About the position

We are pleased to announce an opening for a permanent laboratory engineer position in the Molecular Ecology & Paleogenomics Research Group (MEP) at NORCE Climate and Environment in Bergen (https://www.norceresearch.no/en/research-group/mep-molecular-ecology-paleogenomics).

The Molecular Ecology and Paleogenomics Research Group (MEP) applies molecular tools to address basic ecological and climatic questions. Our research covers marine and fresh water, sediments, and sea ice and contribute to a better understanding, and a sound management, of marine and freshwater ecosystems. MEP has a project portfolio that includes research projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council (RCN), European Research Council (ERC) and EU-H2020. We are now seeking a highly motivated laboratory engineer to strengthen our research group and contribute to driving our research forward. The engineer will be involved in a range of different research tasks within MEP and have a major role in further development of our laboratory facilities, with a special responsibility for our ancient DNA laboratory, developing and applying molecular tools to address ecological research questions, as well as instructing and supporting students and guest researchers in the aDNA lab. In addition, we frequently go out to sea on research expeditions, and participation in field sample collection is encouraged.

Main RCN funded projects we currently work on are: 

• BIOCAP_Reconstructing the biological carbon pump with ancient plankton DNA
• PASTIME_Present and past climate change impacts on Norwegian Fjord ecosystems 
• AEGIS_Assessing the interactions between microalgae, microbial grazers, and viruses in a changing ocean 
• METABRIDGE_Metabarcode data in marine environmental monitoring – bridging the gap between science and management
• ARCHIE_Late Quaternary Antarctic cryosphere interactions

Projects funded through the European Research Council include:

• i2B  (ERC-Synergy) Into the Blue – Resolving past Arctic greenhouse climate
• BIOcean5D (H2020) Marine biodiversity assessment and prediction across spatial, temporal and human scales

Work tasks

Your main task will be to develop and apply environmental DNA tools for ecologically related research questions both in modern environments and a paleo-context. Specific work tasks will include (but are not limited to):

• Perform laboratory work to extract, quantify and quality-assess environmental and ancient DNA from water and sediment samples (mostly marine but also freshwater ecosystems).
• Organize and manage the laboratory (orders of consumables, equipment maintenance, planning) and responsibility for HSE tasks connected to lab, field and cruise activities
• Test and adjust new protocols
• Perform qualitative (NGS metabarcoding and metagenomics) and quantitative (ddPCR/qPCR) molecular analyses of environmental and ancient DNA.
• Instruct and support students and guest researchers in lab
• Contribute to scientific publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in research cruise(s) if relevant.
• Give input on bioinformatic and statistical analyses of qualitative and quantitative DNA/RNA results if relevant

Your profile, qualifications and skills

Education

A MSc or PhD  degree in biosciences, molecular biology, ecology, molecular ecology, bioengineering or other relevant field is required.

Qualifications and personal skills

• Meticulous laboratory and organizational skills and keen interest in developing molecular lab methods is a requirement
• Advanced knowledge and experience in molecular biology work (i.e. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, purification) is required 
• Experience in shotgun metagenomics is an advantage.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput DNA sequencing data is an advantage, but not mandatory. 
• Experience with field work planning and preparation and sample collection in the field during expeditions is an advantage
• Strong team player, who can also work independently but also collaborate well with researchers, students and external guests
• Excellent communication skills are required. The main language in the group is English, knowledge of Norwegian is an advantage. 

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to strengthen an enthusiastic, supportive and cross-disciplinary research group 
• A stimulating and professionally challenging working environment in an emerging research field combining environmental DNA/ and ecosystem sciences in marine and freshwater settings.
• Diverse daily tasks
• Possibility to influence your own work, worktime and choice of solutions
• Excellent welfare benefits

How to apply

Your application must include

• A brief account of your work/research interests and specific motivation for applying to this position (max. 1 page)
• The names and contact details for at least two references with whom you have worked directly.
• Curriculum vitae with publications list (if relevant)
• Transcripts, diplomas and relevant certificates
• Please note that the application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded together with your application to the recruitment portal JobbNorge.

Application deadline1st August 2025

Candidates are expected to openly offer all relevant information about themselves during the recruitment process. Furthermore, one can expect that background checks can be conducted on all final candidates who may be checked against relevant lists to ensure compliance with applicable export control and sanctions rules. Candidates will be asked to provide information about affiliation to high-risk countries for a security assessment.

Contact information

Questions about the application process can be directed to Senior HR Adviser Bente Heggdal Martinsen (bema@norceresearch.no).