This is NTNU
NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.
At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.
You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.
Video:
https://youtu.be/Xt-yHCN5QS0About the position
A PhD position is available in the research group of prof. Trude Helen Flo at the Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway. The Flo group seeks to understand how early cellular responses to pathogens are initiated and regulated in space and time, and how this shape infection outcome. We have a particular interest in the cellular host responses to bacterial- and viral pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The PhD project will focus on how cellular crosstalk regulates inflammation, cell death and infection outcome by using and further developing a human stem-cell-based model system recently established in the group.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with some experience in working with stem-cell based models, CRISPR-based gene editing, microscopy, innate immunity, and who are interested in studying inflammatory responses and cell death – including using microscopy.
For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.
Your immediate supervisor will be professor Trude Helen Flo
Duties of the position
These include but are not limited to:
- Developing a hypothesis into a tractable research question and experimentally test it
- Assembling the tools, reagents and know-how required to complete the research project
- Staying on top of relevant literature in the field
- Presenting results from the project and drafting paper(s)
Required selection criteria
- You must have a professionally relevant background in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, immunology or equivalent, including laboratory experience using cells
- Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level
- You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis.
- Master's students are encouraged to apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before August 1, 2026.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences PhD program in Medicine and Health Sciences https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phmedhv
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
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The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Preferred selection criteria
- Experience with iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing (e.g., endogenous tagging)
- Experience in cell systems used to study innate immune responses to infection (signaling, cell death)
- Experience in microscopy for cell- and sub-cellular studies
- Motivation and documented achievements (publications, abstracts, awards)
Personal characteristics
- Strong personal initiative, self-motivation and work ethics
- Ambitious and perseverant, ability to solve problems independently
- Ability to work collaboratively to accomplish common research goals
Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.
We offer
- exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
- great research infrastructure and labs in the University Hospital campus
- an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- great opportunities for outdoors activities in nearby nature
- favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.
Diversity
Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.
We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.
If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.
Salary and conditions
In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.
The employment period is 3 years.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Medicine and Health Science within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.
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The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.
For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.
The application must include::
- Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
- CV
- Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
- Short letter of motivation
- Publications or other relevant research work
- Names and contact information of three relevant referees
If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.
Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.
NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).
General information
A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.
If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Trude Helen Flo, email trude.flo@ntnu.no.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR advisor Elisabeth Myrvang, e-mail: elisabeth.myrvang@ntnu.no.
Application deadline: 07.05.2026
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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage.
The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.
Om arbeidsgiveren:
NTNU - knowledge for a better world
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.
The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM):
The Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM) is NTNU’s largest department, with 450 employees. Our research and teaching help to improve treatment and health.IKOM has expertise in basic, clinical and translational research within broad disciplinary areas. We study children’s and women’s health, cancers, blood disorders and infectious diseases, gastroenterology, inflammation, metabolic disorders, laboratory sciences and medical ethics. The Department offers teaching in medicine at master’s and PhD level. We also offer continuing education for employees in the health services.
