious about hiring individuals with connections to high-risk countries.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations.

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics.

Application

• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor's and master's education and relevant certificates
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file
• An outline of a project idea, up to 2 pages, with references
• Name and contact information of 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activities that are considered relevant for the position, and wishes to be taken into account in the assessment

Once the application period has ended, a list of applicants will be published. Please note that, in exceptional circumstances, the identity of certain applicants for a position may be disclosed even if those applicants have requested that their application be treated confidentially. Applicants seeking an exemption from the publication of their identity must provide reasons for their request in their application. In such instances, advance notice will be given should a decision to disclose any information about the applicant be made.