PhD position in evolutionary genomics

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About the position

We are offering a 100% PhD position to study how changes in mutation producing processes, rather than selection, underlies the evolution of vertebrate genome architectures.

Most vertebrate genomes contain similar sets of protein coding genes; however, they vary enormously in other ways that include size (0.3 to ca. 100 Gbp), sequence composition, and the number and size of chromosomes. We currently do not have a good understanding of the processes that have led to this diversity nor how genome architecture enables or limits the evolution of morphology and life strategy.

The recent revolution in sequencing technologies has resulted in the publication of genome assemblies from thousands of vertebrate species as well as from large numbers of individuals from standing populations. This makes it possible to systematically evaluate how genome sequences have evolved and to assess to what extent this process differs between clades. Ultimately, we wish to identify the molecular processes that have driven genome architecture evolution.

These processes form the background upon which selection can act and understanding them is a requirement for a range of analyses that rely on sequence comparisons (e.g. phylogenetic inference and the study of adaptive evolution). An understanding of these processes is thus not just of academic interest, but also an enabler of further research and applications.

The candidate will initially be responsible for performing analyses based on:

• selected sets of genome assemblies,
• large scale whole genome multiple sequence alignments currently being prepared by the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP),

in order to identify and characterise how genomes have changed in recent evolution. The research may also include sequencing of key species identified as part of these analyses. We are especially interested in sequences obtained from germ-line DNA, as base modifications (eg. DNA methylation) can affect mutation rate and are detectable by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing available within the faculty.

The project is international and will be carried out in coordination with the VGP and continues collaboration with scientists at EMBL-EBI (Cambridge UK) and in Germany (Bonn University).

The contract will be for a 3-year period without teaching. Start date is in January 2027, though this is flexible. The position is to be located in Bodø, Norway.

Qualification requirements

• A two-year master’s degree in a relevant field of study is required (eg. molecular biology, bioinformatics, physics, mathematics, computer science).
• Normally, the candidates should have a grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) both for the programme in total and the master’s thesis, see admission requirements: PhD in Biosciences.
• Employment is conditional upon admission to the faculty’s doctoral program. The final project outline must be approved within three months of appointment. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not obtained within this deadline, or in cases of failure to submit annual progress reports and/or serious deficiencies in progress or duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page.

For the position, good English skills are required both written and oral.

The ideal candidate would have:

1. computer programming experience,
2. an understanding of genetics and meiosis,
3. molecular biology experience,
4. and a solid background in statistics.

However, candidates having all of these are rare and an ability to learn new skills is most important. We encourage students of computational biology, computer science, physics, mathematics and biology (given computational experience) to apply. Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Theme and perspectives from the applicant’s master’s study.
• Project outline with description of project idea and plan for implementation.
• The applicant’s description of motivation for the doctoral work and opportunities for completion.
• Relevant experience from research work.
• Ability to work independently, goal-oriented and systematically.
• Personal suitability.

We offer

The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is NOK 565 000,-.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with progressive development
• Flexible working hours  
• Active university sports team

General information

The state workforce should reflect the diversity of the population. Nord University therefore encourages qualified candidates with disabilities, gaps in their CV, an immigrant background, and otherwise diverse life experiences to apply.

Information regarding disabilities or gaps in a CV may be used for anonymized statistical purposes.

The person appointed must comply with the applicable laws, agreements, and directives. The responsibilities and duties associated with the position may change with future reorganization at Nord University.

Nord University is subject to the Security Act, which imposes requirements for the handling of protected and sensitive information. To enhance the security of recruitment processes, Nord may conduct background checks of relevant candidates. 
Security suitability will be considered.

Please note that, in this context, questions may be asked that are necessary to assess the candidate’s security suitability. This may include questions regarding any affiliation with countries that, in the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST)’s annual national threat assessment, are defined as key threat actors.
In such cases, Nord University will be cautious about appointing individuals who have ties to countries classified as key threat actors in PST’s threat assessment.

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an internal expert committee. Relevant applicants will be invited for an interview, trial lecture or other presentations. For more information, see Nord`s website.

The Faculty reserve the right not to hire applicants who may be scientifically qualified but who do not meet other criteria such as language, educational background or personal characteristics.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically by 31.08.2026.

The application should include:

• Applications must be submitted electronically by 31.08.2026.
• The application should include:
• Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications)
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates
• Applicants with education from countries outside Scandinavia with diplomas issued in a language other than English, must enclose witnessed diplomas in both the original language and authorized English translations
• Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit HK-dir approval of their master´s degree
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis
• Project description of 3-5 pages where you explain your idea of how to approach the PhD project including both the theoretical background and methodological details.
• Name and contact information of 2-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Other activity that is considered relevant for the position, and wishes to be taken into account in the assessment
• All documents must be uploaded in the PDF file format as attachments to the electronic application form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

After the application period has expired a list of applicants will be published. Note that, in special cases, the identity of particular applicants to a position may be made public even when that applicant has requested that their application be processed confidentially. Applicants requesting an exemption from publication of their identity must explain their reasons for doing so in their application. In this case, advance notice will be given in the event of a decision to make any information about the applicant public.

Refnr. 30255195