Technical assistant in Artsdatabanken-project on beetles

About the position

A technical assistant position (100%) is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo for one year, starting as soon as possible. The technical assistant will work for the project funded by the Norwegian Biodivertsity Information Centre (Artsdatabanken) entitled “iNoLa - Inventory of the Norwegian species of thallus-forming Laboulbeniales associated with beetles, with particular focus on the superfamily Staphylinoidea”.

The fungi order Laboulbeniales includes obligate microscopic ectoparasites of arthropods. More than 2000 species of Laboulbeniales have been described but only 16 species have been recorded in Norway, compared to 100 species in Sweden and 200 species in Denmark. We expect to discover at least 100 species new to Norway. We will use the pinned museum collection, unsorted samples and newly collected material to find specimens infected with Laboulbeniales fungi. The fungi will be identified by experts in systematics of the Laboulbeniales.

The position will be associated with the research group “Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics (CEG)”, specifically Vladimir Gusarov who is leading the project.

Work tasks

Work tasks will cover most of the activities of the project, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Collection of beetle specimens in the field.
• Processing of beetle samples obtained in the field, specimen sorting and screening for Laboulbeniales infection.
• Identification of the infected specimens.
• Databasing and curation of specimens for the scientific collections.
• There will be opportunities to learn from the experts in Laboulbeniales systematics and acquire skills in preparation and identification of these fungi.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor degree or equivalent in biology. Relevant work experience related to the specific tasks of the position may replace the educational requirement.
• Experience in work with beetles, particularly specimen sorting and identification.
• Good communication skills (including written and spoken English)
• A valid driving license.

You must have the ability and willingness to independently carry out the fieldwork and sample material for the project and the capacity to work independently.

It is an advantage if you have experience in beetle collecting in the field.

We offer

• salary NOK 548 600 - 584 500 per annum (depending on qualification) in a position as Principal Engineer (avdelingsingeniør, position code 1085)
• a friendly working environment
• full funding of the project-related activities
• training in beetle identification and systematics of Laboulbeniales
• flexibility in arrangement of the working hours
• membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include:

• cover letter stating the reasons for applying
• CV
• copies of educational certificates
• 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, position, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our recruiting system.

Formal regulations

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition.Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.