PhD Research Fellow in Marine Algae and Protistan Parasites

The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo invites applications for a four-year PhD Research Fellow position focusing on the diversity and ecology of marine algae and protistan parasites in the Arctic Ocean. Affiliated with the national research programme Arctic Ocean 2050 and the graduate research school BIOCORE, the successful candidate will examine climate-driven biodiversity changes and the northward expansion of toxic microalgae. The work combines field-derived samples, advanced molecular and imaging tools, and ecological theory to generate predictive policy recommendations and pan-Arctic biodiversity databases. The role includes 25% career-enhancing work such as collection curation, teaching, or public outreach, alongside a funded research secondment at a partner museum.

• Investigate how climate warming is reshaping Arctic microbial eukaryote communities with a focus on toxic microalgae and protistan parasites.
• Develop a pan-Arctic, DNA-based biodiversity database using long-read metabarcoding with high taxonomic resolution.
• Distinguish generalist from specialist taxa using existing data, literature, and molecular laboratory methods.
• Validate molecular findings against microscopy data collected during research cruises.
• Translate research results into outreach materials for stakeholders and contribute to predictive policy recommendations.
• Engage in 25% career-enhancing duties including collection curation, teaching, supervision, and public outreach.
• Participate in research secondments and co-organize BIOCORE seminars and symposia.