Available reseach position in NORCE

Permanent Researcher position in NORCE - Gene Technology, Environment and Society Research Group.

About NORCE Climate and Environment division

We have a full-time permanent Researcher position available in the field of gene technology/biotechnology at the Gene Technology, Environment and Society research group (GEMS) in NORCE, located in Tromsø.

We seek an experienced and highly motivated candidate to strengthen our research group at NORCE, working within the field of gene technology and/or biotechnology.

The position will be placed in GEMS research group, Dept. of Biotechnology and Circular Cconomy in the division of Climate and Environment (CE).

The CE division at NORCE that has approximately 160 researchers conducting both basic and applied research on past, present and future climate systems, as well as research and development for sustainable use and management of the environment and natural resources.

The Department of Biotechnology and Circular Economy consists of three research groups (Industrial Biotechnology, Marin Biotechnology and GEMS) and contributes with new bio-solutions that are motivated by more efficient utilization of resources, and benefits to the environment, society, and the economy. The position is expected to work across groups to utilise synergies between the research groups, as well as building core competence in GEMS.

The research group GEMS have 10 employees located in Tromsø. We are seeking an experienced researcher to assist in ongoing cutting edge projects that utilize and push the technological state of the art. The group has a specialized laboratory infrastructure to facilitate research and innovation with an environmental consciousness. The group has status as the National Competence Centre in Biosafety with a vision of safe use of biotechnologies. As a competence centre, the group performs research that contributes to developing the national knowledge base for assessments of genetically modified and gene edited organisms in accordance with the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, including sustainability, social benefits and ethics. The research group coordinates EU research projects and leads several nationally funded research projects.

The research group also run and participates in several project on design of CRISPR systems, development of -omics based approaches, and environmental antimicrobial resistance development within the One Health principle. GEMS acknowledge competence in interdisciplinarity and has projects that are in various fields such as biotechnology, microbiology, virology, ethics, philosophy and sustainability science. The position is an unique opportunity to work interdisciplinary across fields to strengthen research results and impact.

About the postion

For the first 1.5 - 2 years, the researcher will be participating in existing projects primarily in DARWIN (https://darwin-ngt.eu/ (https://darwin-ngt.eu/)). DARWIN is a new EU-funded project that seeks to co-develop the next generation of detection methods for plant-based new genomic techniques (NGT) products. The candidate will also be required to participate in other projects dependent on skills and the needs of the research group. As a researcher in NORCE, it is expected that the candidate will actively participate in and develop relevant project proposals. The focus will naturally be in relevant research fields for the group, such as novel and safe use of gene editing, environmental antibiotic resistance etc, but the successful candidate is encouraged to develop their own research ideas and agendas.

Qualifications

A PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, biotechnology or similar is required.

Experience in project management, research proposals and networking is an advantage.

The immediate task will be connected to development of new detection methods for gene edited plant products. Skills in molecular methods, such as use and design of CRISPR, Quantitative PCR, probe development etc, is an advantage.

We offer:

For the right candidate we offer:

• Exciting tasks and good colleagues in an internationally leading and recognized professional environment
• Collaboration with academic staff and students at universities and colleges
• Opportunities to work with exciting research tasks, create new projects and expand your network together with NORCE
• Interdisciplinary work in and across teams
• Good opportunities for professional and personal development in an organization that values good performance
• Varied and flexible working day

How to apply

Your application must include

• A brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information of two references.
• CV including a list of scientific publications.
• Transcripts, diplomas and relevant certificates.
• If a PhD has not yet been awarded: An official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted.
• The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at our recruitment portal Jobbnorge.

Application deadline: 13th June 2024

Candidates are expected to openly offer all relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Furthermore, one can expect that background checks can be conducted on all final candidates who may be checked against relevant lists to ensure compliance with applicable export control and sanctions rules. Candidates will be asked to provide information about affiliation to high-risk countries for a security assessment.

Contact information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Research director Odd-Gunnar Wikmark, (ogwi@norceresearch.no, +47 56 10 78 84),. Questions about the application process can be directed to Senior HR Adviser Bente Heggdal Martinsen (bema@norceresearch.no).