Researcher in embryology and gene regualation

About the position

Do you want to join The University of Inland Norway (INN) for an exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic research environment and contribute to innovative research and education in developmental biology? The Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and biotechnology, invites applications for a full-time researcher position in embryology and gene regulation, including epigenetic mechanisms, at the Department of Biotechnology. 

This position represents a strategic investment in strengthening INN’s research capacity. The successful candidate will join a strong and ambitious research environment with significant long-term funding through major national consortia. The role offers substantial scientific independence and the opportunity to develop a strong research profile within a unique ecosystem spanning INN, OUH, UiO, and other leading partners.

The position will begin in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on the selected applicant. This is a 1.5 year 100 % position with possibility of extension if the project is extended. The researcher will be based at INN’s Hamar campus and collaborate closely with Oslo University Hospital (OUH) and the University of Oslo (UiO), as part of a large and well-established research group in reproductive biotechnology.

The successful candidate will be integrated into an established research group with structured mentorship, access to national core facilities, and support for career development, leadership training, and external funding acquisition.

Responsibilities and tasks 

Zygote Project (2022–2028)

The candidate will join the Zygote project, a six-year initiative funded by the Research Council of Norway. Zygote brings together industry partners from the breeding and biotechnology sector — including Geno, Norsvin, SpermVital, TYR, Klosser Innovation, and NCE Heidner Biocluster — alongside scientific partners such as OUH, SINTEF, OsloMet, Simula, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Research activities are defined around industry needs and address new developments at the research frontier.

CRESCO – Centre for Embryology and Healthy Development (2023–2033)

The candidate will also be part of CRESCO, a Centre of Excellence funded by the Research Council of Norway and hosted by UiO, with INN and OUH as key partners. CRESCO’s long funding horizon offers a stable and stimulating scientific environment for career development.

Additional responsibilities includes: 

• The successful applicant will be expected to gradually develop an independent research profile and take on increasing responsibility in shaping and leading the group’s research activities over time.
• Contributing to research project applications and expanding the group’s project portfolio.
• Working effectively in multi-partner research projects.
• Engaging with industry partners; proficiency in a Scandinavian language is an advantage.
• Supervising students at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels in relevant areas.

Other tasks can be assigned to the position if needed. 

Qualifications

• You must have a PhD with a strong experimental background in embryology and relevant topics is required, along with a thorough understanding of the relevant biology.
• Eligible candidates must demonstrate excellence through publications in internationally recognised, highly ranked, peer-reviewed scientific journals. 
• Documented experience with student supervision is expected.
• Experience with molecular techniques, (epi)genomic experiments, gene expression analysis, bioinformatics, and/or data analysis is considered an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in a Scandinavian language is considered an advantage.

Personal skills: 

We are looking for a motivated, team-oriented candidate with a genuine passion for scientific research. The ideal candidate works well both independently and as part of a team, is well organised, and communicates effectively within an interdisciplinary group of experimental biologists, computational scientists, and molecular scientists.We seek an innovative researcher with strong initiative, the drive to advance scientific development, and the ambition to expand the research portfolio and professional network over time. An interest in the biology of fertility, preservation technologies, and animal or aquatic breeding is an advantage.

For more information on the formal qualification requirements, see regulations to the Universities and Colleges Act. The assessment of which candidate is best qualified for the position is made after a comprehensive evaluation of education, experience and personal compatibility and other qualification requirements as formulated in the vacancy text, as well as motivation for the position. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated scientific publications, strong collaboration and communication skills, and a high level of motivation and organisation.
 

The position and associated tasks must be carried out in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations for government employees, including also the Act on Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology, etc. Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, come into conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to take up the position at University of Inland Norway. Necessary approvals must be maintained throughout the employment relationship.

We offer

• A scientifically strong, ambitious and expanding research environment with large long-term projects (Zygote, CRESCO) and extensive collaborative network nationally and internationally.
• A challenging and exciting project with opportunities for personal and scientific development.
• Access to national core facilities and specialised laboratories.
• An independent and flexible work setting that the successful candidate may to a large extent influence her-/himself. 
• A campus setting surrounded by forests and mountains with opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Position is paid and placed in position code 1109 Researcher  in the Government Salary Scale
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension, with among other things, good pension and insurance schemes.

For more information about INN University as an employer, please see here.

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How to apply

Regsiter your application and CV electronically via "Apply for this job" on the job portal Jobbnorge. 

Your application must include:

• Application cover letter that summarizes how the candidate’s motivation and how they meet the position requirements.
• CV (summary of education and work experience).
• Certified copies of academic diplomas, certificates and/or transcripts.
• A complete list of scientific and other publications.
• List of minimum 3 references with full contact information.

Relevant applications will be considered by an expert committee. Comprehensive CVs, certified copies of diplomas and certificates, publication lists and documents/works to be considered must be submitted as electronic attachments or links to the application.

Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.

If you have any questions regarding uploading of attachments or other technical matters regarding the application, Jobbnorge customer service can be contacted. 

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

For more inforation about the position, please contact (Professor Elisabeth Kommisrud, +4790160254, elisabeth.kommisrud@inn.no).

General information

INN believes that there is strength in inclusion and diversity. We desire employees with different competencies, professional combinations, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to an even better way of solving problems. We will facilitate for employees who need assitance to realise their goals. Relevant adaptations can be, for example, technical aids, adapting furniture or adjusting routines, work tasks and working hours.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, gaps in the CV or immigrant background, we shall call at least one applicant in each of these categories for an interview. In order to be considered as an applicant in these groups, the applicants must meet certain requirements. You can read more on this here: https://arbeidsgiver.difi.no/positivsaerbehandling.

We encourage applicants to tick in Jobbnorge if they have a disability, a gap in their CV or immigrant background. The ticks in the jobseeker portal form the basis for anonymised statistics that all state-owned enterprises report in their annual reports