PhD Position in Environmental Radioactivity Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Medicine

PhD scholarship within Environmental Radioactivity/Radioecology – Fish exposure – Ref.no. 16/04845 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 scholarship within Environmental Radioactivity/Radioecology – Fish exposure – Ref.no. 16/04845 At the Department of Environmental Sciences (IMV) and CERAD Center of excellence for Environmental Radioactivity a 3 year Ph.D–position is available within environmental radioactivity/radioecology. The research will focus on the food chain transfer of radionuclides/trace elements to fish and associated effects i.e., toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. IMV has about 80 employees, including permanent and temporary scientific positions, PhD students, post doctors, technicians and administrative positions. The Department is organized into four scientific groups/sections; Environmental Chemistry, Geology, Hydrology and Limnology and Soil Sciences. The PhD will be included in the Environmental Chemistry group/Isotope Laboratory research being the key center of CERAD. See www.nmbu.imv.no. In 2013 the CERAD Center of excellence was established at IMV/Isotope Laboratory in collaboration with NRPA, MET, NIVA and NIPH. CERAD focuses on new scientific knowledge and tools for better protection of people and the environment from harmful effects of radiation. For more information seehttp://cerad.nmbu.no/ Research project Within CERAD, the research focuses on eight key research areas, among which “Dynamic ecosystem transfer” represents the scientific fundament for the present project. The project will be an integrated part of CERAD and the work will be performed in close collaboration with other projects on dynamic transfer and multiple effects, thus offering scientific synergy and stimulating environment to the PhD- candidate. The CERAD consortium provides expertise on different aspects and methodologies, including a large and advanced toolbox for identification of different biological endpoints. The PhD work will also be part of national and international project collaboration. Exposure to radionuclides (both manmade and natural) represents a potential risk to a number of aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates, due to radiological toxicity as well as chemical toxicity of the metal/element. The toxicity of radionuclides is highly dependent upon uptake via water and feed, distribution and accumulation of radionuclides in organisms, as well as from interactions by other stressors. Main tasks The main tasks of the PhD position are to: Improve our understanding of the kinetics of uptake and elimination of radionuclides such as uranium in fish, as a basis to improve prediction models within radiological protection. Provide understanding of impacts of organic material on speciation of radionuclides. Provide fundamental knowledge on uptake of radionuclides through aquatic food webs, and identify if this uptake is different to uptake from water. Identify dose – response relationship for fish using relevant advanced biomarkers Provide a detailed understanding of the toxic mode of action of radionuclides in fish caused by uptake through the food web and compare that to effects following uptake directly from water. Thus, a key issue is to link exposure of fish to effects. The work will include: Modell experiments with zooplankton/benthos and Atlantic salmon utilizing the new fish laboratory at NMBU with unique facility will be a key part of the research Utilization of techniques to obtain information on speciation of radionuclides/metals in samples (water, feed), Utilization of biomarkers to obtain information on toxic effects and models evaluating interacting effects. Use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) in combination with fractionation techniques Identify adverse and gene regulatory responses in fish In collaboration with supervisors, the successful candidate is expected to prepare a work and research plan for the PhD scholarship period within the first few months of the appointment. The work will be carried out as part of a team of researchers, doctoral fellows and graduate students at the Isotope Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, and together with international partners. Visits to institutions abroad must be expected. Qualifications The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an MSc degree or equivalent qualification in environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, fish physiology, radioecology or other relevant fields, preferably obtained within the last 5 years. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description. Experience from work with ionizing radiation or radionuclides including radioanalytical and radiobiological techniques is an advantage. For candidates without competence within radiation, the Radiation protection course (KJM350) offered at NMBU will be mandatory. Experience from field or laboratory work with fish or aquatic organisms, from fractionation techniques (speciation) or from the use of biomarkers would be beneficial. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria: The grades on MSc degree work. Competence with respect to ionizing radiation or radionuclides including radioanalytical and radiobiological techniques. Experience with speciation techniques Experience with fish experiments Experience with biomarkers. In addition the candidate must have: Good knowledge of the English language – both written and oral. Good communication skills, both related to research and presentations in general. Personal qualities Personal characteristics important for the position are: Strong motivation Creativity and ability to work result-oriented, accurate and structured. Analytical ability Ability to work independently as well as ability to be a good team player. NMBU offers: A progressive and ambitious academic institution with a focus on professional development, dissemination and competence. An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities. Inspiration through daily contact with students and skilled colleagues. Various welfare schemes. Beautiful surroundings just outside Oslo. Remuneration The salary for PhD-scholarship start at wage grade 50 (equivalent to annual salary 435 500 NOK) 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. Further information For further information, please contact Researcher Hans-Christian Teien E-mail: hans-christian.teien@nmbu.no; phone +4767231893. 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: 30.10.2016 Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, 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 within the application deadline. Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Environmental Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within (30.10.2016).Please quote reference number (16/04845). 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. 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

PhD scholarship within Environmental Radioactivity/Radioecology – Fish exposure – Ref.no. 16/04845

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 scholarship within Environmental Radioactivity/Radioecology – Fish exposure – Ref.no. 16/04845

At the Department of Environmental Sciences (IMV) and CERAD Center of excellence for Environmental Radioactivity a 3 year Ph.D–position is available within environmental radioactivity/radioecology. The research will focus on the food chain transfer of radionuclides/trace elements to fish and associated effects i.e., toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics.

IMV has about 80 employees, including permanent and temporary scientific positions, PhD students, post doctors, technicians and administrative positions. The Department is organized into four scientific groups/sections; Environmental Chemistry, Geology, Hydrology and Limnology and Soil Sciences. The PhD will be included in the Environmental Chemistry group/Isotope Laboratory research being the key center of CERAD. See www.nmbu.imv.no.

In 2013 the CERAD Center of excellence was established at IMV/Isotope Laboratory in collaboration with NRPA, MET, NIVA and NIPH. CERAD focuses on new scientific knowledge and tools for better protection of people and the environment from harmful effects of radiation. For more information seehttp://cerad.nmbu.no/

Research project

Within CERAD, the research focuses on eight key research areas, among which “Dynamic ecosystem transfer” represents the scientific fundament for the present project.

The project will be an integrated part of CERAD and the work will be performed in close collaboration with other projects on dynamic transfer and multiple effects, thus offering scientific synergy and stimulating environment to the PhD- candidate. The CERAD consortium provides expertise on different aspects and methodologies, including a large and advanced toolbox for identification of different biological endpoints. The PhD work will also be part of national and international project collaboration.

Exposure to radionuclides (both manmade and natural) represents a potential risk to a number of aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates, due to radiological toxicity as well as chemical toxicity of the metal/element. The toxicity of radionuclides is highly dependent upon uptake via water and feed, distribution and accumulation of radionuclides in organisms, as well as from interactions by other stressors.

Main tasks

The main tasks of the PhD position are to:

Improve our understanding of the kinetics of uptake and elimination of radionuclides such as uranium in fish, as a basis to improve prediction models within radiological protection.
Provide understanding of impacts of organic material on speciation of radionuclides.
Provide fundamental knowledge on uptake of radionuclides through aquatic food webs, and identify if this uptake is different to uptake from water.
Identify dose – response relationship for fish using relevant advanced biomarkers
Provide a detailed understanding of the toxic mode of action of radionuclides in fish caused by uptake through the food web and compare that to effects following uptake directly from water.

Thus, a key issue is to link exposure of fish to effects.

The work will include:

Modell experiments with zooplankton/benthos and Atlantic salmon utilizing the new fish laboratory at NMBU with unique facility will be a key part of the research
Utilization of techniques to obtain information on speciation of radionuclides/metals in samples (water, feed),
Utilization of biomarkers to obtain information on toxic effects and models evaluating interacting effects.
Use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) in combination with fractionation techniques
Identify adverse and gene regulatory responses in fish

In collaboration with supervisors, the successful candidate is expected to prepare a work and research plan for the PhD scholarship period within the first few months of the appointment. The work will be carried out as part of a team of researchers, doctoral fellows and graduate students at the Isotope Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, and together with international partners. Visits to institutions abroad must be expected.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an MSc degree or equivalent qualification in environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, fish physiology, radioecology or other relevant fields, preferably obtained within the last 5 years. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

Experience from work with ionizing radiation or radionuclides including radioanalytical and radiobiological techniques is an advantage. For candidates without competence within radiation, the Radiation protection course (KJM350) offered at NMBU will be mandatory. Experience from field or laboratory work with fish or aquatic organisms, from fractionation techniques (speciation) or from the use of biomarkers would be beneficial.

Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

The grades on MSc degree work.
Competence with respect to ionizing radiation or radionuclides including radioanalytical and radiobiological techniques.
Experience with speciation techniques
Experience with fish experiments
Experience with biomarkers.

In addition the candidate must have:

Good knowledge of the English language – both written and oral.
Good communication skills, both related to research and presentations in general.

Personal qualities

Personal characteristics important for the position are:

Strong motivation
Creativity and ability to work result-oriented, accurate and structured.
Analytical ability
Ability to work independently as well as ability to be a good team player.

NMBU offers:

A progressive and ambitious academic institution with a focus on professional development, dissemination and competence.
An interdisciplinary and inclusive environment that provides exciting research- and development opportunities.
Inspiration through daily contact with students and skilled colleagues.
Various welfare schemes.
Beautiful surroundings just outside Oslo.

Remuneration

The salary for PhD-scholarship start at wage grade 50 (equivalent to annual salary 435 500 NOK) 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.

Further information

For further information, please contact Researcher Hans-Christian Teien

E-mail: hans-christian.teien@nmbu.no; phone +4767231893.

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: 30.10.2016

Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, 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 within the application deadline.

Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Environmental Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within (30.10.2016).Please quote reference number (16/04845).

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.

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