Researcher Position in Algal Biotechnology - SEANERGIES Project (50 %)

About the position

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University (Bodø, Norway) is offering a 50% researcher position for a period of three years within the Algal and Microbial Biotechnology division (macroalgae subdivision www.marinetics.org). The position is part of the international research project SEANERGIES – Cell-cultured octopus production through sustainable marine biomass valorization, funded by the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP EPSS) and co-financed by the Research Council of Norway.

SEANERGIES is a pioneering project aiming to establish the scientific foundation for cultivated octopus using sustainable marine biomaterials. The project is coordinated by Wageningen University (Netherlands) and brings together leading institutions from Portugal, Italy, France, Brazil, and Norway. Nord University leads Work Package 5, focused on developing decellularized seaweed scaffolds from macroalgae to support the growth and differentiation of octopus muscle cells in an animal-free system.

This part-time position is especially well suited for:

• Researchers with a recent MSc or PhD seeking to strengthen their publication record and international experience
• Candidates preparing for a future PhD
• Professionals returning to research after a career break or balancing other commitments (e.g., teaching, family)
• Academics or practitioners interested in flexible, mission-driven, interdisciplinary work

Start date: January 6, 2026

Responsibilities

• Cultivation of clean, monoclonal Saccharina latissima sporophytes from spores in controlled lab conditions.
• Development and optimization of decellularization protocols for producing scaffolds.
• Characterization of scaffold structure and properties (e.g., porosity, mechanical integrity).
• Collaboration with international partners to assess octopus cell viability, attachment, and differentiation on the seaweed scaffolds.
• Support in writing scientific publications, reports, and deliverables.
• Participation in SEANERGIES meetings, dissemination events, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Qualifications and requirements

• MSc (required) or PhD (preferred) in marine biology, biotechnology, aquaculture, or a related field.
• Experience with macroalgal cultivation and laboratory techniques.
• Familiarity with microscopy and/or molecular biology methods.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a multidisciplinary, international team.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

   

• Experience with scaffold development, decellularization, or marine biomaterials.
• Background in phycology, algal physiology, or marine biotechnology.
• Experience with histological analysis or scaffold characterization
• Record of dissemination (e.g., publications or conference presentations).

We offer

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension 
• Creative and collegial working environment 
• A workplace with progressive development 
• Flexible working hours 
• Active university sports team

Salary is negotiable.

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. 

The public sector workforce is expected to reflect the diversity of the population in general. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, immigrant backgrounds or different life experience to apply. 

If applicants indicate they have disabilities or gaps in their CV, their details may be used anonymously for the purposes of governmental annual review.

Application MUST include:

• Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and suitability for the position
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Brief description of relevant experience and career goals (max. 2 pages)
• Certified academic transcripts (MSc or PhD)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees (name, affiliation, email, phone)

All documentation must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit complete documentation electronically before the application deadline.

After the application deadline, a public list of applicants will be prepared. Please note that information about the applicant may be made public even if a request has been made to be excluded from the list. Applicants who still request confidentiality must provide specific justification in the application. In such cases, applicants will be notified in advance of any disclosure.