The University of Stavanger invites applicants for a PhD Fellowship within biological chemistry, related to development and validation of bacterial polymeric biomaterials for biomedical applications. The position is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering. The position is vacant for appointment as soon as possible.
This is a trainee position that will give promising researchers an opportunity for academic development through a PhD education leading to a doctoral degree.
The hired candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Science and Technology. The education includes relevant courses amounting to about six months of study, a dissertation based on independent research, participation in national and international research environments, relevant academic communication, a trial lecture and public defence. Read more about the PhD education at UiS on our website.
The appointment is for three years with research duties exclusively.
Research topicThe Ph.D. fellow will be involved in developing and validating biomaterials for controlled delivery of compounds cells, drugs, and genes in the context of vascular diseases.
Alginate is a notable example of biomaterials extensively used for biomedical applications, and to date, all available alginates used are extracted from seaweed algae. However, alginate composition in different seaweeds varies according to seasonal and growth conditions, and therefore obtaining alginates with homogeneous and reproducible structures presents a challenge. Bacteria produce an extensive range of extracellular polymers, including alginate, and thus can be used as a platform to create customizable biomaterials with predetermined structures and reproducible properties. The Ph.D. fellow will work on developing a highly innovative alternative to engineering bacteria for the recombinant production of tailor-made alginate biomaterials.
The hired person will be expected to design and carry out experiments at UiS facilities, followed by data analysis, while interacting with different research projects ongoing in the research group. This project will combine polymeric chemistry characterization and recombinant molecular biology. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated PhD fellow interested in working at the intersection of biology, engineering, and chemistry together, as it is expected that the role of viscoelasticity (biomaterials exhibiting both solid- and liquid-like mechanical behavior) in the biological context will be explored during their PhD.
The research laboratories at UiS provide access to cell labs, microfluidics devices, advanced microscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and rheology instruments, among others.
We offer a stimulative research environment with a large degree of interdisciplinary collaboration where the student can access various facilities from other departments/faculties if the project so requires.
Project proposalAs an applicant, you should prepare a preliminary project proposal for a doctoral project within the subject area, which explains the problem, relevance, theoretical and methodological approach. Your preliminary project proposal will be included in the application assessment.
During the first three months of the employment period, the project proposal and progress plan will be further developed in cooperation with your supervisors and completed for the final plan for the PhD-project. A project proposal template can be found here.
Qualification requirementsWe are looking for applicants with a strong academic background who have completed a five-year master degree (3+2) within molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, biomedical engineering/bioengineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or material science engineering, preferably acquired recently; or who possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate.
The student must have experience with cell/bacterial lab techniques, preferably associated with biomaterials.
To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programmes at the University of Stavanger both the grade for your master's thesis and the weighted average grade of your master's degree must individually be equivalent to or better than a B grade. If you finish your education (masters degree) in the spring of 2023, you are also welcome to apply.
Applicants with an education from an institution with a different grade scale than A-F, and/or with other types of credits than sp/ECTS, must attach a confirmed conversion scale that shows how the grades can be compared with the Norwegian A-F scale and a Diploma Supplement or similar that explains the scope of the subjects that are included in the education. You can use these conversion scales to calculate your points for admission.
Emphasis is also placed on your:
A high degree of research integrity, motivation and collaboration is expected from the person employed in the position. The PhD fellow will have the opportunity to disseminate their research via peer-reviewed journals or abstracts and will be supported in their continuing professional development via access to one-on-one mentoring, presenting, and attending scientific conferences and workshops.
Requirements for competence in EnglishA good proficiency in English is required for anyone attending the PhD program. International applicants must document this by taking one of the following tests with the following results:
The following applicants are exempt from the above requirements:
University of Stavanger values independence, involvement and innovation. Diversity is respected and considered a resource in our work and learning environment. Universal design characterises physical and digital learning environments, and we strive to provide reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities.
You are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, disability or cultural background.
Contact informationMore information on the position can be obtained from Head of Department Ingunn W. Jolma, e-mail: [email protected] or Associate Professor from Eduardo A. Silva, email: [email protected]
Information about the appointment procedure can be obtained from HR advisor Rosa Andrade, tel: +47 51 83 11 91, e-mail: [email protected]
ApplicationTo apply for this position please follow the link "Apply for this job". Your application letter, relevant education and work experience as well as language skills must be registered here. In your application letter, you must state your research interests and motivation for the position.
The following documents must be uploaded as attachments to your application:
Applications are evaluated based on the information available in Jobbnorge at the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above and that you have attached the necessary documentation.
The documentation must be available in either a Scandinavian language or in English. If the total size of the attachments exceeds 30 MB, they must be compressed before upload.
Please note that information on applicants may be published even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the official list of applicants - see Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act. If your request is not granted, you will be notified.
UiS only considers applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge.
General informationThe engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. If your application is considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter legislation, it will be rejected without further assessment.
Employment as PhD Fellow is regulated in "Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow and research fellow, research assistant and resident".
Your qualifications for the position, based on documentation registered in Jobbnorge, will be assessed by an internal expert committee. Based on the committee's statement, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview before any recommendations are made. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates. More about the hiring process on our website.
The appointee will be based at the University of Stavanger, with the exception of a stay abroad at a relevant centre of research.
It is a prerequisite that you have a residence which enables you to be present at/available to the academic community during ordinary working hours.
The position has been announced in both Norwegian and English. In the case of differences of meaning between the texts, the English text takes precedence.
UiS - challenge the well-known and explore the unknownThe University of Stavanger (UiS) has about 12,000 students and 2,200 employees. The university has high ambitions. We strive to have an innovative and international profile, and be a driving force in knowledge development and in the process of societal change. Our common direction is driven by consideration for green and sustainable change and equitable social development, through new ways of managing natural resources and facilitating better cities and local communities. Energy, health and welfare, learning for life are our focus areas.
In constant collaboration and dialogue with our surroundings, regionally, nationally and internationally, we enjoy an open and creative climate for education, research, innovation, dissemination and museum activities. Academic life at the University of Stavanger is organised into six faculties comprising various departments/schools and National Research Centres, as well as the Museum of Archaeology. We are a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. The university is located in the most attractive region in the country with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The Stavanger region has a dynamic labour market and exciting cultural and leisure activities.
Together with our staff and students we will challenge the well-known and explore the unknown.
The Faculty of Science and Technology offers study programs at bachelor, master and doctoral level. The faculty has established close cooperation on research with NORCE (Norwegian Research Centre AS) and the regional industry. A number of master's and doctoral theses are made in collaboration with the industry. The faculty has established research collaborations with universities in the US and Europe, and has developed several academic environments that are at the forefront internationally.The faculty has about 2,800 students and approximately 500 employees at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Structural Engineering and Materials Science, Department of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Safety, Economics and Planning.
The Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Technology offers study programs at all levels within the areas Biological Chemistry, Chemistry and Environment. The department is responsible for basic tuition in chemistry at the faculty. There are currently about 60 employees including doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and 230 students at the department.
Deadline15th April 2023
EmployerUniversity of Stavanger
MunicipalityStavanger
ScopeFulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)
DurationFixed Term
Place of serviceUllandhaug