Doctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Biology

The Department of Life Sciences and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences has a vacancy for a fixed-term position as a PhD candidate within the molecular biology research field. The position is associated with the Disease and Environmental Exposures research group at OsloMet. More information about the research group can be found here: Disease and Environmental Exposures - OsloMet

The fixed-term post has a duration of three years and the desired starting date is 15/09/2025.

Field of research 

Enzyme-based plastic recycling is key to managing the challenges associated with environmental pollution. The polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - 'bottle plastic' - is one of the most widely used plastics globally. Recycling of PET at an industrial level via conversion to monomers for resynthesis is close to becoming a reality at the CARBIOS plant in France and at plants elsewhere. The recycling process is based on genetically improved PET-hydrolase-enzymes. We recently identified two new PET-hydrolases produced by microbes discovered in Norway.

The PhD project will entail producing enzymes from the gene, testing for activity and subsequently improving both the activity and stability through gene modification. This will be done with the aim of creating enzymes with properties suitable for effective use in industrial PET recycling.

Admission to the PhD programme in Health Sciences is a prerequisite for the position.

The final plan for organised research training must be approved and agreed no later than three months after taking up the position.

Qualification requirements and conditions

• Master's degree/subject at second degree level (120 credits/ETCS) in molecular biology, biochemistry or equivalent
• Experience of relevant bioinformatics from laboratory work
• In order to gain admission to PhD programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences, applicants must have achieved a grade of B or better in their master’s thesis/second degree level subject and an average grade corresponding to B or better in the master’s degree. In exceptional cases, applicants with a grade of C may be considered. In such cases, relevant experience from own research projects and/or scientific publications will be emphasised. Information about the criteria can be found on the admissions website
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills in English

The following will be an advantage:

• Experience with molecular cloning, protein expression and purification techniques
• Experience with measuring enzyme activity and HPLC
• Excellent understanding of microbiology
• Excellent written and verbal presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language

Personal characteristics

• Excellent analytical skills
• Motivated to conduct research within the subject area and research field
• Ability to collaborate and work systematically, independently and structurally
• Excellent implementation skills

Importance will be attached to personal suitability.

The general criteria for appointment as a PhD candidate are set out in the regulations (Regulations to the Norwegian Universities and University Colleges Act – Lovdata).

It is important for OsloMet to reflect the population in the region and we would like to invite all qualified applicants to apply. We are working actively to further develop as an inclusive workplace and will adapt the workplace as required. We also welcome applications from people who have had periods in which they were not in employment, education or training.

What we offer

• an exciting educational post at Norway’s third-largest university
• an opportunity to be part of a research group with other PhD candidates and master’s degree students working on laboratory projects
• a motivated team of academic supervisors with extensive laboratory experience
• excellent borrowing and pension arrangements with the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• excellent welfare schemes

The post is remunerated in accordance with the Norwegian State Salary Scale and OsloMet’s salary policy under code 1017 as a PhD candidate, with a starting salary of NOK 532,200 per annum.

The application process

If you would like to apply for this position, you must submit an electronic application. Start by clicking on the “Apply for position” button. All applicants will be assessed by a sorting committee at the Faculty.

You must upload the following documents before the application deadline: 

• your application, CV and copies of all pages of degree certificates, transcripts and diplomas
• education from abroad should be approved in advance and the approval letter should be enclosed. Information can be found via this link: Recognition of foreign education – jobb i Norge | HK-dir
• second degree thesis/master’s thesis
• any scientific works or links to full articles
• list of any publications or presentations at international seminars/conferences
• Applicants from countries in which English is not the first language must be able to demonstrate proficiency through the results of an official language test. The following applicants are exempt from this language criterion:
  • o Applicants from EU/EEA countries.
  • o Applicants who have completed at least one year of study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.
  • o Applicants who hold an International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate.

The following tests meet this documentation criterion: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). The minimum scores are:

• TOEFL: 600 (paper test), 92 (online test)
• IELTS: 6.5, with no sections lower than 5.5 (only academic IELTS test accepted)

We only process applications submitted via our electronic recruitment system and all documents must be uploaded in order for your application to be processed. Documents must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language. Any translations must be certified. Original versions must be presented if you are invited to attend an interview. OsloMet will verify documents to ensure that all candidates are subject to a proper evaluation and fair competition. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

An appointment will be made based on the principles set out in the Norwegian Civil Servants Act (lovdata.no), as well as legislation governing the export of knowledge, technology and services. Background checks may be carried out in order to verify information provided in the CV and submitted documents. Background checks will not be carried out without the applicant’s consent and relevant applicants will receive further information about the process. 

OsloMet has endorsed the principles set out in the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the institution is committed to adhering to the recommendations therein.

Further information

If you would like further information about the position, please contact:

• Professor Colin Charnock, +47 99274267, colin@oslomet.no
• Head of Section Anne Berit Walter, +47 92221975, abwa@oslomet.no
• For administrative questions HR Adviser Kate Olsen, kateol@oslomet.no

Application deadline:   01/08/2025

Ref:                       25/05878