1 PhD Research Fellowship in molecular parasitology - Iron metabolism in Norway | University of Bergen

The Department of Biology has a vacancy for a research fellow (PhD candidate) in molecular parasitology. The position is for a fixed-term period of 4 years and is affiliated to The Sea Lice Research Centre. The Sea Lice Research Centre (SLRC) is a Centre for Research-based Innovation appointed by the Research Council of Norway.

SLRC aims to be internationally leading in research on salmon lice to develop new methods for controlling the parasite. The centre has three academic partners and five industrial partners, and in total employs approximately 40 persons. The research centre is organized in six work packages and the host institution is the University of Bergen.

The positions are linked to the part of the centre that works with molecular parasitology. Here the focus is to increase the knowledge of the biology of salmon lice by the use of molecular methods with the aim to find new methods for lice control.

Iron metabolism in salmon louse

The aim of the PhD position is to gain knowledge on the molecular mechanisms for regulation of iron and heme-proteins for development of new strategies for parasite control.

The amount of iron in animals is closely regulated since iron is essential for several metabolic functions. At the same time, an excessive amount of iron is toxic. The regulation of iron levels in salmon lice is further complicated as the animal survives on a diet (blood) of high levels of iron. It has recently been shown in fish that iron can play a role in the defense against this parasite. The project will cover mapping of relevant genes that are involved in iron metabolism with emphasis on expression pattern. Targeted knock-down of genes with the use of RNA interference in salmon lice will be used to evaluate their effect on iron levels in addition to effects on interaction between lice and different types of salmon. The successful candidate must expect some travel activity and shorter stay (3-6 months) at international partners.

We search for highly motivated candidates with enthusiasm for research.

Benefits

• a good and professionally challenging working environment
• modern laboratories with diverse research activities
• salary at pay grade 50 upon appointment (Code 1017). Further promotions are made according to length of service in the position.
• enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• a position in an inclusive workplace (IA enterprise)
• good welfare benefits