PhD Fellow in Infection Biology and Microbiology UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Norway

The Department of Medical Biology at UiT The Arctic University of Norway invites applications for a four-year PhD fellowship in infection biology and microbiology. The position is based within the Host-Microbe Interaction (HMI) research group and is affiliated with the Clinical Academic Group (CAG) focused on patient-tailored management of bacterial infections in the age of antimicrobial resistance. The PhD project is part of the Translational Research Accelerator (TRA) theme, which supports model development and establishment to address clinical questions in acute infections, difficult-to-treat infections, and early life microbiome.

The successful candidate will work on establishing and using experimental model systems for clinically relevant infections, such as endocarditis, sepsis, and ulcers, as well as models related to pathogen colonization in skin, gut, or nose. Research activities may include advanced bacterial biofilm models, mammalian cell/organoid-based host-interaction models, and mouse models of infection. Collaboration with postdoctoral researchers is possible, particularly in analyzing dormancy through fluorescent probes, flow cytometry, and mouse models for infections like osteomyelitis and wound infection.

The position is supervised by a team of researchers from UNN, UiT, and Nordland hospital, with Professors Mona Johannessen and Christian Lentz as primary contacts. The main workplace is at UiT campus Tromsø, and the working language is English. HMI is an international group, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in medicine, biomedicine, or equivalent, with experience in microbiology culture methods, phenotypic characterization of bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, handling mammalian cells and/or organoids, flow cytometry/FACS, and molecular biology methods (e.g., DNA work, PCR). Oral and written fluency in English is required; Nordic applicants may use their high school diploma as proof. Preferred qualifications include experience in fluorescence microscopy, mouse models of infection, and working knowledge of Norwegian.

Admission to the PhD programme requires a bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree of 120 ECTS (or an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS), a master's thesis with a scope of at least 30 ECTS (or 20 ECTS for integrated master's), and a grade of C or better on both the thesis and master's degree. Applicants with foreign education may need additional years of university education to meet Norwegian requirements. UiT values inclusion and diversity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds.

The position offers involvement in an innovative research project, good career opportunities, a supportive academic environment, flexible working hours, and a state collective pay agreement. PhD Fellows receive a salary of 550,800 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase, membership in the National Insurance Scheme, and access to health care services. The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT.

To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge by the deadline, including a cover letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, explanation of grading system, documentation of English proficiency, references, and master's thesis. Applications are assessed based on submitted materials, and interviews will be conducted with the most qualified candidates. For further information, contact Professors Mona Johannessen or Christian Lentz.

More practical information about working and living in Norway is available at uit.no/staffmobility. Read more about the Faculty of Health Sciences at uit.no/helsefak.