PhD Position in Genetic Foundations of Appetite and Obesity in Early Life – Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen University of Bergen in Norway

The University of Bergen’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Science (K2), invites applications for a full-time, three-year PhD position as part of the projects “Genetic Foundations of Appetite and Obesity in Early Life” and “Identification of factors affecting early growth to reveal biological mechanisms that may be targeted to prevent later obesity and diabetes.” The research is based at the Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine (PRECISE-DIA), funded by the University of Bergen.

This project addresses the urgent global health issue of childhood obesity, focusing on genetic predisposition and its role in susceptibility to obesogenic environments. The research aims to uncover the genetic architecture underlying weight gain, appetite, and satiety regulation from infancy through adolescence, and to understand the lifelong impact of early-life factors on metabolic health and diabetes risk.

The successful candidate will work with data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), which includes genomics, phenotypic, and questionnaire-derived data from approximately 100,000 pregnancies. The cohort offers unique opportunities to study disease and health development across two generations. Results will be combined with international collaborations to discover both common and rare genetic variants influencing early-life body composition, eating behaviour, and lifetime health.

The project is conducted at PRECISE-DIA, located at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. The research team is cross-disciplinary, including medicine, genetics, statistics, epidemiology, cell biology, and informatics, and is highly internationally oriented. The candidate will receive guidance and training within the core team and through formalized co-supervision from international collaborators, with opportunities for research exchanges abroad.

Work tasks include identifying early-life trajectories (genetic and non-genetic factors) that characterize healthy and unhealthy weight and life development, studying the impact of rare (NGS-data) and common variation (GWAS) on growth and eating behaviour, participating in international collaborative work on early life genetics, identifying parent-of-origin genetic effects, and engaging in cross-disciplinary research.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular genetics, medicine, genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, medical data science, or bioinformatics. They must demonstrate strong interest and motivation for the project, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and fluency in English. Positive consideration is given to relevant research experience, proficiency in informatics, and experience analyzing large omics data or international collaboration. Applicants with degrees from outside Norway must provide certified translations and a review from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) to verify equivalence to a Norwegian master’s degree. Documentation of language skills (English) is required.

The position offers a salary of NOK 570,000 (code 1017) in the state salary scale, with higher salaries for applicants with medical or dental qualifications (NOK 585,000) and medical specialists (NOK 605,000). Additional benefits include good welfare provisions and enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The selected candidate must enroll in the University of Bergen’s approved PhD programme, aiming to complete the degree within three years. Admission to the organized research training (PhD program) at the Faculty is essential. Application for admission, including a project plan outline, must be submitted within three months of commencement.

To apply, submit your application via the JobbNorge portal by 12th May 2026. Include a brief account of your research interests and motivation, certified copies of diplomas and transcripts, HK-dir review (if applicable), documentation of language skills, list of publications, and two references. The University of Bergen is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds.

For further information, contact Professor Stefan Johansson at [email protected]