PhD Fellow in Investigating the Systematics and Taxonomy of Arctic Bivalves

Om stillingen

The applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. The committee's mandate is to undertake an assessment of the applicants' qualifications based on the written material presented by the applicants, and the detailed description draw up for the position. A copy of the assessment report will be sent to all applicants.

The applicants who are assessed as best qualified will be called to an interview. The interview should among other things, aim to clarify the applicant's motivation and personal suitability for the position.

Arctic bivalves play a crucial role in northern marine ecosystems, with one of their most remarkable traits being their exceptional longevity. Species such as Astarte moerchi and Hiatella arctica can live for over a century, making them valuable indicators for long-term environmental monitoring. These bivalves are also key contributors to benthic biomass.

Approximately 160 bivalve species are known from cold-water polar regions, with only a few being endemic. Many Arctic species exhibit a broad bathymetric range, thriving in shallow waters in the north and at much greater depths in southern regions. For instance, Yoldiella lenticula is commonly found at depths of 10 meters in the Arctic but occurs as deep as 2245 meters in the Mediterranean Sea, living subtidally in the north and abyssally in the south.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in Biology or a related field. Qualification with a master's degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master's degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcript of grades for the master's degree with your application.
• Documented interest in taxonomy of marine bivalves.
• Documented knowledge of English. Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma.

Desired qualifications:

We are looking for candidates who have knowledge and experience in:

• Advanced microscopy techniques
• PCR based molecular techniques
• Data analyses with R

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who demonstrates:

• Self-motivation, enthusiasm, independence, and a strong and creative problem-solving ability
• Ability to collaborate and work comfortably in international teams
• Strong work ethic and commitment to the job

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. The project description will also be considered. In addition, professional experience and other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme will be taken into consideration.

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally 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 corresponding to at least 30 ECTS for a master's degree of 120 ECTS.
• A master's thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 20 ECTS for an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.