PhD Position in Nutrition Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Medicine

Global challenges regarding energy and climate change, the environment, health, food safety, technology and renewable solutions, use and conservation of land and natural resources, and development of the bio-economy, requires greater effort. NMBU is well equipped to conduct further research in these fields. NMBU's expertise spans entire value chains and includes both basic and applied research. On 1 January 2014, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the University of Life Sciences merged and became –NMBU, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NMBU has 1700 employees and 5100 students, and is currently located on two campuses – Ås, about 30 km south of Oslo, and Adamstuen in Oslo. In 2019, the new research- and education-building for veterinary science will be completed and all of NMBU will then be located at Campus Ås. Further information about NMBU is available on www.nmbu.no PhD position in Nutrition - Plant proteins and health effects – Ref.no. 16/05345 A three (3) year PhD position is open at the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (IKBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) connected to the group led by professor Harald Carlsen (1 postdoc, 2 Ph students, 1 engineer and 1-2 masterstudents). The project is financed through a grant from NMBU. IKBM is located at NMBU Campus Ås, 30 km south of Oslo. IKBM’s research and teaching includes disciplines such as chemistry, biotechnology, nutrition, food science, ecology, behavioral biology, microbiology and bioinformatics. IKBM has 150 employees and 12 research groups. Research Project The objective of this project is to gain more understanding of the biological and health related effects of dietary proteins, with focus on proteins from plants. Worldwide dietary recommendations include increased intake of plant based foods for health and sustainability reasons. However, there are still several unanswered questions why a plant rich diet is healthier than an animal based diet. One important contributing factor may be the protein source itself. It has become evident over the recent years that excess protein intake may accelerate aging and aging related diseases. In fact, protein restriction in experimental animal models mimics many of the beneficial processes observed in fasted or energy restricted individuals. Furthermore, by testing a large number of combinations of macronutrients in experimental mice, research has revealed that a diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates is the most health beneficial combination. However, many reports also indicate that when protein source is from plants the negative impact of high protein intake is either avoided or much less pronounced. It is likely that differences in amino acid composition can explain this, but it is still largely unsettled to what extent plant proteins are more “healthy” than animal proteins and why this is so. In this PhD project we aim to use experimental mouse models in feeding trials and use cell systems to explore the biological and health effects of proteins from plants regarded as high quality protein sources, such as legumes (beans, peas and soy) and oats, and compare them with major protein sources from animals such as dairy products, red meat and fish. Of particular interest will be plants adapted to the Nordic climate. Studies will include different protein fractions and processing relevant for food products. We will use sophisticated tools to scrutinize particular signaling pathways (e.g. mTOR, inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress), gene expression in target organs, effects on intestinal health (intestinal barrier, microbiota, metabolites, immunity) and exploit disease models particularly relevant for life-style diseases. We also aim at using in vitro digestion models and use cell cultures in selected experiments to gain additional mechanistic insight. Main tasks The successful applicant will study how combinations of different dietary proteins, fractions of these and effect of processing will impact health and disease using experimental mice as the primary tool. Data collection includes blood sampling, dissection of organs, non-invasive optical imaging of molecular processes in mice, and standard methods in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry for analyses of gene expression, immune cell function, oxidative stress and gut microbiota composition. Both wild type and transgenic mice will be exploited. The work will also involve cell culture work and in vitro digestion and analyses of digestion kinetics and products formed. Academic Qualifications The successful applicant will have a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as nutrition biology, food science, physiology, molecular biology, immunology and microbiology, or similar. The applicant is ambitious, highly motivated and creative, and has a desire to explore and understand complex questions related to how diet can influence the host. It is an advantage that the applicant has some experience with research animals, but is not mandatory, as training will be given. The candidate is required to enter NMBU’s PhD program, with a view to completing a doctorate within the 3-year PhD fellowship period. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description. Personal skills Communication, cooperation, productivity and initiative are required traits in addition to strong social skills. NMBU offers: An optimistic academic institution with focus on professional development, dissemination and competence. An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities. Daily contact with inspiring students and skilled colleagues. Various welfare schemes. Beautiful surroundings just outside Oslo. Remuneration The starting salary for PhD fellowships is pay grade 50 (equivalent to annual salary 435 100 NOK) on the Norwegian Government salary scale. Salary increases follow standard meriting regulations. Employment is governed by national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars. Further information For further information contact Prof. Harald Carlsen; Tlf: +4767232453, +4793440718; E-mail:harald.carlsen@nmbu.no 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: 08.11.16 Applications should include (electronically) a cover letter, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Publications should be included electronically by the application deadline. Printed material, which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Dept of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, by 08.11.16. Please quote the position’s reference number. Key publications Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested. Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of IKBM, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 08.11.16. Please quote reference number 16/05345 Verified testimonies, certificates Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates. The position follows the Norwegian government pay scale A compulsory contribution of 2 % is made to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. A good working environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of gender, physical ability or cultural background. The workplace will if necessary be facilitated for persons with disabilities. According to the Freedom of Information Act § 25 the list of applicants for this position may be made public irrespective of whether the applicant has requested that his/her name be withheld. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy

Global challenges regarding energy and climate change, the environment, health, food safety, technology and renewable solutions, use and conservation of land and natural resources, and development of the bio-economy, requires greater effort. NMBU is well equipped to conduct further research in these fields. NMBU's expertise spans entire value chains and includes both basic and applied research.

On 1 January 2014, the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science and the University of Life Sciences merged and became –NMBU, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NMBU has 1700 employees and 5100 students, and is currently located on two campuses – Ås, about 30 km south of Oslo, and Adamstuen in Oslo. In 2019, the new research- and education-building for veterinary science will be completed and all of NMBU will then be located at Campus Ås.

Further information about NMBU is available on www.nmbu.no

PhD position in Nutrition - Plant proteins and health effects – Ref.no. 16/05345

A three (3) year PhD position is open at the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (IKBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) connected to the group led by professor Harald Carlsen (1 postdoc, 2 Ph students, 1 engineer and 1-2 masterstudents). The project is financed through a grant from NMBU.

IKBM is located at NMBU Campus Ås, 30 km south of Oslo. IKBM’s research and teaching includes disciplines such as chemistry, biotechnology, nutrition, food science, ecology, behavioral biology, microbiology and bioinformatics. IKBM has 150 employees and 12 research groups.

Research Project

The objective of this project is to gain more understanding of the biological and health related effects of dietary proteins, with focus on proteins from plants. Worldwide dietary recommendations include increased intake of plant based foods for health and sustainability reasons. However, there are still several unanswered questions why a plant rich diet is healthier than an animal based diet. One important contributing factor may be the protein source itself. It has become evident over the recent years that excess protein intake may accelerate aging and aging related diseases. In fact, protein restriction in experimental animal models mimics many of the beneficial processes observed in fasted or energy restricted individuals. Furthermore, by testing a large number of combinations of macronutrients in experimental mice, research has revealed that a diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates is the most health beneficial combination. However, many reports also indicate that when protein source is from plants the negative impact of high protein intake is either avoided or much less pronounced. It is likely that differences in amino acid composition can explain this, but it is still largely unsettled to what extent plant proteins are more “healthy” than animal proteins and why this is so.

In this PhD project we aim to use experimental mouse models in feeding trials and use cell systems to explore the biological and health effects of proteins from plants regarded as high quality protein sources, such as legumes (beans, peas and soy) and oats, and compare them with major protein sources from animals such as dairy products, red meat and fish. Of particular interest will be plants adapted to the Nordic climate. Studies will include different protein fractions and processing relevant for food products. We will use sophisticated tools to scrutinize particular signaling pathways (e.g. mTOR, inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress), gene expression in target organs, effects on intestinal health (intestinal barrier, microbiota, metabolites, immunity) and exploit disease models particularly relevant for life-style diseases. We also aim at using in vitro digestion models and use cell cultures in selected experiments to gain additional mechanistic insight.

Main tasks

The successful applicant will study how combinations of different dietary proteins, fractions of these and effect of processing will impact health and disease using experimental mice as the primary tool. Data collection includes blood sampling, dissection of organs, non-invasive optical imaging of molecular processes in mice, and standard methods in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry for analyses of gene expression, immune cell function, oxidative stress and gut microbiota composition. Both wild type and transgenic mice will be exploited. The work will also involve cell culture work and in vitro digestion and analyses of digestion kinetics and products formed.

Academic Qualifications

The successful applicant will have a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as nutrition biology, food science, physiology, molecular biology, immunology and microbiology, or similar. The applicant is ambitious, highly motivated and creative, and has a desire to explore and understand complex questions related to how diet can influence the host. It is an advantage that the applicant has some experience with research animals, but is not mandatory, as training will be given.

The candidate is required to enter NMBU’s PhD program, with a view to completing a doctorate within the 3-year PhD fellowship period. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

Personal skills

Communication, cooperation, productivity and initiative are required traits in addition to strong social skills.

NMBU offers:

An optimistic academic institution with focus on professional development, dissemination and competence.
An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities.
Daily contact with inspiring students and skilled colleagues.
Various welfare schemes.
Beautiful surroundings just outside Oslo.

Remuneration

The starting salary for PhD fellowships is pay grade 50 (equivalent to annual salary 435 100 NOK) on the Norwegian Government salary scale. Salary increases follow standard meriting regulations.

Employment is governed by national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.

Further information

For further information contact Prof. Harald Carlsen; Tlf: +4767232453, +4793440718; E-mail:harald.carlsen@nmbu.no

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: 08.11.16

Applications should include (electronically) a cover letter, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Publications should be included electronically by the application deadline.

Printed material, which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Dept of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, by 08.11.16. Please quote the position’s reference number.

Key publications

Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of IKBM, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within 08.11.16. Please quote reference number 16/05345

Verified testimonies, certificates

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

The position follows the Norwegian government pay scale A compulsory contribution of 2 % is made to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. A good working environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of gender, physical ability or cultural background. The workplace will if necessary be facilitated for persons with disabilities.

According to the Freedom of Information Act § 25 the list of applicants for this position may be made public irrespective of whether the applicant has requested that his/her name be withheld.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Medicinoxy