Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE)

2 Phd positions - Genetics/computational biology/modelling, and Experimental/molecular biology

The Centre for Integrative Genetics (CIGENE), hosted by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), has recently been awarded a substantial grant under the Research Council of Norway's eScience programme, eVITA. eVITA is a research and infrastructure programme designed to address computing and data-intensive challenges in science, technology and medicine.

The eVITA project awarded to CIGENE, "Bridging the gap: disclosure, understanding and exploitation of the genotype-phenotype map", is divided into three interconnected work packages. They involve development of new theory, models and methods, and they will guide the development of an eInfrastructure customized to meet the demands of serious systems biology research in terms of computational resources, data-storage resources, and software solutions. Our main collaborators include the Human Genome Sequencing Centre, Baylor College of Medicine, the Norwegian Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (University of Oslo (UiO)), USIT, UiO's centre for information technology through its Scientific Computing Group, the Heart Research Group at the Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, Simula Research Laboratory, Roslin Institute and the Yeast Centre at the University of Gøteborg. The eVITA grant also ensures priority access to the Norwegian metacenter for computational science and associated high-performance supercomputer resources.
 
CIGENE is currently inviting applications for 2 limited-term three-year PhD fellowships to join the team responsible for the work package  "Pioneer the establishment and exploitation of the genotype-phenotype map in yeast as a model system for genetics theory development". The aim for this work package is to establish a generic yeast model population for the genetics community, document that the quantitative genetics behaviour of this population is in accordance with the genetics of higher eukaryotes, and use the model population together with ultra-high-throughput sequencing and new bioinformatics software to study key theoretical issues associated with the genotype-phenotype map. We seek one candidate with a background in computational biology, mathematical modelling, statistical genetics and/or multivariate modelling, and a second candidate with a background in experimental biology/molecular biology. We will encourage highly talented candidates to select their research programme from an array of topics and theoretical/methodological approaches of relevance to the goals of the work package.
 
Applicants should hold a Master of Science degree or the equivalent. For the theoretical position, solid programming skills will weigh heavily in a candidate's favour. Experience with molecular genetics will be an advantage for the experimental position. The successful candidates will be required to enter a PhD programme at UMB and are expected to complete their doctorates in the course of the three-year project period. We expect candidates to be highly skilled in their field, self-motivated, eager to take the initiative, in possession of good interpersonal skills and willing to work in close collaboration with others.  
 
The positions will be located at CIGENE's premises at UMB. However, the candidate selected for the experimental position should expect to carry out part of the experimental work at the Yeast Centre at the University of Gothenburg.
 
Annual salary starts at level 43 on the Norwegian Government salary scale (approximately NOK 325,600 (EUR 40,700)). Increases in salary will be according to seniority rights.
 
Applicants should submit three copies of their written application, detailed CV, relevant publications, and official certified copies of certificates and references.
 
Applications quoting reference number 08/546 should be sent to: Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Dept. of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, P O Box 5003, N-1432 Aas, Norway by May 30 2008.
 
For further information contact Prof. Stig W. Omholt (e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; phone +47-64965297).