3 PhD Candidates in Molecular Inflammation

3 PhD positions are available in the research groups of prof. Trude Helen Flo and prof. Terje Espevik at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), NTNU, Trondheim, Norway. The Flo group seeks to understand how early cellular responses to pathogens are initiated and regulated in space and time, and how this shape infection outcome. We have a particular interest in the cellular host responses to bacterial- and viral pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and we are setting up human stem-cell-based model systems to study how cellular crosstalk regulates inflammation, cell death and the infection outcome. The Espevik group is focusing on functions of the complement system, inflammasomes and Toll-like receptors in relation to intracellular signals induced by microbes and cholesterol crystals. The aim is to find new targets and strategies for regulating immune responses that may result in new therapeutics for treating pathological inflammation.

The PhD candidates will work on projects based in one of the two groups, or on a joint project between the groups. We are looking for highly motivated PhD candidates with some experience in working with stem-cell based models, CRISPR-based gene editing, microscopy, biochemistry, or innate immunity, and who are interested in studying inflammatory responses and cell death.

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.

Your immediate leaders are profs. Trude Helen Flo and Terje Espevik

These include but are not limited to:

• Developing a hypothesis into a tractable research question and experimentally test it
• Assembling the tools, reagents and know-how required to complete the research project
• Staying on the top of relevant literature in the field
• Presenting results from the project and drafting paper(s)

• You must have a professionally relevant background in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology or equivalent, including laboratory experience
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master’s degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• Master’s students are encouraged to apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before August 1, 2023.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences PhD program in Medicine and Health Sciences https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phmedhv
• Good oral and written communication skills in English

The appointment is to be made in accordance with  Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Experience in research with CRISPR/Cas9; gene editing and genetic screens
• Experience in cell systems used to study innate immune responses to infection (signaling, cell death)
• Experience in microscopy for cell- and sub-cellular studies

• Ability to work independently and capable of interacting within a group
• Sharing, including and honest
• Ambitious and perseverant

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• great research infrastructure and labs in the University Hospital campus, and possibilities for research stay in collaborators lab in Norway or abroad
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• great opportunities for outdoors activities in nearby nature
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include:

• Motivation letter
• CV and certificates
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Name and contact information of three referees
• Publications or other relevant research work

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.