PhD Position - Biochemical Bioprospecting of Macroalgae

Job Details

This position offers the opportunity to explore the chemical diversity and  biological activity of phenolic compounds from cold-adapted macroalgae. Using advanced analytical platforms, the candidate will be able to characterize these compounds, besides employing cell-lines/ model organisms to investigate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the molecular level. The project supports the faculty’s translational research on chronic intestinal inflammation, a major health challenge in humans attributed to diet and other factors. The association of this disease condition with oxidative stress and dysregulated cellular processes creates interest not only in elucidating the underlying mechanisms, but also to explore the application of algae-derived compounds in conjunction with preventive health strategies. Macroalgae are a promising and sustainable source of phenolic compounds, and their biological activities have been demonstrated in different experimental systems. However, due to their chemical complexity and structural variability, their mode of biological action needs to be studied further. Phlorotannins typically occur as complex mixtures of structurally related compounds, while catechins are secondary metabolites occurring in bound and free forms, conjugated to cell wall polymers making their characterization and biological evaluation challenging. The candidate applying for the position should have adequate expertise either in analytical chemistry or possess advanced skills in molecular cell  biology to undertake this applied research project

This research project, which is partly externally funded, is a collaboration between Nord University and NIBIO at their respective research divisions in Bodø, Norway, providing access to strong research environments, interdisciplinary supervision, and state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.

Candidates must comply with Nord University’s residency requirements.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate for this position must possess an MSc degree in biosciences,  biochemistry, cell biology or a discipline relevant for the announced position. A grade average of B or better (or equivalent score) is required for both the program overall and the master’s thesis to be admitted to the PhD program. Applicants from outside the EU/EEA must submit approval of their master’s degree, https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education  
• The ideal candidate would have undertaken a master’s thesis project on seaweed chemistry, and have a sound background on structure, diversity and ecological roles of compounds, particularly phlorotannins. Expertise in seaweed biomass handling and growing them under laboratory conditions, and sample preparation from the biomass for downstream analyses will be advantageous for the position. In addition, if a candidate has gained skills in analytical techniques, using HPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS/QTOF, or related platforms for phlorotannin characterization, this can be of significant benefit for conducting the PhD project
• The candidate must have the ability to process, curate and interpret analytical data sets and prepare scientific publication. The candidate should also be able to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines. The candidate must be strong in scientific communication skills in English, across multiple platforms
• See admission requirements:  PhD in Biosciences Employment is conditional upon admission to the faculty’s doctoral program. The final project proposal must be submitted within three months of appointment. Termination may be considered if admission to the doctoral program is not obtained within this deadline, or in cases of failure to submit annual progress reports and/or serious deficiencies in progress or duty work. For admission requirements and regulations, see our web page
• It can be beneficial if the applicant masters Norwegian or a Scandinavian language
  For the position, good English skills are required both written and oral. The thesis must be written in English

Candidates who already have a PhD degree will not be considered for the position

Contact Information

Applications must be submitted electronically by 10.09.2026