Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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PhD Candidate in Molecular Cell Biology and Microbiology: Novel Antimicrobial Peptides Against AMR Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Full-time, four-year employment as an NTNU PhD Candidate (code 1017), comprising three years of doctoral work and up to one year of career-promotion work. Gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a 2% statutory deduction to the State Pension Fund. Benefits include pension membership, working capital for the project, career guidance, mentoring, free basic Norwegian language training, and employee benefits. Admission to the PhD programme withi
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Norway
University
Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology
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About this position
PhD Candidate in Molecular Cell Biology and Microbiology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Trondheim, Norway.
This doctoral project is part of the interdisciplinary NTNU initiative Preparedness and Response to AMR, the silent pandemic. The research will identify and characterize novel naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides from human plasma, investigate their mechanisms of action and bacterial targets, optimize promising candidates, and evaluate their antibacterial activity alone and in combination with existing antibiotics against clinical antimicrobial-resistant isolates.
The candidate will work in an integrated environment alongside three other PhD projects and collaborate across molecular cell biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and related fields. Duties include completing doctoral education, conducting high-quality research, publishing scientific work, and contributing to popular-science dissemination.
Applicants need a relevant master's degree in molecular cell biology, microbiology, or an equivalent discipline, including a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS. A master's degree must be completed and documented before starting and no later than January 2027. A master's average of B or better, or equivalent academic preparation, and strong written and spoken English are required. Preferred experience includes biochemistry, bacterial culture, MIC and time-kill assays, mammalian cell culture, viability assays, and analysis of proteomic or genomic datasets.
This is a full-time four-year PhD Candidate position. The normal gross salary is NOK 580,000 per year, subject to qualifications and seniority, with pension and other employee benefits. Admission to NTNU's PhD Programme in Medicine and Health Sciences is required within three months of employment.
Apply electronically via Jobbnorge by 20 November 2026. Submit transcripts and diplomas, CV, master's thesis or draft, a 400-word motivation letter, relevant publications or research work, certificates where applicable, and contact details for three referees. Questions about the position may be directed to Professor Marit Otterlei at [email protected].
Funding details
Full-time, four-year employment as an NTNU PhD Candidate (code 1017), comprising three years of doctoral work and up to one year of career-promotion work. Gross salary is normally NOK 580,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and seniority, with a 2% statutory deduction to the State Pension Fund. Benefits include pension membership, working capital for the project, career guidance, mentoring, free basic Norwegian language training, and employee benefits. Admission to the PhD programme withi
What's required
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for NTNU's PhD Programme in Medicine and Health Sciences and hold a relevant master's degree in molecular cell biology, microbiology, or an equivalent field, including a major independent project of at least 30 ECTS equivalent to a master's thesis. Master's students may apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting and no later than January 2027. Applicants should have a strong academic background with a master's average grade of B or better on the NTNU scale, or equivalent qualifications; candidates with weaker grades may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional suitability through relevant work experience or peer-reviewed publications. Good written and oral English is required. A strong background in biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and microbiology is preferred. Experience with bacterial cultures, microbiological assays including MIC and time-kill assays, mammalian cell culture, viability assays, and large proteomic or genomic datasets is advantageous. Strong collaboration, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and independent-working skills are expected.
How to apply
Submit the electronic application and all required attachments through Jobbnorge.no by 20 November 2026. Include bachelor's and master's transcripts and diplomas, CV, master's thesis or draft, a short motivation letter, relevant publications or research work, certificates if applicable, and contact details for three referees.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.