Two-year Researcher position within Extremophile Metabolmics/Lipidomics

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About the position

The Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, is seeking a highly motivated Researcher to take charge of lipid bioprospection on samples obtained from extremophilic micro-organisms occupying desert, polar, and volcanic hotspots. The two-year position is seated within the XTREMOLIFE consortium funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework program.

The overall aim of the multinational, interdisciplinary consortium is to uncover the potential of extremophilic micro-organisms by developing and using next-generation sampling technology to collect material from highly challenging environments. Of particular interest is the prospection for novel extremophile secondary metabolites containing structural motifs that can be interlinked with immune modulatory properties.

The successful candidate shall through cutting edge research participate in the work packages on Extremophilic Ecology and Biodiscovery of Compounds, collaborating closely with international project partners, and contributing to the project's key deliverables and milestones.

The position is to be located in Bodø.

Key responsibilities

The research position is concerned with analytical chemistry utilizing hyphenated platforms to prospect for novel small-molecular lipid secondary metabolites in samples delivered by XTREMOLIFE. Notably, GCMS with tandem MS detection will be featured centrally. As a key player, the associate will:

• perform independent and collaborative research in accordance with the project work plan
• coordinate research activities and deliverables with consortium partners across Europe
• disseminate results in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific papers
• present research findings at international conferences and consortium meetings

Qualifications and requirements

For eligibility, the applicant must have a PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or in a closely related field, emphasizing metabolomics/lipidomics with substantive and demonstrable proficiency connected to hyphenated chromatographic techniques highlighting GCMS with tandem MS detection. Ideally, the applicant should have relevant postdoctoral experience.

• Knowledge of metabolic pathways and biochemistry is an advantage
• Good communication and problem solving abilities
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Fluency in both oral and written English is paramount

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• Submitted project outline and professional profile, interest in the project, and the quality of publications and submitted written works
• Personal suitability
• The applicant`s motivation for applying for the position
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English
• Profession-oriented research and development work is central at the faculties. It is important that the person employed is inclined to focus on profession-specific issues.

We offer

The position is compensated according to government regulations, code 1109 Researcher. Salary by agreement.

• Advantages within the Government Pension Fund for loans, insurance and pension
• Creative and collegial working environment
• A workplace with steady 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.

Contact information

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting :

• Associate professor Jens Mortansson Jelstrup Nolsøe, e-mail: jens.m.nolsoe@nord.no, telephone: +47 75517756

Application process

Applicants will be evaluated by an expert committee. Short-listed applicants will be called for an interview and trial lecture. These will be decisive for the appointment.

The faculty notes that it reserves the right not to hire applicants who are scientifically qualified but do not meet other criteria such as language proficiency, pedagogical abilities, research experience, or personal qualities.

Application

Application with CV, copy of transcrips, and certificates should be submitted electronically by september 10th 2026.

Complete documentation in electronic form must be submitted by the closing date for applications.

The electronic application must contain:

• Cover letter with a description of your motivation for applying for the position
• Complete CV summarizing education, positions held, teaching and research experience, publications, administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• Copies of diplomas, transcripts and certificates
• Complete copies of up to 5 of the most relevant publications / academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered, along with a list of those submitted, and the reason why the applicant believes these to be the most important. The doctoral dissertation should be included.
• A project outline with a research work plan of 4-5 pages must be included with the application. The project outline should include a description of the research idea, a plan for the progress of differend parts of the research work, and a publishing plan.
• Contact details for 1-3 referees
• Other activities considered relevant to the position and desired to be taken into consideration during the assessment.

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

The applicants will be assessed by an internal expert committee. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview, trial lecture, or other presentations.

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: 30260389