PhD position available in soil invertebrate ecotoxicology available University of Oslo

A PhD Research Fellow position in Soil Invertebrate Ecotoxicology is available at the Section for Aquatic Biology and Toxicology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo.

Job description

This PhD project investigates how increasing temperature influences pesticide toxicity in terrestrial soil invertebrates. The focus is on understanding how energy use and metabolic efficiency affect organisms’ vulnerability to pesticide exposure. Metabolic rate will be measured as a proxy for the energetic cost of living and linked to life-history traits such as growth, survival, fecundity, and age at first reproduction.

The research combines physiological measurements with multi-omics approaches (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) and whole-organism phenotypic endpoints. Springtails (Collembola), ecologically important soil invertebrates, are used as the model system. The PhD is part of the Research Council of Norway–funded project SoilStress, which examines combined effects of climate change and agricultural pesticides, including cumulative stress, recovery, and ecological tipping points. The project uses established springtail cultures from temperate and Arctic regions and includes both laboratory and field work in these climatic zones.

The PhD candidate will work closely with a postdoc, researchers, and international collaborators within the SoilStress project and contribute to coordinated experimental and field studies. In addition to working with cultured springtail populations from several Temperate and Arctic sites, which will form the backbone of the PhD project and ensure feasibility, the candidate can be included in Temperate and Arctic fieldwork for studies on fresh populations.

Required qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in (eco)toxicology, ecology, or physiology
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
  • Documented experience in laboratory organismal experiments
  • Documented proficiency in statistical understanding and analysis to evaluate sublethal effects
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English or a Scandinavian language

Candidates without a master’s degree have until June 30, 2026 to complete the final exam

Desired qualifications:

  • Basic knowledge about bioinformatics
  • Experience working with invertebrates, preferably the soil invertebrate springtails
  • Driver license Level B
  • Good oral and written communication skills in English
  • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
    https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

How to apply

The application must include:

  • Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests, including a pointwise explanation of how the applicant fits the required and desired selection criteria detailed above
  • CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
  • Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records (see below)
  • A short research proposal (1-2 pages) addressing the topic of the call
  • Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
  • List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
  • Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

More information and Application page: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/294722/phd-research-fellow-in-soil-invertebrate-ecotoxicology

The fellowship period is three years (A fourth year maybe considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career-promoting work)

Starting date: no later than October 1, 2026

Application deadline: March 1st 2026