PhD-position in basic veterinary sciences – Unique Norwegian goat, a model for ruminant breeding

About the position

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a vacant PhD–position related to investigations of a unique line of goats that lack the prion protein. The PhD position is for a period of 3 years. The position is at the Biochemistry and physiology Unit at the Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology.

The research project is linked to the EU-funded project Rumigen (Ruminant breeding through genomic and epigenomic approaches).

In this project, we will investigate Norwegian dairy goats that, due to a mutation, completely lack expression of the prion protein (PrP), a protein well-known for its crucial role in neurodegenerative prion diseases. The normal physiological roles of PrP are still under investigation.

We aim to identify molecular, neurological- and/or pathophysiological traits (phenotypes) caused by loss of PrP-functions.

For instance, production parameters, accessible with non-invasive methods, such as growth and development, milk quality and yield, will be investigated.

We will also investigate tissue and cellular alterations caused by the absence of PrP in the central and peripheral nervous system.

In the Rumigen project, phenotypes characterized in the non-transgenic Norwegian goats will be compared with phenotypes in French Alpine goats after marker-assisted introgression (breeding) and after genome editing (transgenics) in Alpine goats.

The applicant is made aware that an application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD programme at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.

Main tasks

• Carry out Prnp-genetic analyses of relevant goat herds.
• Compare production traits in normal goats with those observed in goats without or with reduced levels of PrP.
• Develop and conduct investigations at the morphological (light-microscopic and ultrastructural) and molecular (in situ hybridization) level.
• Write and publish scientific papers.
• Present results at international conferences and summits in the Rumigen consortium.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

Competence

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree or a cand.med.vet. degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

Required Academic qualifications:

• Veterinary education (DVM) or master’s degree (MSc) in relevant biomedical sciences such as cellular and/or molecular biology.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

The candidate which finishes their education within the spring of 2023 can also apply but have to provide documentation of their degree before employment.

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:

• Experience with animal work, especially farm animals.
• Experience from laboratory work.
• Good written and oral communication skills in Norwegian or other Scandinavian language.

Personal skills

You need to have:

• Strong motivation for research.
• Ability to work structured and efficient.
• Good collaboration skills and capacity for independent work.

Personal suitability will be emphasized.

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD. Fellow. (pay grade 54 – 60) NOK 501 200 – 553 500. Fellows are normally placed in pay grade 54 NOK 501 200 on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.

Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.

For further information, please contact Professor Michael A. Tranulis

E-mail: Michael.tranulis@nmbu.no; phone +47 46417637

Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 09.05.2023

In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.

Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Complete CV 
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Di-ploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
• Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
• Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3). 
• Names and contact details for two references
• Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

About the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at NMBU is the country's only veterinary professional education and provide expertise in veterinary medicine and veterinary public health. The Faculty educates veterinarians, animal nurses and doctoral students in Veterinary Science and researches in veterinary medicine and related biomedical fields. We have 500 students and 430 employees.

The faculty consists of the departments of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Paraclinical Sciences, Production Animal Clinical Sciences and Companion Animal Clinical Sciences. We also run the Animal Hospital, which is closely linked to our research and education, and receives patients from all over the country.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU's focus is a joint effort for a sustainable future. Our university will contribute to securing the future of life, through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation.

NMBU has 1,900 employees of which about 500 phd scholarships and 6,700 students. The university is divided into seven faculties.

NMBU believes that a good working environment is characterised by diversity.

We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional ability, cultural background or whether you have been outside the labour market for a period. If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no.