Marina Aspholm

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Microbiology, focusing on spore persistence and removal in dairy processing. Based at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, this interdisciplinary project addresses one of the most persistent challenges in dairy production: bacterial spores. These spores are highly resistant, surviving processing steps meant to eliminate contaminants, and contribute to spoilage, reduced shelf life, and foodborne illness. Recent research from the Spore Team, led by Professor Marina Aspholm (NMBU) and Magnus Andersson (Umeå University, Sweden), has shown that spores can actively adhere to surfaces and form biofilms, shifting the paradigm from passive survival to active persistence. The PhD project aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of how spore surface architecture, physicochemical properties, size distributions, and density influence interactions with milk components and separation behavior during industrial centrifugal separation (bactofugation). The outcomes will support robust spore control and hygiene strategies, enhancing food safety and sustainability by reducing product loss, energy use, and water consumption. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining microbiology with advanced experimental and analytical approaches such as cryo-electron microscopy, optical and biophysical methods, omics technologies, and computational modelling. The candidate will collaborate with Umeå University and Alfa Laval (Stockholm, Sweden), including research stays for access to specialized infrastructure and industrial pilot-scale validation. Affiliation with the Microbiology Matters (MiMa) PhD School, focusing on One Health and infectious diseases, is also included. The position is associated with the SPORE NANOFIBER project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council (33529). Main tasks include planning and conducting laboratory experiments, applying advanced analytical and microscopy methods, evaluating spore behavior during dairy processing, processing research data, publishing scientific findings, presenting at seminars and conferences, and completing required coursework as part of the PhD program. The successful candidate is expected to enroll in an approved PhD program and complete the degree during the employment period. Eligibility requires a relevant master's degree (biophysics, molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, cand.med.vet., or equivalent), strong academic results, proficiency in English (written and spoken), and laboratory experience. Advantageous qualifications include a strong microbiology foundation, experience with molecular methods, handling large datasets, R and bioinformatics tools, modelling methods, and academic education in biophysics or bioinformatics. Personal qualities such as analytical skills, initiative, communication, collaboration, and motivation for interdisciplinary and industry collaboration are emphasized. The position offers a salary of NOK 550,800 – 660,000 for 3 years, with grant-funded travel abroad. Admission to a PhD program is a prerequisite. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge, with all required documents attached, including motivation letter, CV, certified diplomas and transcripts (with English translation if not in Norwegian or English), documentation of English proficiency, and references. The application deadline is 19 May 2026. For further information, contact Professor Marina Aspholm at [email protected]. More details about NMBU and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine can be found at www.nmbu.no .