Researcher in Systems Neuroscience: Molecular basis of protovertebrate settlement and metamorphosis, University of Bergen, Norway, Europe

Last Date: 10th January 2024.

Researcher position

There is a vacancy for a position as Researcher in Systems Neuroscience: Molecular basis of protovertebrate settlement and metamorphosis at the Michael Sars Centre in the research group headed by Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou. The position is for a period of 2 years and is associated with an external grant from the Norwegian Research Council. The Michael Sars Centre belongs to the University of Bergen and is partner of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The place of work will be at the Michael Sars Centre. The preferred but negotiable starting date is March 2024.

About the project/work tasks

Work in the Chatzigeorgiou group focuses on the function and evolution of protovertebrate Ciona intestinalis nervous system. We leverage a systems neuroscience approach to understand how simple chordate nervous systems transduce diverse cues, integrate sensory information and generate robust behavioural output. The main techniques used in the lab are quantitative behavioural analysis, functional imaging (Ca2+ imaging), and genetics.

This project will combine genetics, advanced time-lapse imaging techniques and computational neuroscience to identify the molecules that sense the mechanical and chemical uses leveraged by Ciona to transduce cues that are relevant to settlement and metamorphosis. The project will be based on technical and biological advances recently published by our lab (Kolar et al, 2021, PMID: 34772921; Athira et al, 2022, PMID: 35925898; Hoyer et al. 2023; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.03.547492).

Qualifications and personal qualities

  • Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within Biology or Physics or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded
  • Experience in genetics and genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 is an advantage
  • Experience in quantitative behaviour is an advantage
  • Experience in functional imaging is an advantage
  • Experience in working with model/non-model organisms is an advantage
  • Experience in coding using Python is an advantage
  • Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and have the ability to cooperate with others
  • Applicants must have excellent skills in oral and written English

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position:  
The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.

We can offer

  • A good and professionally stimulating working environment
  • Well-equipped, modern laboratories and facilities
  • Position as Researcher (code 1109 in the basic collective agreement) and a gross annual salary of NOK 615 700 (equivalent to pay grade 63) upon appointment. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position. A higher salary may be considered for a particularly well-qualified applicant
  • Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
  • Good welfare benefits

Your application in English must include

  • A brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
  • The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme
  • CV
  • Transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your PhD, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the doctoral thesis has been submitted
  • Relevant certificates/references
  • List of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
  • Publications (as applicable)

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

General information

For further details about the position, please contact: Dr. Marios Chatzigeorgiou, Michael Sars Centre, +47 55584358, [email protected].

Practical questions about the application process should be directed to HR adviser Magnus Larsen, email: [email protected]

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

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.

Further information about our employment process can be found here.

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