PhD Research Fellow in Microbiology/Biotechnology

About the network

StraDiVarious (Strains, Diagnostics and Variants) is a European-wide intersectoral doctoral training network focussed on focus on emerging bacterial threats – specifically the ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp) Our goal is to make a difference in the development of next-generation strain-specific rapid diagnostics, and to help find potential drug/vaccine targets. 

Within this network, we are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join our team at the University of Oslo for the project:

DC14 - ESKAPE pathogen adhesion to cells and implant surfaces

Supervisors

Dirk Linke: https://www.mn.uio.no/ibv/english/people/aca/dirkl/index.html

Håvard Haugen: https://www.odont.uio.no/iko/english/people/aca/haavarjh/index.html

Project description

The PhD candidate will develop bacterial biofilm models with single or multiple bacterial species under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. You will use these model biofilms to test medical implants and other medically relevant surfaces. They will also be used to test the effect of mutations in surface attachment genes of individual, implant-related ESKAPE pathogens. 

The work is a close collaboration with an Oslo-based company interested in medical implants, Corticalis AS. The position thus offers the opportunity to work in an academic setting but in close collaboration with a commercial partner. 

Methods will include microbial growth of pathogenic bacteria on surfaces under different growth conditions, including the use of fermentation equipment and anaerobic chambers. Analytical methods will include (but are not restricted to) light microscopy/FISH, molecular biology (qPCR), and possibly next-generation sequencing techniques.

What skills are important in this role?

Mandatory requirements: The candidate must have 

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related fields at the time of admittance to the programme
• Documented experience in at least one of the following areas: microbial growth of non-model bacterial species (ideally in biofilms, or under anaerobic conditions), microbial fermentation with automated systems (bioreactors), or molecular biology analysis relevant to microbial communities (for example qPCR and/or FISH).

Desirable qualifications: In addition, it is an advantage if the candidate has

• A good theoretical understanding of bacterial metabolism and microbial growth
• Documented experience with light/fluorescence microscopy including staining techniques
• Documented experience with quantitative biochemical assays (for enzymatic functions or quantification of biofilms, carbohydrates, or other biomolecules)

What are we looking for in you?

Personal skills:

We are an international team of researchers from very different scientific and cultural backgrounds. Our colleagues should have

• Good language and communication skills 
• The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• The ability to work independently on complex projects (from planning and execution to results presentation)
• The ability to work with non-standard scientific equipment (including setup, testing, and potentially smaller modifications or repairs)

General eligibility criteria for the StraDiVarious network: 

• Applicants must not have been awarded a doctorate previously.
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. See:  https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks 
• Candidates must have a high level of English proficiency (demonstrated e.g. by TOEFL, IELTS certification) or by having been educated in an English-speaking country to age 18.
• Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria as outlined in the individual research project descriptions.
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements of the institution to which they apply.

In addition to the eligibility criteria above, candidates admitted to the PhD programme at the University of Oslo must fulfil all requirements listed here: https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8 

All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.

We offer

Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK 550 800 – 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2% is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

How to apply

Technical information:

• Position location: Oslo, Norway.
• Application deadline: January 6th, 2026
• Interviews: February 9th and 13th, 2026 (be available both days)
• Project start date: September 1st, 2026 
• Duration: 3 years
• Norwegian Position code 1017

How to apply: 

Please follow this link for detailed instructions: https://stradivarious-site.webflow.io/apply 

Apply for position DC14; we recommend to apply to multiple positions within the network.