Postdoctoral Fellow in hologenomic/multi-omic modelling

Role Overview
NTNU University Museum is seeking an energetic and ambitious genomicist for a three-year postdoctoral position within the Norwegian Research Council-funded project HoloCamp. The project aims to understand host-microbe interactions in the susceptibility of faster- and slower-growing chicken breeds to Campylobacter infection, with potential for zoonotic transmission. The role involves leading large-scale multi-omics (“hologenomic”) data analysis to integrate genomic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and potentially meta-transcriptomic sequencing data alongside phenotypic and veterinary data. The position is based at the NTNU University Museum in Trondheim, with close collaboration with partners at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås. The main goal is to qualify for senior academic positions.

Responsibilities
- Take a leading role in a multi-institution research collaboration to characterize the community and functions of chicken gut microbiomes.
- Perform genomic data analysis and scientific writing for peer-reviewed publication under the theme of host-microbiome integrative genomics.
- Conduct statistical and computational modelling analyses, including differential gene expression analysis, microbiome diversity analyses, host–microbiome association testing, metagenome-wide association analyses (mGWAS), hierarchical Bayesian community modelling, and integration of microbial functional traits with host phenotypes.
- Participate in domestic and international meetings and research visits in coordination with project partners.
- Participate in the Holomuseomics research group.
- Mentor and help student trainees with their research projects and academic writing.
- Collaborate closely with the HoloCamp’s NMBU team to ensure appropriate contextualization and incorporation of non-omic data.

Requirements and Qualifications
Required Selection Criteria:
- Completed doctoral degree in computational/systems biology, microbial ecology, evolutionary genomics, or a closely related discipline. (Candidates in the final phase of their doctorate with a submitted thesis or confirmed defense date may apply, but documentation of the obtained doctorate must be presented before taking up the position.)
- Substantial experience with scientific research in metagenomic analysis.
- Good oral and written presentation skills in English (equivalent to level C1).
- Experience in analyzing large-scale next-generation sequencing datasets in Linux/HPC environments using computational workflows and statistical tools (R, Python, Bash).

Preferred Selection Criteria:
- Experience with shotgun sequencing metagenomic analysis and microbiome profiling of complex environmental samples.
- Experience with statistical modelling and multivariate analysis for linking microbial taxonomic and functional profiles to host phenotypic traits.
- Experience in analyzing host–microbiome interactions in farmed animal systems.
- Demonstrated ability to complete projects independently and according to time plan.
- Research publications in recognized international journals within the field.

Personal Characteristics:
- Ability to work independently and in a structured, analytical way, setting goals and making plans.
- Ability to effectively present and discuss research with the academic community.
- Ability to engage the research group and contribute constructively with feedback.
- Ability to work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity.
- Curiosity and strong motivation for the subject.
- Ability to analyze data, assess different perspectives, and draw well-founded conclusions.
- Flexibility and openness to adjusting project plans as needed.

What They Offer
- An exciting job with an important social mission.
- Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment.
- Career guidance throughout the postdoctoral program, including preparation of a career plan containing skills and knowledge to be acquired.
- Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues.
- Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU.
- Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
- Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2).
- Access to employee benefits.
- Salary: Normally from gross NOK 633,500 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority.
- Contract: Temporary, full-time, 3 years.