PhD position in mathematical modelling of biology

PhD position
There is a vacancy for a PhD position in mathematical modelling of biology at the Department of Mathematics. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year.

About the project/work tasks:
This position is intended to give promising candidates the opportunity to pursue advanced research, leading to a doctoral degree. The post involves exploring the behaviour of mitochondria, essential organelles that play a vital role in biology, medicine, and agriculture. Because of their fascinating evolutionary history, mitochondria retain their own genomes, which exist in dynamic populations within modern cells and can become mutated. The dynamics of these mutant populations is of central importance in devastating human diseases, in breeding efficient crop plants, and in the broader evolution of complex life.

The researcher will develop and use mathematical models to shed new light on the dynamics of mitochondrial populations and use approaches from statistics and data science to connect these models with real-world data. They will benefit from a highly multidisciplinary work environment, working alongside other researchers addressing fundamental and applied biological questions with modelling and data science approaches.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master's degree or the equivalent in in applied mathematics, physics, or a comparable subject involving quantitative modelling. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 15 July 2019. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
• Applicants should have a strong background in building and analysing mathematical models. Experience with biological and/or stochastic modelling, and connecting models to real data, are advantages.
• The candidate should be interested in linking theory with real-world observations to gain useful predictions and insights, and must be willing to expand upon this real-world connection by communicating with diverse groups within and outside academia.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

About the PhD position:
The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25 % compulsory work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed across the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department, and will be decided upon appointment. The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training: As a PhD candidate, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the faculty within two months after you have commenced in the position. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment
• Salary at pay grade 51 (Code 1017/Pay range 20, alternative 9) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 449 400. Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees
• If you have not yet completed your master`s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master`s degree. Your master`s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma, alternatively a conUniversitetet i Bergention from your institution on completed degree and your grade, by 15 July 2019.
• Relevant certificates/references
• A list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
• Any publications in your name

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

General information:
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting: Head of Department Sigmund Selberg, email: Sigmund.Selberg@uib.no

The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.

Deadline
25. June 2019
Apply now