PhD position in Functional Genomics of Atlantic salmon

About the PhD fellowship

Life histories are key components of individual fitness and are expected to evolve in response to environmental change and artificial selection. However, little is known about the molecular basis underlying variation in these traits. Atlantic salmon is among the most variable vertebrates on Earth in terms of life histories, making it a powerful model to study how complex differences in ecologically and economically relevant life history traits are regulated at the molecular level. Variation in a key Atlantic salmon life history trait, maturity age, is strongly influenced by the genotype in a few large-effect genes including SIX6 and VGLL3. How genetic variation in these regulatory proteins translates through gene regulatory networks into life history variation remains largely unknown. 

The PhD candidate will use state of the art functional genomics to discover the molecular mechanisms mediating SIX6 and VGLL3 effects on salmon maturity age. The candidate will work with molecular techniques to map gene regulatory networks (e.g. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq) and statistical approaches to discover genotype-phenotype associations (e.g. GWAS, random forest) in common-garden and aquaculture environments. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, and how genetic variation therein associates with life history traits, the candidate will:

• discover the mechanism by which large-effect regulatory genes mediate life history adaptations
• help to predict changes in life history traits as salmon adapt to new environments
• help to develop new broodstocks with desirable maturation rates 

The project is implemented in collaboration with researchers at the University of Helsinki (Finland), and with partners from the aquaculture industry. 

The candidate will join the Genomics division at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University and will be supervised by Associate Professor Jukka-Pekka Verta. The division is housed at the new Noatun building with excellent lab space for genomics and proteomics as well as powerful IT infrastructure. The vibrant city of Bodø is surrounded by stunning Arctic nature and offers excellent quality of life in one of the world’s most developed countries.

The contract will be for a 3-year period without teaching. The start date is set for fall 2025, though this is flexible. 

Qualification requirements

A 2-year (120 ETCS) MSc degree in a relevant program is required by the time of employment. A strong candidate should be self-motivated with excellent organisation and time-management skills. A team spirit and ability to collaborate with people from different backgrounds are essential. Good written and spoken skills in English are essential. Successful applicants are expected to have experience in molecular genetics wet-lab work. Basic skills in R and strong willingness to learn bioinformatics are required. Skills where hands-on experience is considered an advantage:

• functional genomics (e.g. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq)
• genotype-phenotype associations (e.g. GWAS, GLMMs, random forest, genomic prediction)

Ideally, these skills would be documented through peer-reviewed publications or other academic work (e.g. Master's or Bachelor’s thesis, course reports, etc.). Applications are warmly welcomed even if the candidate lacks these skills or formal documentation of them.

• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit NOKUT approval of their master’s degree
• Grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis. See admission requirements: PhD in Biosciences
• Proficiency in English, both written and oral, is required.

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. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion
• Demonstrated experience in related research work such as functional, ecological, or evolutioanry genomics
• Demonstrated ability for independent, goal-oriented, and systematic scientific work
• Personal suitability

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at 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
• 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 activity that is 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.