PhD Position - Biochemical Bioprospecting of Macroalgae

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About the position

Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Norway, invites applications from outstanding candidates for a three- or four-year PhD position in Macroalgal biochemical bioprospecting. 

This position offers the opportunity to explore the chemical diversity and biological activity of phenolic compounds from cold-adapted macroalgae. Using advanced analytical platforms, the candidate will be able to characterize these compounds, besides employing cell-lines/ model organisms to investigate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the molecular level. The project supports the faculty’s translational research on chronic intestinal inflammation, a major health challenge in humans attributed to diet and other factors. The association of this disease condition with oxidative stress and dysregulated cellular processes creates interest not only in elucidating the underlying mechanisms, but also to explore the application of algae-derived compounds in conjunction with preventive health strategies. Macroalgae are a promising and sustainable source of phenolic compounds, and their biological activities have been demonstrated in different experimental systems. However, due to their chemical complexity and structural variability, their mode of biological action needs to be studied further. Phlorotannins typically occur as complex mixtures of structurally related compounds, while catechins are secondary metabolites occurring in bound and free forms, conjugated to cell wall polymers making their characterization and biological evaluation challenging. The candidate applying for the position should have adequate expertise either in analytical chemistry or possess advanced skills in molecular cell biology to undertake this applied research project

This research project, which is partly externally funded, is a collaboration between Nord University and NIBIO at their respective research divisions in Bodø, Norway, providing access to strong research environments, interdisciplinary supervision, and state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.

Candidates must comply with Nord University’s residency requirements.

Qualification requirements

• The ideal candidate for this position must possess an MSc degree in biosciences, biochemistry, cell biology or a discipline relevant for the announced position. A grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) is required for both the program overall and the master’s thesis to be admitted to the PhD program. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit approval of their master’s degree, https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education 
• The ideal candidate would have undertaken a master’s thesis project on seaweed chemistry, and have a sound background on structure, diversity and ecological roles of compounds, particularly phlorotannins. Expertise in seaweed biomass handling and growing them under laboratory conditions, and sample preparation from the biomass for downstream analyses will be advantageous for the position. In addition, if a candidate has gained skills in analytical techniques, using HPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS/QTOF, or related platforms for phlorotannin characterization, this can be of significant benefit for conducting the PhD project
• The candidate must have the ability to process, curate and interpret analytical data sets and prepare scientific publication. The candidate should also be able to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines. The candidate must be strong in scientific communication skills in English, across multiple platforms
• See admission requirements:  PhD in Biosciences Employment is conditional upon admission to the faculty’s doctoral program. The final project proposal must be submitted 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
• It can be beneficial if the applicant masters Norwegian or a Scandinavian language
  For the position, good English skills are required both written and oral. The thesis must be written in English

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Themes 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.

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 reserves 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 10.09.2026

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
• A project description (maximum 3 pages), based on the theme mentioned earlier in this announcement, including the theoretical anchoring, methodological approaches, and a progress plan for the three-year fellowship period. If you have employed AI-powered generative language models to prepare the project description, a declaration must be included at the end of the document, stating the extent to which you have relied on such models.
• Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates. Diplomas from outside the EU/EEA must submit approval of their master’s degree, https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education
• Copy of the applicant’s master’s thesis as a PDF file
• Name and contact information of 2-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number)
• Any other activity that is considered relevant for the position

All documents (only those asked for) must be uploaded as PDF attachments to the electronic application form.

It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the complete documentation within the deadline.

Once the application period has ended 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. 30258161