PhD position in biosystematics of marine green macroalgae (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)

6th November 2025
Languages
English

• English
• Norsk Nynorsk

English
PhD position in biosystematics of marine green macroalgae (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)
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About the position:

At The Department of Natural History, University Museum of Bergen (University of Bergen, Norway), there is a vacancy for a PhD position within the field of biosystematics of marine algae. The position is for a fixed-term period of four years, including 25% (one year) of other compulsory work in the algal collections (e.g. teaching duties, collection management, digitization, and outreach). The candidate will be working on a research project on the diversity, systematics, phylogeny, and biogeography of marine green macroalgae (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) as part of the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre (Artsdatabanken) project “An ocean of unknown species – Unravelling the biodiversity of Norway’s key ecologically and economically important green macroalgae.”

About the project/work tasks:

Background:
Marine green macroalgae (Chlorophyta: Ulvophyceae) are vital to ecosystem functioning, provide key habitat and food resources, and have growing economic importance. Yet, they remain taxonomically underexplored in Norway due to cryptic diversity, morphological plasticity, and unresolved species complexes. Molecular databases currently lack adequate representation of these taxa, hindering correct identification, ecological monitoring, and biotechnological use.
Objectives:
This PhD project will fill these critical gaps by carrying out the first nationwide, seasonally stratified field campaign to document the biodiversity and distribution of Ulvophyceae in Norway, from southern fjords to Arctic Svalbard. Representative sampling across diverse habitats will support a comprehensive inventory and biogeographic assessment. Herbarium collections will be expanded and digitized, while existing historical material will be re-examined to detect range shifts and potential invasions. 

The candidate will apply integrative taxonomic approaches, combining classical morphology and ontogenetic studies with multi-locus DNA barcoding and whole chloroplast genome sequencing. This framework will be used to delimit species, reveal cryptic diversity, and resolve phylogenetic relationships within the group. The results will provide essential molecular reference data for species identification, monitoring of invasive and red-listed species, and aquaculture development. The project involves both national and international collaborators, with whom the PhD candidate will work closely to ensure comprehensive sampling and research coverage alon the entire Norwegian coastline. 

All specimens and molecular data will be preserved at the University Museum of Bergen, strengthening national reference libraries and supporting long-term biodiversity management. The project also includes public outreach through a museum exhibition and collaboration with the Norwegian seaweed industry.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

We seek an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate, ideally with experience in phycology, algal taxonomy, or marine biosystematics. The successful applicant must be a good team worker, able to develop new skills independently in a structured and goal-oriented manner, and have excellent communication skills.

Required:

• Master of Science (MSc) degree or equivalent in biology (e.g. botany, marine biology, evolutionary biology, phycology, biosystematics)
• MSc thesis submitted prior to the application deadline (degree must be awarded before employment starts)
• Experience with molecular laboratory work (DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing)
• Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork along the Norwegian coast, including participation in sampling campaigns and travel
• Driving license class B
• Good written and oral English skills

Preferred:

• Experience in taxonomy and systematics of algae
• Experience with microscopy, morphological character analyses, and herbarium work
• Experience in bioinformatics, molecular phylogenetics, and/or genome assembly
• Experience with scientific cruises or field campaigns
• Experience in writing scientific papers and presenting research at international meetings
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing
• Experience with science communication, outreach, or citizen science

About the PhD position

About the PhD position (applies to university PhD positions): 

The position is for a fixed-term period of four years, including 25% (one year) of other compulsory work in the algal collections (e.g. teaching duties, collection management, digitization, and outreach).
The PhD candidate will be responsible for developing the research project, including: 

• Fieldwork and sampling in close collaboration with national & international partners
• Taxonomic identification and morphological studies
• Molecular lab work and phylogenetic analyses
• Species delimitation and biogeographic analyses
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication

The PhD candidate must take part in the University’s approved PhD program leading to the degree within a time limit of 3 years. Hence, applicants must meet the formal admission requirements for the PhD program. Application for admission to the PhD study, including progress plan for education and research will be prepared together with the project advisors. A final plan for the implementation of the research training must be approved by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences within 2 months after the candidate has commenced in the position. It is a condition that the candidate satisfies the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen: Admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology | Faculty of Science and Technology | UiB

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment
• Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) gross annual salary of NOK 568 700. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Good welfare benefits

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter stating your research background, interests and reasons for applying for the position (maximum one A4 page)
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or the responsible for a research project where the applicant previously had a relevant participation
• CV (maximum 2-pages) with name, contacts, qualifications, working experience, and publication record (if any)
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, or official confirmation that the master’s thesis has been submitted
• Relevant certificates/references
• Any publications in your name
• Approved documentation of proficiency in English; https://www.uib.no/en/nt/52899/admission-phd-programme-faculty-science-and-technology#english-language-requirements-for-phd-admission

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge. Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.

General information:

Detailed information about the position can be obtained by Associate professor Sophie Steinhagen (Sophie.steinhagen@uib.no, +49 157 31360789), University Museum of Bergen, Department of Natural History, or Head of Department Jenny Smedmark jenny.smedmark@uib.no , + 47 40726194), University Museum of Bergen, Department of Natural History.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. For further information about the recruitment process, click here .

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Life as a PhD candidate at UiB

Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.

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About UiB

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad. 

University Museum of Bergen - read more here  

Apply for this job
Deadline

6th November 2025

Employer

University of Bergen

Municipality

Bergen

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service
Allégaten 41, 5007 Bergen

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