PhD Candidate in Cancer Neuroscience – Brain-Tumor Interactions and Zebrafish Models Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Cancer Neuroscience. This position is based in the laboratory led by Dr Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi, an international team dedicated to understanding the principles underlying brain development and function in health and disease. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, offering comprehensive training at the interface of cancer biology and neuroscience.

The project aims to uncover fundamental principles governing brain–tumor interactions, focusing on how glioblastoma cells exploit the brain environment to survive, proliferate, and invade. The successful candidate will primarily use zebrafish as an in vivo model system, generating innovative xenograft models by culturing and transplanting patient-derived glioma cells into the brain. Research will involve molecular, cellular, imaging, and systems neuroscience approaches, utilizing techniques such as molecular biology, cell culture, genetics, histology, advanced microscopy, animal behavior assays, and computational analysis. The project is conducted in close collaboration with leading national and international research partners.

Duties include completing doctoral education, conducting high-quality and reproducible research, disseminating findings through academic publications and outreach, participating in group and international activities, teaching and mentoring students at various levels, and engaging in career-promoting work. The candidate must be prepared for changes in work duties during employment.

Applicants must have a Master's degree in neuroscience or a closely related field, corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course with 120 credits at master's level, obtained by the application deadline. A strong academic background is required, with an average grade of B or better according to NTNU's grading scale. Required expertise includes certification for animal experimentation (CareIn course in Norway or FELASA equivalent), proven experience with zebrafish, cell culture (including primary cells), laboratory work (immunohistochemistry and imaging), and programming skills (Matlab, Python, or equivalent). Good oral and written English skills are required. Admission to the PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences is mandatory within three months of employment. Preferred skills include molecular and cellular biology, immunostaining, genetics, neuroscience research, animal behavior measurement, and image analysis.

The position offers a gross salary of NOK 550,800 per annum, with a 3-year employment period and a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund. Additional benefits include favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, free Norwegian language training at basic level (A2), and access to employee benefits. NTNU provides a supportive, diverse, and inclusive working environment, with career guidance and mentoring for new employees.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including a cover letter, transcripts and diplomas, CV, copy of master's thesis, one-page research plan, publications or certificates if relevant, and names/contact information of three referees. If your education was completed abroad, attach documentation of scope and quality. Applications are assessed only on information received by the deadline. The application deadline is 15 May 2026.

For questions about the position, contact Dr Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi at [email protected]. For recruitment process inquiries, contact HR consultant Vebjørn F. Andreassen at [email protected].

NTNU is located in Trondheim, a modern European city with a rich cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for education, nature, and family life. The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine is NTNU’s largest department, with expertise in basic, clinical, and translational research across broad disciplinary areas.