PhD Research Fellow in EU doctoral network "MyoTreat": Cone Arrestin Genetics and Myopia (DC9)

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences have a vacancy for a position as

PhD Research Fellow in EU doctoral network "MyoTreat": Cone Arrestin

Genetics and Myopia (DC9)

About the position

The Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has a vacancy for a 100% position as PhD Research Fellow in Cone Arrestin Genetics and Myopia (DC9) at the National Centre for Optics, Vision, and Eye Care from 01.03.2024.

The position is located at the of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is at the University's Campus Kongsberg.

The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations.

The vacant position is part of the Horizon Europe MSCA doctoral training network, "Myopia: from genes and environment to cellular responses and Treatment" (MyoTreat). The network will include a total of 14 PhD candidates around Europe with 2 PhD candidates based in the Colour Vision and Retinal Imaging Laboratory headed by Prof. Rigmor C. Baraas

About the PhD-project

The doctoral candidate will investigate the influence of environmental factors and gene-environment interactions on myopia development. The position will provide state-of-the-art training in vision research using non-invasive optical measuring techniques and molecular genetics research methods with application to myopia.

The PhD candidate will work on a project addressing the role of cone arrestin (ARR3 gene) in myopia susceptibility in human female carriers (DC9). The doctoral candidate will combine molecular analyses and questionnaire data, to provide new insights about the association in cone arrestin genetics and refractive error phenotype, and explore their interaction with lifestyle exposures. The project aim is to improve the diagnostic methods and treatment options for myopia. The PhD candidate will benefit from networking with, and secondment to, other project partners to gain understanding and access knowledge from others.

Eligibility criteria

The candidate:

shall not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date (unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention).

shall not already be in possession of a doctoral degree ().

can be of any nationality.

Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in vision science and/or molecular biology or closely related field. The degree must be accomplished before application deadline.

The candidate should have high motivation with an interest in myopia research with knowledge of molecular biology and eye biology/physiology. Excellence in oral and written English must be documented, and the candidate should have good presentation skills. The candidate should have a good background in statistics, and it is desirable with hands-on knowledge of molecular biology.

The candidate should have the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university's doctoral programme in Ecology/Natural Science or in Person, Health, and Society within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required.

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives.

Doctoral candidates will be selected based on scientific qualification and experience, research interest, additional knowledge/skills, and their motivation to participate in an intersectoral research-training programme.

We offer

Modern, state-of the art laboratories, facilities, and equipment

Participation in training activities of the international and intersectoral MyoTreat network.

We also promote participation in national and international conferences.

A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills.

A good social environment

Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan

Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 532 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee's salary.

Other information

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview.

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact: Dr. Sigrid Diether, [email protected].

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact: HR Advisor Ruth Helen Haugerud, phone +47 35 95 26 17, [email protected]

If you have informal enquiries, please contact: Prof. Rigmor C. Baraas, [email protected].

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).

The following documents shall be attached to the online application:

A one-page motivation letter

Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's (180 ECTS) and master's degrees (120 ECTS)

Master's thesis

Documentation of English proficiency

Any scientific publications and a list of these

Three references (contact information)

Applicants with higher education taken outside the EU/EEA must attach approval of higher education from NOKUT.

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.

The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.

The University has been awarded a Charter & Code certificate by the European Commission, and is entitled to use the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) logo. The University is also a member of the EURAXESS network, which contributes to good working conditions for mobile researchers.

About USN

The University of South-Eastern Norway, USN, is one of Norway's largest higher education institutions, with around 18,000 students and 1,900 employees across eight different campuses.

We offer studies, research and knowledge dissemination, all targeting various professions and working life and with a high level of quality internationally. Our goal as a University is to create value both for the individual student and for business and commerce, the public sector and society in general. We achieve this by utilising the best tools we have: education and research.

USN is a University with a strong social commitment where studies and working life are integrated. At USN, we focus on practice-relevant, profession- oriented and applied research and education.

The students shall benefit from innovative educational methods and challenging studies closely associated with society's requirements and needs. They will learn how to adapt to a society and working life that is constantly changing. The University shall meet major social challenges with knowledge and expertise, helping to promote practical solutions, structural changes and new ways of thinking. USN's academic activities shall be embodied by a clear dedication to the UN's sustainable development goals. The University aims to realise this main profile in close cooperation with society and working life.

For more information on USN, please go to www. usn.no

Deadline

1st November 2023

Employer

University of South-Eastern Norway

Municipality

Kongsberg

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service

Hasbergsvei 36, 3616 Kongsberg