Click here to join now
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Cancer Cell Biology and Biotechnology at its campus in Trondheim, Norway. The position is hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science and will be supervised by Associate Professor Kai Sandvold Beckwith.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Employment Duration: 3 years
Funding: Norwegian Research Council
Start Date: Summer/Fall 2026
About NTNU
NTNU is a leading technical-scientific university with a strong focus on research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional education. With approximately 9,000 employees and 43,000 students, NTNU contributes to scientific advancement and societal development through innovative research and education.
The university’s headquarters are located in Trondheim, a major Norwegian technology and research hub.
Research Project: Advanced Single-Cell Profiling in Multiple Myeloma
This PhD project focuses on cancer cell biology, biotechnology, and advanced fluorescence microscopy, with a specific emphasis on multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of antibody-producing plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Despite improvements in treatment and patient survival, therapeutic resistance remains inevitable. There is an urgent need for:
- Improved prognostic tools
- More precise treatment guidance
- Innovative therapeutic strategies
- Single-cell level molecular characterization
Project Objectives
The doctoral candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary project aimed at:
- Developing nanoparticle-based cell enrichment technologies to isolate circulating multiple myeloma cells from blood samples
- Designing and implementing multiplexed fluorescence microscopy approaches
- Performing optical molecular profiling at the single-cell level
- Generating new biological insights to improve diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies
The project combines expertise in:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Chemical engineering
- Clinical oncology
Research will be conducted in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams at NTNU and St. Olav’s University Hospital, integrating basic research with clinical applications.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD Candidate, you will:
- Complete doctoral education leading to a PhD degree
- Conduct high-quality experimental research
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Disseminate research through conferences and outreach activities
- Participate in international collaborations and research stays
- Contribute to the interdisciplinary project consortium
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree in cell biology, biotechnology, molecular medicine, biophysics, or a closely related discipline
- Laboratory experience relevant to cell biology or biomedical research
- Academic performance equivalent to a minimum grade B on NTNU’s grading scale
- Eligibility for admission to the Faculty of Natural Sciences Doctoral Program
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Master’s students may apply, provided the degree is completed before August 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with experience in the following areas will be highly competitive:
- Advanced fluorescence microscopy
- Multiplex imaging techniques
- Image analysis and bioinformatics
- Coding and computational analysis
- Experimental cell biology
- Handling clinical biological samples
- Scandinavian language skills (A2 level or higher)
Desired Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong motivation for cancer research and translational biotechnology
- Structured and independent working style
- Creative and critical scientific thinking
- Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary and international teams
- Enthusiasm for learning advanced imaging and analytical techniques
Personal suitability and research potential will be emphasized in the evaluation process.Salary and Employment Conditions
- Position Code: 1017 PhD Candidate
- Gross Annual Salary: NOK 550,800 (depending on qualifications and seniority)
- 2% statutory pension contribution deducted
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Admission to the doctoral program required within three months of employment
- Full-time physical presence at NTNU required
- Appointment subject to Norwegian State Employees Act and export control regulations
What NTNU Offers
- Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at the University Hospital campus
- International and collaborative research environment
- Career guidance and structured doctoral training
- Research funding to support project implementation
- Mentor program for new employees
- Free Norwegian language training (A2 level)
- Comprehensive employee benefits
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
NTNU values diversity as a strength and actively promotes equality and gender balance in scientific positions. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, cultural background, functional ability, or career interruptions.
NTNU supports responsible research assessment principles and recognizes diverse academic contributions aligned with its societal mission.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter describing motivation and relevant experience
- CV including publications or research contributions
- One-page summary of Master’s thesis
- Transcripts and diplomas (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Contact details for three referees
International applicants must provide documentation verifying the scope and quality of their education.
Applications will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research experience, interdisciplinary potential, and motivation.
Living and Working in Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim is Norway’s technology capital, known for its strong research ecosystem, high quality of life, clean environment, and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers excellent public services, international schooling options, and close access to nature, making it an attractive location for international PhD candidates and researchers.
Contact Information
Academic Contact: Associate Professor Kai Sandvold Beckwith
Recruitment Contact: HR Consultant Cathrine Kravik
If you are passionate about cancer cell biology, biotechnology innovation, and single-cell molecular analysis, this PhD opportunity at NTNU provides a strong foundation for a research-driven academic or industry career.
Apply now at: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/296331/phd-candidate-in-cancer-cell-biology-biotechnology
