PhD Candidate in Parasite and Plankton Behavioural Biology and Ecology (NTNU)

Job title

PhD Candidate in Parasite and Plankton Behavioural Biology and Ecology.

Company

Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Description of the job

The Department of Biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim offers a PhD position at the Marine Sciences section, within the research group "Fish parasites, health and welfare". The PhD project will focus on behaviour and ecophysiology of sea lice and selected zooplankton species.

There is a large focus on the parasitic salmon louse, as it causes large problems for the Norwegian aquaculture industry. The group collaborates closely with the aquaculture industry through the "Research platform Taskforce salmon lice" and works with a variety of research projects. In addition to salmon lice, the group focuses on fish health and welfare, as well as zooplankton biology and ecology.

The project will include methodological developments as well as investigations of behavioural responses of the species in question to different stimuli and putting the results in an ecological context. The project will largely rely on laboratory experiments using image and video detection and subsequent analyses using programming. Established cultures of different species will be used, and in addition there will be possibilities for field work. The project has room for modifications based on the interests and expertise of the candidate.

The employment period is 3 years for the doctoral work with a possibility for up to 12 months of other career promoting work.

Duties:

• Complete the course part of the doctoral education (30 ECTS).
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above.
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis.
• Participate in the research group "Fish parasites, health and welfare" and the Marine Sciences section.
• Participate in national and international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at educational institutions.

What We Offer:

• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment.
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period.
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
• Working capital to implement the project.
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU.
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2).

Requirements

Required:

• Relevant Master's degree in biology or equivalent, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level. Master students can apply, but the degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• Strong academic background with an average grade from Master's degree equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale.
• Must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme.
• Very good oral and written presentation skills in English.
• Experience with work with zooplankton, parasites or aquaculture.
• Experience with laboratory work.

Preferred:

• Experience with behavioural-related experimental work.
• Knowledge of programming in R/Python.

Location

Trondheim, Norway.

Salary

NOK 550,800 (50,000€) per annum (gross), depending on qualifications and seniority.

How to apply

Applications must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. The application must include: a cover letter outlining research interests, experience, expertise and motivation (1 page), transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, CV, copy of Master's thesis, list of publications if applicable, and names and contact information of three relevant referees. For questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Anna Solvang Båtnes at anna.s.batnes@ntnu.no or +47 47648015.

For questions about the recruitment process, contact HR consultant Alexander Skomakerstuen at alexander.skomakerstuen@ntnu.no.

Deadline

13/04/2026.

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