PhD Research Fellow in Marine Geomicrobiology
Investigate how Arctic Ocean climate change impacts microbial activity and carbon cycling in seafloor sediments.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in geomicrobiology or related fields with hands-on molecular microbiology and bioinformatics experience.
Overview
The University of Bergen invites applications for a 3-year PhD Research Fellow position in marine geomicrobiology at the Department of Earth Science. Working within the interdisciplinary Arctic Ocean 2050 program and the Centre for Deep Sea Research, the candidate will study how variable organic carbon supply affects microbial diversity and activity in Arctic sediments. The project involves developing in situ experimental frameworks, combining geochemical analyses with molecular microbiology and bioinformatics, and participating in marine research cruises. Candidates are expected to work independently, collaborate within a large research network, and complete an approved PhD educational programme.
What you'll do
- Develop and deploy in situ experimental setups to measure microbial activity in Arctic marine sediments.
- Perform molecular analyses including DNA and RNA extraction, sequencing, and associated bioinformatics workflows.
- Integrate high-resolution geochemical measurements with microbiological data to assess element partitioning.
- Participate in one or multiple marine research cruises aboard research vessels.
- Contribute to scientific dissemination by authoring peer-reviewed publications and presenting findings at conferences.
- Fulfill departmental teaching or career-promoting duties if a fourth year of the fellowship is awarded.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in geomicrobiology, geosciences, or a closely related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good written and oral proficiency
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated practical experience with molecular microbiology methods such as DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing
- Proficiency in bioinformatics data analysis
- Ability to conduct independent and structured scientific research
- Strong collaborative skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
- Must hold a master's degree or submit confirmation of thesis completion before starting
- Must satisfy admission requirements for the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology
- Must be able to relocate to Norway by the time of employment and comply with Norwegian export control regulations
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-11
Applicants must submit their application and required appendices electronically through the Jobbnorge portal. The application must include a research interest statement, a detailed justification explaining how qualifications align with project requirements, academic transcripts, and reference details.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Research interest statement
- BSc + MSc transcripts
- Degrees or certificates
- Publication list
- 2 reference letters
Contact
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