Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiome Gene Transfer
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applications for a fully funded 3-year postdoctoral fellowship in Microbiome Gene Transfer within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science. This position is part of the MiGeneX project, which aims to achieve breakthrough advances in tracking gene spreading in microbiomes and understanding its role in the emergence of new metabolic properties and phenotypes. The research will implement microbiome science and engineering principles, developing innovative molecular and bioimaging methods to track the transfer and utilisation of genetic materials across microbial populations, from controlled synthetic co-cultures to complex communities.
The successful candidate will join the Microbial Biotechnology division led by Professor David Weissbrodt, working in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure. The research group is closely connected to national and international networks, including the Microbiology Matters Norwegian Cluster, Norwegian Society for Microbiology, Federation of European Microbiological Societies, European Federation of Biotechnology, International Society for Microbial Ecology, and International Water Association. The position offers extensive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration within NTNU’s Strategic Research Areas in Health & Life Science and Ocean & Coast.
Key duties include developing and advancing a breakthrough research question, designing and performing wet-lab and dry-lab experiments, integrating microbial community engineering, systems microbiology, synthetic biology, bioimaging, multi-omics, and computational biology. The postdoctoral fellow will collaborate closely with the research team, engage with scientific partners, disseminate findings through publications and presentations, provide scientific support, and contribute to the supervision and mentoring of PhD candidates and students. Teaching duties in microbiology and biotechnology courses and participation in UNIPED pedagogical training are also part of the appointment.
Applicants must hold a PhD and MSc degree in life sciences or a closely related field relevant to the position, with demonstrated ability to integrate wet-lab and dry-lab approaches. High-level written and oral communication skills in English are required, documented by recognised certification (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE) or equivalent. Experience in scientific writing, publishing, and collaborative research is essential. Knowledge of a Scandinavian language is an advantage but not required, and NTNU offers Norwegian language courses for international staff. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Trondheim, Norway for the duration of the appointment.
The fellowship is fully funded, with a gross annual salary of NOK 633,400 before tax, and 2% deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Employee benefits include free Norwegian language training and access to NTNU’s mentor programme. The appointment is internally funded by NTNU through the Faculty of Natural Sciences and is carried out in accordance with Norwegian State Employees Act and export control regulations.
To apply, submit your application electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including CV, diplomas, certificates, cover letter, publication portfolio, and contact information for three referees. All documents must be in English. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. The application deadline is 3 June 2026, and short-listed candidates will be interviewed in June 2026. The position is expected to start ideally in September 2026 or within the autumn semester.
Trondheim offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent welfare benefits, subsidized day-care, international schools, and opportunities to enjoy nature and family life. NTNU is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
