The Department of Biological Sciences (BIO) at the University of Bergen (UiB), in collaboration with the world-renowned Institute of Marine Research (Havforskningsinstituttet – IMR) and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, invites applications for funded Ph.D. Research Fellowships and Postdoctoral Positions in Fisheries Ecology, Marine Biology, and Aquaculture (2026–2027). Located in Bergen, Norway’s marine capital, UiB offers one of Europe’s most vibrant academic ecosystems for marine and aquatic science research.
About Marine Science at the University of Bergen
Ranked among Europe’s top institutions for marine science and oceanography, the University of Bergen coordinates international research on Atlantic and Arctic marine ecosystems, sustainable aquaculture production, and deep-sea exploration. With access to the cutting-edge Michael Sars Centre, the Marine Biological Station at Espegrend, and modern research vessels operating in the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea, UiB doctoral and postdoctoral researchers conduct world-class marine ecological research.
Research Focus Areas & Scientific Groups
Fellowships are available across several leading research groups within the Department of Biological Sciences:
- Fisheries Ecology & Population Dynamics: Stock recruitment mechanisms, trophic interactions in pelagic food webs, climate-driven distribution shifts in commercial fish stocks (Atlantic cod, herring, capelin), and ecosystem-based harvest models.
- Marine Aquaculture & Atlantic Salmon Biology: Fish physiology, smoltification endocrinology, welfare indicators in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), sea lice biological control, and genomic selection for sustainable salmon farming.
- Marine Microbiology & Plankton Dynamics: Marine viral ecology, phytoplankton bloom phenology, bacterial nutrient cycling in Nordic fjords, and biological carbon pump efficiency.
- Marine Developmental Biology & Genomics: Functional genetics of marine organisms, evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo), and molecular responses of coastal benthic species to climate stressors.
- Deep-Sea & Fjord Biogeochemistry: Hydrothermal vent community ecology, methane cold seeps, and long-term ocean acidification monitoring along the Norwegian continental shelf.
Salary, Working Conditions & Benefits Package
- Competitive State Salary: As state employees under the Norwegian basic collective agreement:
- Ph.D. Research Fellows: Starting gross salary of approximately NOK 532,000 to NOK 550,000 per year (~€46,000–€48,000/year).
- Postdoctoral Research Fellows: Starting gross salary of approximately NOK 615,000 to NOK 645,000 per year (~€53,000–€56,000/year).
- Pension & Welfare: Compulsory 2% deduction to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), offering comprehensive pension benefits, statutory health care, and paid parental leave.
- Research & Cruise Support: Fully funded research training, high-performance computing access, and opportunities to join multidisciplinary cruises aboard IMR/UiB research vessels (e.g., RV G.O. Sars and RV Kronprins Haakon).
- Duration: 3 to 4 years for Ph.D. Fellowships (including 25% teaching/laboratory duty for 4-year appointments); 2 to 3 years for Postdoctoral positions.
Candidate Eligibility & Qualifications
- For Ph.D. Positions: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (equivalent to a Norwegian five-year Master’s programme, 120 ECTS) in Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with strong academic marks (equivalent to grade B or higher).
- For Postdoctoral Positions: A completed Ph.D. in marine biology, biological oceanography, or aquaculture before the application deadline, with demonstrable publication records in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Strong quantitative, computational (R, Python, bioinformatics), or experimental marine laboratory skills.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Norwegian is not required for application.
- Open to international candidates from all nationalities without geographic restriction.
Application Process & How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Norwegian academic recruitment portal (Jobbnorge):
- Navigate to the official Jobbnorge portal and search for “University of Bergen – Department of Biological Sciences”.
- Prepare a targeted Cover Letter detailing your scientific background, research motivation, and project fit.
- Upload your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete publication list.
- Submit certified copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s/Ph.D. diplomas and academic transcripts.
- Provide contact details (name, email, phone number) for two to three academic referees.
Application Deadlines & Intake
- Application Windows: Active recruitments ongoing throughout Autumn 2026 and Winter 2027 on a project-by-project basis.
- Appointment Commencement: Early to mid-2027 (flexible upon agreement).
Official Portals & Contact Links
Explore current research vacancies, faculty research groups, and submission portals via the official links below:
👉 University of Bergen Vacancies Portal: https://www.uib.no/en/vacancies
👉 Jobbnorge University of Bergen Recruitment: https://www.jobbnorge.no/
👉 UiB Department of Biological Sciences (BIO): https://www.uib.no/en/bio