PhD in Marine Geomicrobiology at the University of Bergen – Norway

Summary

The Department of Earth Science at the University of Bergen invites applications for a full-time PhD Research Fellow position in Marine Geomicrobiology as part of the Arctic Ocean 2050 programme. The appointed candidate will research the effects of variable organic carbon supply on microbial activity and geochemical exchanges in Arctic Ocean sediments. The position involves in situ experimental setups, geochemical measurements, molecular microbiology, bioinformatics, and research cruises. It is offered for three years, with a potential fourth year including teaching or administrative duties. Candidates must hold or be about to complete a master's degree in geomicrobiology or a related discipline, demonstrate experience with molecular microbiology techniques, and speak fluent English.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Earth Science
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Geosciences
Research Area	Marine Geomicrobiology
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent qualification in geomicrobiology or a related field
Experience	Experience with molecular microbiology methods, such as DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing and/or bioinformatics.
Salary	NOK 593,700 gross per year
Funding	Norwegian state salary scale for PhD Research Fellows
Contract Duration	3 years, with the possibility of a fourth year
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-11
Required Documents	Statement of research interests and motivation, Detailed explanation of qualification alignment with criteria, Names and contact details of two referees, Curriculum vitae (CV), Bachelor's and master's degree transcripts and diplomas, Relevant certificates and references, Approved proof of English proficiency (if required), List of scientific publications or other scholarly works

About the Project

The project is part of the Arctic Ocean 2050 programme and investigates how changing organic carbon availability affects microbial communities and geochemical exchanges between seafloor sediments and the surrounding water in the Arctic Ocean.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop in situ experimental setups to investigate microbial processes in Arctic sediments.
• Examine the effects of variable organic carbon supply on microbial activity and diversity.
• Conduct geochemical measurements and integrate results with molecular microbiology methods.
• Apply bioinformatics approaches to analyse research data.
• Investigate microbial processes influencing geochemical fluxes between sediments and the environment.
• Participate in one or more research cruises during the project.
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary activities of the Arctic Ocean 2050 programme.
• Complete required research and educational activities for a PhD degree.

Required Skills

• Experience with molecular microbiology methods such as DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, and/or bioinformatics.
• Good written and spoken English skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain an organised approach.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding or soon completing a master's degree in geomicrobiology, geosciences, microbiology, or a related field who have experience with molecular microbiology methods and wish to work on Arctic sediment processes.

Benefits

• Gross annual salary of NOK 593,700 under the Norwegian state salary scale.
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• Access to welfare benefits.

About the Employer

The University of Bergen is a Norwegian university hosting the Department of Earth Science, the Centre for Deep Sea Research, and the Geochemistry and Geobiology research group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 11 November 2026, at 23:59 Europe/Oslo time.

Can students who have not yet completed their master's degree apply?

Yes, current master's students may apply if they complete their final master's examination before 1 January 2027, provided the degree is awarded before employment begins.

What is the duration of the PhD position?

The position is for 3 years, with the possibility of a fourth year depending on qualifications and department teaching needs.

What is the annual salary for this position?

The gross annual salary is NOK 593,700 under position code 1017.