PostDoctor in System and Network Biology

About the position

We are looking to fill one Post-doctoral associate position in Systems and Network Biology at Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, in the AlmaasLab. The position is financed by the Research Council of Norway through the Biotek2021 Digital Life program. It has a duration of 2.5 years.

Constraint-based analysis of genome-scale metabolic networks has become a central method in many systems biology investigations. In contrast to kinetic models, which are traditionally formulated in terms of differential equations, constraint-based approaches are based on linear or non-linear programming where the constraints are a mixture of physio-chemical and biological in origin. The solid mathematical foundation of the methodology makes it possible to conduct in-depth analyses of a variety of properties, and the mathematical flexibility naturally allows the inclusion of a wide variety of omics data. Constraints-based methods can be used to emulate optimal and sub-optimal cellular utilization of metabolic networks for a wide variety of nutrient and environmental conditions. Important insights into the organization and function of whole-cell metabolic networks have been gained through the recent use of constraint-based optimization approaches. The Almaas Lab (https://www.ntnu.edu/almaaslab) has been working actively in this field for more than 15 years. T

The position reports to Prof. Eivind Almaas

Main duties and responsibilities

Digital Life project “BEDPAN – Bio-engineered Palladium Nanoparticles”

Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) have a wide range of applications in catalysis, sensors, fuel cells, antimicrobial textile coatings and have been used in various nanomedical applications. Pd NPs are currently produced by conventional chemical/physical methods that involve toxic and/or expensive chemical agents. Hence, new, more environmentally friendly approaches are in high demand. The use of microorganisms to reduce soluble metal ions and produce NPs is such an approach. In this project, the PostDoc candidate will use high-quality genome-scale metabolic reconstructions for E. coli and use/ develop constraint-based methods for metabolic modeling to make informed decisions on pathway modifications for optimal Pd production. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team with directed by Univ. of Oslo, with partners at NTNU, Univ. of Birmingham, and Univ. of Granada.

Qualification requirements

A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. Completion of a Norwegian doctoral degree in Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Biostatistics, Biochemistry or a closely related field or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree is required.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, postdoctor and research assistant

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA.

Other qualifications

  • Strong knowledge of basic biology / biochemistry and broad experience with numerical analysis and programming
  • Advanced experience with constraint-based analysis will be considered a requirement
  • Laboratory skills growing microbes, as well as experience with NMR and MS-techniques is considered a plus
  • Demonstrated good written and oral English language skills

Personal characteristics

  • Creative
  • Strong ability to work problem oriented
  • Enjoy interdisciplinary research and take keen interest in learning and working in teams

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

Salary and conditions

Postdoctoral candidates are remunerated in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400,-  per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

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 criterias 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.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

Questions about the position can be directed to Professor Eivind Almaas, e-mail: eivind.almaas@ntnu.no

About the application:

Publications and other academic works that the applicant would like to be considered in the evaluation must accompany the application. Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify the individual applicant’s contribution to joint works, the applicant must include a brief description of his or her contribution.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. A complete application will include (1) a cover letter and (2) CV that has information about education, scientific work and previous work experience. It will also include (3) contact information for three references, and (4) a 2 page discussion of the candidate’s systems biology research interests, and the candidate’s vision for and/or experience with network biology.

Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number          NV-25/20 when applying.

Application deadline: 24.02.2020

NTNU – knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biotechnology and Food Science

Our activities contribute to increased exploitation of existing and new ingredients for sustainable food production as well as next-generation energy solutions and medical technology. We educate graduates for a wide range of careers in industry, public administration and academia. The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

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