Job Description

ph3PhD Research Fellow in fungal biology/ecology /h3 pPosition as PhD Research Fellow in fungal biology/ecology available at Department of Biosciences/ Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EVOGENE).br/The fellowship period is three years. /p pA fourth year may be considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career‑promoting work. Other career‑promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department. /p pStarting date no later than October 1, 2026. /p pNo one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. /p pPlace of work is Department of Biosciences/ Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EVOGENE) at Blindern, Oslo. /p pThe candidate will be part of Oslo Mycology Group (OMG), a vigorous research group including around 15 people focusing mainly on fungal ecology and evolution. To study fungi, we often combine field work with DNA‑based laboratory methods and bioinformatics. /p pMost land plants form mycorrhizal symbiosis with various fungi in their roots, where the associated fungi provide the host plant with an increased uptake of nutrients and water from the soil. The mycelium of mycorrhizal fungi extends from the plant roots into the soil and can form extensive belowground individuals (genets). In forests, the mycelium of one genet can connect two or more trees, even of different plant species, which is then termed a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). /p pThe core of the PhD project is to conduct spatiotemporal analyses and mapping of common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) formed by various mycorrhizal fungi in forest ecosystems. To this end, various sample types — soil, fungal fruit bodies, and plant roots — will be collected in a long‑term monitoring plot in a forest near Oslo. The samples will be analyzed using high‑throughput DNA sequencing, including DNA metabarcoding and population genetics/genomics. During the project, we may also establish pilot experiments addressing the functionality of CMNs. /p pThe main research tasks will include fieldwork, DNA laboratory work, bioinformatics, statistical analyses, and scientific writing. The candidate will collaborate closely with four supervisors with different competences, as well as with international research partners. There will be possibilities for research visit(s) abroad to other laboratories. /p pColourbox /p h3Whatskillsareimportantinthisrole? /h3 pThe Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials. /p pbRequired qualifications: /b /p ul liMaster’s degree or equivalent in fungal biology/ecology /li liForeign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system /li liFluent oral and written communication skills in English /li liFormal competence and hands‑on experience in DNA-based methods, including DNA‑extraction, PCR, and analyses of high‑throughput sequence data /li liCompetence and hands‑on experience in bioinformatics and statistics /li liExperience with scientific writing /li /ul pCandidates without a master’s degree have until bJune 30, 2026 /b to complete the final exam. /p pbDesired qualifications: /b /p ul liKnowledge in mycorrhizal ecology/biology /li liSolid experience with DNA metabarcoding, including DNA library preparation and bioinformatics analyses /li liExperience with population genetics and genotyping, including library preparation and bioinformatics analyses /li liCompetence and hands‑on experience with R and statistics /li liExperience in field work /li liExperience with scientific publishing /li /ul pbLanguage requirement: /b /p ul liGood oral and written communication skills in English /li /ul pbGrade requirements: /bbr/The norm is as follows: /p ul liThe average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system /li liThe average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system /liliThe Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system /li /ul pAll 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. /p h3What are we looking for in you? /h3 pbPersonal skills: /b /p ul liWe strongly emphasize a good working environment and is looking for a person with good interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills /li liAbility to work both independently and as part of a team /li liPositive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods /li liThe project will involve handling and processing of a high number of samples at the lab. We therefore need a person with ability to work precise in a very structured manner. /li /ul pEmployment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal qualifications. /p pJarli Jordan / UiO /p h3We can offer you /h3 ul liA pleasant and stimulating work environment /li liA workplace with good development and career opportunities /li liMembership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway’s best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes /li liOslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities /li liSalary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 – 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund /li /ul h3We need different perspectives in our work /h3 pUiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no. /p pWe fulfil our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one? /p pWe will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures. /p pIf you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian). /p pThe selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymised statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.br/We hope you will apply for the position with us. /p h3How to apply /h3 pbThe application must include: /b /p ul liCover letter - statement of motivation and research interests /li liCV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications) /li liCopies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records (see below) /li liDocumentation of English proficiency if applicable /li liList of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee /li liNames and contact details of 2–3 references (name, relation to candidate, e‑mail and telephone number) /li /ul pApplication with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for this job". Foreign applicants should attach an official explanation of their University’s grading system. /p pWhen applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. /p pUiO/ Anders Lien /p h3General information /h3 pThe best qualified candidates will invited for interviews.br/Applicant lists can be published in accordance with Norwegian Freedom of Information Act § 25. When you apply for a position with us, your name will appear on the public applicant list. It is possible to request to be excluded from this list. You must justify why you want an exemption from publication and we will then decide whether we can grant your request. If we can’t, you will hear from us. /p pThe University of Oslo has a transfer agreement with all employees that is intended to secure the rights to all research results etc. /p h3About the University of Oslo /h3 pbThe University of Oslo /b is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 26,500 students and 7,200 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society. /p pbDepartment of Biosciences (IBV) /b is one of nine departments at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Research in the department is organised in five sections covering topics within biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, cell biology, genetics, aquatic biology, toxicology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The Department also operates Finseresearch station, the Biological research station in Drøbak and UiO's research vessel. Education across these topics is offered for around 300 bachelor, 170 master, and 75 PhD students. With 48 permanent professors/associate professors, post‑docs, researchers, technical, and administrative personnel, the Department has a total staff of 260 from more than 30 different countries. The Department aims to maintain high international standards within both research and teaching. The new bachelor program in bioscience is the first of its kind to include programming and computational modelling as core elements. /p h3Questions about the position /h3 p+47  /p p+47 22 85 45 55 /p pFor questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Nina Holtan /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr