PhD position in Ecotoxicology

About the position

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University invites applications from outstanding candidates for a PhD fellowship within the project “Forever chemicals in the Arctic - Toxicological assessment of PFAS compounds in fish and risk to humans“. The project aims to develop novel biological knowledge about the toxicity of PFAS compounds accumulating in Arctic fish and assess their relevance for food safety and human health. The PhD research is part of the EU-funded project “Arctic pollution in a One Health perspective - From complex challenges to sustainable solutions". The PhD will be in charge of planning and conducting laboratory experiments with zebrafish and salmon, analyze data, and search for exposure and effect biomarkers of PFAS chemicals.

The position is based in Bodø and will be available from January 2026, though this is flexible. 

Qualification requirements

At the time of appointment, the candidate must have completed an MSc degree in a relevant discipline such as ecotoxicology, environmental or molecular biology or equivalent fields. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree. Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) is required both for the program in total and the master’s thesis. See admission requirements: PhD in Biosciences.

The PhD will oversee planning and conducting laboratory exposure experiments with zebrafish and salmon, analyze data, and search for biomarkers of PFAS exposure. Hands-on experience in conducting field or laboratory experiment, fish physiology, behavioral assessment, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics are advantageous for the position.

Analytical skills and good knowledge about research methods relevant to the proposed project.

It is assumed that the person who is hired is admitted to the faculty’s doctoral program. Final project outline with plan for the doctoral work must be approved and agreed upon no later than 3 months after accession. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not available within this deadline, due to lack of annual reporting of progress and/or serious failure in progress and in duty work. 

Ability to speak Norwegian or another Scandinavian language will be an advantage. 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. Proficiency in oral and written English is essential.

Candidates must meet Nord University’s residency requirements.

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
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Relevant experience from research work
• -Project sketch with description of project idea and plan for implementation
• 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 loans, 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.

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 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.
• Description of the project idea, (maximum 2 pages), based on the theme of the announced position, including the theoretical basis, and intended methodology.
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications).
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates.
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file.
• 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. 

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.