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Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM), invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Protein Engineering and Proteomics (PEP) group.
Application Deadline: April 2, 2026
Employment Type: Full-time, 3 years
Salary: NOK 550,800 per annum
Supervisor: Associate Professor Sabina Leanti La Rosa ([email protected])
Location: Ås, Norway
Project Overview
The SalmoPro PhD project aims to understand and harness the digestive system of salmon to optimize feed efficiency and support fish health. Key objectives include:
- Identification of protein- and carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in the salmon gut
- Characterization of natural microbes or enzymes that efficiently depolymerize feed ingredients
- Development of microbial or enzyme mixtures for improved feed utilization
- Exploration of biotechnological applications of identified enzymes
The project will utilize (meta)omics approaches, protein purification, and recombinant protein expression. Collaboration with adjacent projects in biotechnology, applied microbiology, bioinformatics, fermentation, and fish nutrition will be part of the research.
Key Tasks
- Prepare protein samples from salmon gut contents
- Map enzymes using quantitative proteomics/metaproteomics
- Produce recombinant enzymes in bacteria or yeast
- Characterize individual enzymes for biotechnological applicability
- Isolate and cultivate bacteria from salmon gut on selected substrates
- Collaborate with research partners and industry
- Publish at least three high-quality scientific papers and present at international conferences
- Develop a progress plan to complete the PhD within the scholarship period
Eligibility & Competence
Mandatory Qualifications:
- MSc degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology (completion expected by June 2026 acceptable)
- Strong academic record with MSc thesis graded B or higher
- Hands-on lab experience in protein purification, recombinant protein production, and enzymology
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with carbohydrate-active enzymes and proteases
- (Meta)proteomics expertise and bacterial cultivation
- Bioinformatics and programming (preferably R)
- Statistical data analysis and visualization
- Knowledge of salmon physiology
Personal Qualities:
- Hard-working, ambitious, and accurate
- Creative, independent, and collaborative
- Strong motivation for academic writing and research publication
Application Documents
Submit via the NMBU online recruitment system:
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
- CV detailing academic background and research experience
- Certified copies of academic diplomas and transcripts (with English translations if necessary)
- Documentation of English proficiency
- Names and contact information of two references
- Additional relevant documentation (e.g., list of scientific works)
For more information:
- Associate Professor Sabina Leanti La Rosa: [email protected]
- PEP Group: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm/research/groups/pep
- Faculty KBM: https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/kbm
This PhD position provides an excellent opportunity to work in a highly international and multidisciplinary research environment, focusing on enzyme discovery, protein engineering, and biotechnology applications in aquaculture and beyond.
Apply now at: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/296538/phd-scholarship-within-biotechnology
