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Postdoctoral Research Fellow position

At the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, a full-time (100 %) position as postdoctoral ersearch fellow is available. The position is associated with the large, interdisciplinary research project "Hub Molecules of Life" (HubMOL), which is jointly financed by The Research Council of Norway (RCN) and the University of Bergen. The position is a fixed term contract, and has a temporary financing for 36 months. The startup date will be as soon as possible.

About the project/work tasks:

In all living organisms, there is a subset of small coenzyme molecules that participate in thousands of biochemical reactions, thereby enabling and coordinating metabolism. In the course of evolution, the same molecules have attained more and more key roles as regulators of virtually all biological processes, often through posttranslational protein modifications. This is illustrated, for example, by the use of NAD in a multitude of metabolic reactions and at the same time as substrate for ADP-ribosylation and protein deacetylation. HubMOL aims to unravel the mechanistic principles of how these molecules of life interact to enable and control both metabolism and signaling. The project combines world-leading competences in synthetic and analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and advanced technology development. Through their direct association with established medical research centers (NeuroSysMed with a focus on neurodegeneration, KG Jebsen Center on Parkinson's Disease), the core scientists will closely collaborate with clinicians to apply the findings from basic research to disease diagnostics and treatment.

 

HubMOL is an interdisciplinary, international project with partners in Norway, Austria and the USA. The successful candidate will work in the group of the project leader, Prof. Mathias Ziegler, at the Department of Biomedicine, who is leading studies on metabolism and signaling, closely collaborating with Prof. Ines Heiland, who is an expert in metabolic modeling. Active participation in and contribution to joint project meetings and workshops is expected. 

 

The successful candidate is expected to lead this sub-project with diligence and a high level of independence, initiative and problem-solving capacity. The position will require being constantly updated with methodological developments and advances in the field. At the same time, this position will offer substantial opportunities for career development and growth. The candidate will work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, generate extensive experimental data sets and analyze them using advanced bioinformatics methods. 

The work tasks include to:

Generate and characterize cellular model systems suitable for the investigation of the mechanistic principles of how small molecules, such as NAD, CoA or FAD, control processes related to metabolism and signaling

Design and conduct fluxomics experiments, including stable isotope labeling, to establish turnover of hub molecules, their derivatives and PTMs.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• The applicant must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within biomedicine or have the doctoral thesis submitted prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded at the latest within 5 months after the closing date for applications.
• Documented broad knowledge of metabolic pathways, in particular, in coenzyme metabolism.
• Proven expertise and hands-on proficiency in flow cytometry-based methods, including for analyses using fluorescent biosensors. 
• Competence and broad experience in cell culture techniques.
• Familiarity with the use of stable isotope labeling in metabolomics.
• Hands-on experience  investigating cellular bioenergetics using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally renowned journals.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluent verbal and written English language skills are a prerequisite.

  The following skills would be advantageous:

• Expertise in the development of methodological approaches for targeted and untargeted LC-MS analyses of biological samples.
• Experience with imaging methods such as IncuCyte, confocal microscopy and FLIM, for the analysis of subcellular cofactor concentrations using fluorescent biosensors.
• Experience with FACS.
• Experience in teaching at university level. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a structured manner and have the ability to cooperate with others within an international environment. Proven problem-solving skills, collaborative nature, and adaptability across disciplines.

 

The applicant’s personal suitability for the position is a significant factor in the evaluation.

About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:

The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term appointment with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. 

You cannot be employed as a postdoctoral fellow for more than one fixed term period at the same institution. 

The employee may be assigned required duties in the form of teaching and similar work at the department.

Upon appointment, applicants must submit a project proposal for the qualifying work including a work schedule. For postdoctoral research fellow positions associated with externally financed projects, the completion of the project proposal for the qualifying work will take place in consultation with the project/centre manager. It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.

We can offer:

• An excellent and ambitious work environment at the research front of translational metabolism and signaling
• Salary NOK 645 000 (code 1352) in the state salary scale. For applicants with a degree in Medicine or Dentistry, salary NOK 655 000. For applicants with a medical specialization, salary NOK 680 000.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant`s research interests and motivation for applying for the position 
• Transcripts and diplomas (applicants with education from other countries than Norway must enclose witnessed diplomas in both the original language and authorized translations) and documentation of submitted doctoral thesis
• Complete list of publications 
• Publications (in PDF) it is important that each of the scholarly works on which the committee should place special emphasis, is attached in its entirety
• Two references (name and contact information)

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Professor Mathias Ziegler, phone: +4755584591 or e-mail: mathias.ziegler@uib.no

UiB must follow Norway’s export control regulations when processing applications for this position.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.Further information about our employment process can be found here.