2 Researchers/Research Assistants in Biotechnology

With key expertise in biotechnologies, NORCE contributes with new bio-solutions that are motivated by more efficient utilization of resources, and benefits to the environment, society, and economy. The Department of Biotechnology and Circular Economy holds about 40 employees across three research groups, builds on 25 years of experience, broad expertise, specialized laboratories, advanced infrastructure, and spin-off companies. NORCE is host of the Norwegian Bioprocessing and Fermentation Centre, a unique state of the art research infrastructure for microbial process design, development, and scaling. The three biotech teams coordinate and partner in EU research projects, lead several nationally funded research projects, and participate in a national centre in biotechnology and multiple other projects. The research activities are spanning from basic R&D (TRL1-2) to industry projects (TRL7-8).

Position 1: Researcher/research assistant in marine biotechnology

In the Marine biotechnology a permanent, full-time position as researcher or research assistant in Bergen, primarily at Marineholmen, is available. The group focus on enzyme technologies and microalgae processes, with expertise within molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics and bioprocess engineering. This position relates to research within phototrophic microalgae cultivation/production processes for developing bio-products such as food, feed, materials and chemicals. The group has infrastructure for cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms, from lab-to-pilot scale. Lab-scale infrastructure is based in Marineholmen, in addition, the group operates the UIB-owned National Algaepilot at Mongstad (NAM) for scale-up of up to 4 x 800 L photosynthetic cultivation, with a close connection to downstream processing infrastructure at the Aquafeed Technology Centre. The level of the position will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience.

A permanent, full-time researcher position is available in the Industrial Biotechnology group in Stavanger, primarily at Risavika. The group is working on fermentation and bioproduction, using alternative feedstocks and waste streams (including gases such as methane, CO2, and H2). The group has expertise within microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, fermentation, and bioprocess engineering. We seek a qualified candidate with at least 2-4 years of laboratory experience to work on research projects within the field of microbiology, fermentation, and bioprocessing. In this role, we expect you to be a key contributor to the fermentation work optimizing scale-up of fermentations from flasks through >1000 L industrial reactors, developing the knowledge and skills necessary to support this work at each step.

Responsibilities and work area

The positions will play key roles in executing and optimizing microbial cultivation activities using our integrated lab-to-pilot bioprocessing infrastructures for the development of high-quality bio-based products. The work includes the operation of a broad range of bioreactors, as well as upstream and downstream processes. A central part of the roles is to identify, diagnose, and interpret productivity limitations in microbial systems, contributing to troubleshooting of equipment and bioprocess operations, and to develop robust strategies for process improvements. The researcher will also be responsible for establishing methods for data compilation, processing, and quantitative analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. Additional tasks may include maintenance and documentation of equipment, implementation of procedures and policies. The researcher will work closely with in‑house specialists and project leaders, as well as partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. The role includes presenting and reporting scientific results internally and at national and international arenas. Travel between facilities will be required. Occasionally, experiments require working hours outside of the 8-16 standard.

Qualifications and Attributes
Both positions require:

• Master’s degrees in biotechnology, microbiology, bioprocess engineering, or equivalent.

• Good analytical skills

• Good writing and dissemination skills

• Excellent attitude towards health and safety

• Proficiency in both written and oral English

• Independent and structured

• Communicative, solution-oriented with good collaborative skills

• Position 1: Norwegian driving licence, class B

Additional experience from some of the following areas will further qualify the applicant:

• Experience with bioreactors, and/or bioprocesses

• Experience with microorganism cultivation >2L

• Large volume handling of chemicals and pressurized gas

• Experience with analytical chemistry

• Work experience, in particular from relevant industry (biotech, feed, food, pharmaceutical or equivalent)

• Working in multi-person research or industry projects

• Experience from project management

• Proficiency in a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish) or the willingness to learn Norwegian through personal study.

• Position 1: Access to car

We offer

For the right candidate, we can offer:

• Opportunity to join exciting research projects tackling today’s climate and environmental challenges

• A stimulating and professional working environment with a high degree of independence

• The opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams with experts who complement your own area of expertise

• Exciting and interdisciplinary projects together with national and international partners

• Opportunities to create new projects and expand your network

• Good opportunities for professional and personal development

• Flexible working hours

• Norwegian language training to all new employees with a non-Norwegian background

• Salary by agreement

• Good pension and welfare benefits

How to apply

If you have been looking for the chance to grow in the world of biotechnology, this may be the opportunity you have been seeking. Apply for the position electronically by clicking "Apply for these positions". The application must include:

• A cover letter specifying which of the two positions you apply for, outlining your motivation for applying and statement of research interests

• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of relevant scientific publications

• Copies of relevant diplomas

• The names and contact information of three references

• The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at our recruitment portal on Teamtailor.

If you have questions about the position 1, please contact Research Director Gro Bjerga (+47 907 81 736, grbj@norceresearch.no). If you have questions about the position 2, please contact Research Director Keith A. McCall (+47 411 91 650, kemc@norceresearch.no).

At NORCE, we are committed to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for available positions regardless of gender, age, disability, or ethnic background.

Candidates are expected to openly provide all relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Background checks may be carried out and candidates may be checked against relevant lists to ensure compliance with applicable export control and sanctions regulations. Candidates will be asked to provide information about their connections to high-risk countries for security assessment purposes.