Mona Johannessen

A PhD position in infection biology/microbiology is available at the Research group for Host-Microbe Interaction (HMI), Department of Medical Biology (IMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The position is part of the Clinical Academic Group (CAG) “Patient-tailored management of bacterial infections in the age of antimicrobial resistance” and is based at UiT campus Tromsø, with collaboration between hospital practice and clinical/biomedical research. The PhD project is embedded in the Translational Research Accelerator (TRA) theme, focusing on developing and using experimental model systems for clinically relevant infections such as endocarditis, sepsis, ulcers, and sites of pathogen colonization (skin, gut, nose). Research activities may include establishing advanced bacterial biofilm models, mammalian cell/organoid-based host-interaction models, and mouse models of infection. The candidate may also collaborate with postdoctoral researchers on dormancy analysis using fluorescent probes, flow cytometry, and mouse models for difficult-to-treat infections like osteomyelitis and wound infection. The position is for four years, with the fourth year distributed as 25% teaching and other duties annually. The working language is English, and the research group is international. The main workplace is at UiT, with affiliations to UNN and Nordland hospital. The PhD programme nominally lasts three years, and admission to the programme is a prerequisite for employment. Candidates must be able to start by 1st September 2026. Required qualifications include a master’s degree in medicine, biomedicine, or equivalent, with experience in microbiology culture methods, phenotypic characterization of bacteria (including antimicrobial susceptibility testing), handling mammalian cells/organoids, flow cytometry/FACS, and molecular biology methods (DNA work, PCR). Documented fluency in English is required; Nordic applicants may use their high school diploma. Preferred qualifications are experience in fluorescence microscopy, mouse models of infection, and working knowledge of Norwegian. Admission to the PhD programme requires a bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) and a master’s degree (120 ECTS) or an integrated master’s (300 ECTS), a master’s thesis of at least 30 ECTS (or 20 ECTS for integrated master’s), and a grade of C or better on the thesis and overall master’s degree. Foreign education may require additional years to meet Norwegian standards. Applicants who already hold a PhD or equivalent competence are not eligible. UiT offers involvement in an interesting 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 Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and access to health care services. The university promotes inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity. To apply, submit your application via Jobbnorge by 28th April 2026, including a cover letter, CV, diplomas, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, references, and master’s thesis. All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Applications are assessed by an expert committee, and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. For further information, contact Professor Mona Johannessen ([email protected]) or Professor Christian Lentz ([email protected]).

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 .