Researcher in Marine Evolutionary Genomics

About the position

A 100%  position as a researcher in marine evolutionary genomics is available at the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Agder (UiA), for a period of 2 years. For suitable candidates there may be possibility of extending the period to include teaching duties and/or additional research. The position is located in southernmost Norway, at UiAs offices at the Institute of Marine Research in Arendal and at UiAs Campus in Kristiansand. Stays at other collaborating institutions may also be necessary. The preferred start date is May 1st 2026 (negotiable with the Department).

To understand evolutionary processes in coastal marine ecosystems, with a focus on sessile organisms, the appointed researcher will work with analyses of genomic data (NGS). The aim of the project is to enhance understanding of the role of genomic variation in coastal species, as well as the drivers of change.

The position is part of a strategically funded project to enhance research within genomics with relevance to nature-based solutions and low-trophic cultivation at UiA. Hence, an applied component to the scope of the research may be developed that aligns with these aims.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to study how genomic diversity is influenced by ecological interactions and evolutionary processes in the coastal marine environment. 

Coastal areas are environments highly affected by a changing climate and other human impacts. As a researcher, you will collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team. You will analyze large-scale genomic datasets to uncover ecological and evolutionary drivers of change in genomic diversity with emphasis on the fluctuating and heterogenous coastal zone. 

The project will involve molecular biology, field- and experimental work, bioinformatics and statistical modeling. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge genomic tools to disentangle ecological adaptation and spatiotemporal trends in sessile marine species. Strong analytical skills and experience in genomics and evolutionary biology are desirable.

Required qualifications

• A PhD in genomics, or similar, with a strong bioinformatic background. Applicants with a PhD in Marine Biology, but with strong skills in genomics and bioinformatics, are also welcomed to apply. Candidates who are in the final stages of their PhD-project might be assessed, but it is a prerequisite that the candidate can document an obtained a relevant PhD before the hiring process is completed.
• Substantial bioinformatics experience with processing and analyzing NGS data, quality assessment/filtering, alignment and variant detection.
• Experience with long-read (PacBio/ONT) NGS sequencing, genome assembly and annotation
• Strong competence in programming (shell/python/R) and Unix 
• Competence in population genomics and molecular biology
• Written and spoken English proficiency.

International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better: 

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

Desired qualifications

• Strong publication record in peer-review journals
• Experience with obtaining external funding 
• Knowledge of and experience with marine biology and ecology
• Experience with demographic genomic inference, quantitative genetics and structural variation 

Personal qualities

Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasized. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to an active research environment and should have good communication and teamworking skills. The appointee must have the ability to work in a goal-oriented, organized, focused, and independent manner. 

During the assessment process emphasis will be placed on the quality and relevance of previous work, list of peer-reviewed publications, technical experience and skills and personal suitability.

We offer

• Excellent possibilities for professional development in cooperation with top scientists in the field
• Opportunities to work with exciting scientific challenges
•  A positive, inclusive and diverse working environment
• Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers
• Membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 

More about working at UiA.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 90.400, code 1109 Researcher, NOK 650 000 – 690 000 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. 

The candidate will be affiliated with Centre for Coastal Research (CCR) , a research center hosted by UiA. CCR is a collaboration between regional marine research institutions and focuses on the ecology and evolution of the biota in the marine coastal zone.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:

• A cover letter describing the candidates motivation to apply, as well as the applicant’s research interests, experience and ambitions  relating to the advertised position
• Certificates with grades
• List of publications
• Doctoral thesis
• A brief description of up to 10 academic articles which the candidate wishes to particularly emphasize for the assessment process. The articles must also be uploaded.
• A brief description of up to 5 scientific projects which the candidate wishes to particularly emphasize for the assessment process
• Contact information for 2-3 references. References will only be contacted for short-listed candidates that are interviewed for the position. By accepting an invitation to be interviewed the candidate gives permission for UiA to do a reference check. · Any other relevant documentation

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Application deadline: 11.12.25

Contact

For questions about the position:

• Associate Professor Marte Sodeland, mobile +47 975 89 188, e-mail marte.sodeland@uia.no 
• Head of Research at Institute of Marine Research and professor II at UiA Halvor Knutsen, mobile +47 924 09 667, e-mail halvor.knutsen@hi.no 
• Head of departement of natural sciences Thomas Gjesteland, mobile +47 414 46 418, e-mail thomas.gjesteland@uia.no

For questions about the application process:

HR-adviser Linda H. Kristiansen, mobile +47 481 40 609, e-mail linda.h.kristiansen@uia.no

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

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