PhD Candidate in Zebrafish Neuroscience Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway

PhD opportunity in Zebrafish Neuroscience at NTNU, Norway

The Department of Biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is advertising a PhD Candidate position in zebrafish neuroscience. The project is based in the research group led by Dr. Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi and focuses on understanding principles of brain development and function, with particular emphasis on glia, brain barriers, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. The wider project aims to uncover biological mechanisms that promote resilience to adversity, including how non-neuronal processes regulate neural circuits involved in adaptation to environmental and social stressors, injuries, and diseases.

Research methods and topics include zebrafish as an in vivo model, genetics, omics technologies, histology, advanced microscopy, behavioral analysis, and computational data analysis. This is a multidisciplinary neuroscience project in a collaborative international environment, suitable for applicants interested in experimental biology, brain function, behavior, and quantitative analysis.

Eligibility highlights: a relevant Master’s degree in neuroscience or life science is required, along with a strong academic record, good English communication skills, experience with animals preferably zebrafish, laboratory skills, and programming ability in Matlab, Python, or equivalent. Preferred experience includes animal experimentation certification (CareIn or FELASA equivalent), zebrafish across developmental stages, molecular and cellular biology, immunostaining, imaging, genetics, neuroscience research, animal behavior, and brain imaging.

Funding and contract: the position is a salaried PhD appointment with a gross annual salary of NOK 580,000 depending on qualifications and seniority, plus standard pension contribution deductions. The appointment lasts 3 years for doctoral training, with the possibility of up to 1 year of career-promoting work. Working capital is also provided for project implementation.

How to apply: submit the application electronically via Jobbnorge.no before 16 November 2026. Required documents include degree transcripts and diplomas, CV, a summary of the master’s thesis, a one-page research plan describing your research questions and methods, relevant publications or certificates, and contact details for three referees. Foreign-educated applicants should also include documentation of degree scope/quality and, where applicable, a diploma supplement and HK-dir statement.

Institution: NTNU, located in Trondheim, Norway. The successful candidate will join the Department of Biology and contribute to an internationally oriented research program in neuroscience.