Considering applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship? Explore the opportunity to collaborate with Nord University as your host institution.
Over the past four years, Nord University has demonstrated continuous success in MSCA applications. In 2024, Nord achieved two outstanding MSCA PF results with scores of 100% and 98.4%, respectively. Out of 17 submitted applications, 2 applications were granted funding, 75% achieved scores above 80%, with 9 researchers receiving the Seal of Excellence.
In 2023 and 2022, Nord University was successful in getting two grants every year.
Nord University is a vibrant and innovative institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and research. Our strategic pillars are:
- Blue and green growth
- Sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
- Health, welfare, and education
- Social security
Nord University in numbers
- 11,300 students, 270 PhD candidates, and 1,300 employees
- 8 campuses across central and northern Norway
Geographic influence
- Covers 40% of Norway's coastline (900 km from the northernmost to the southernmost campus)
- Campuses in Nordland and Trøndelag counties
- Strong regional ties with public and private sectors in both counties
Key industries in Nordland and Trøndelag
- Nordland: Aquaculture, Tourism, Space Technology, Energy, Forestry, Mining
- Trøndelag: Technology, Agriculture, Forestry, Energy, Maritime
Strategic vision
Nord University's Strategy 2030 emphasizes "Global Challenges – Regional Solutions." Our strong regional, national, and international research collaborations across various academic disciplines aim to address global challenges effectively. Nord University is a member of two alliances;
- SEA-EU (European University of the Seas) alliance—a strategic partnership of nine European coastal universities, and
- Arctic 6 alliance - a strategic partnership of six universities of the Arctic,
Nord University provides MSCA researchers with extensive research expertise, international networking opportunities, research expeditions, cultural experiences, and unique access to different disciplines and environments.
Proven track record
Nord University has a proven track record in supporting and hosting successful MSCA fellowships under both H2020 and Horizon Europe programs. Equipped with modern infrastructure, resources, and robust support systems, Nord University actively supports researchers in achieving their goals. Our current MSCA PF projects include: OCEANHITCH, FAIRYSCAPE, BIOALGAE, SAXOMICS, and SNOWGIANTS highlighting our commitment to nurturing research talent.
MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a duration of 12-30 months (12-24 months of Research + 6 months of additional placement in non-academic sector) to researchers of any nationality who:
- Are in possession of a doctoral degree.
- Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research after their doctoral degree.
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule, i.e., have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the call deadline.
- Have identified a supervisor at Nord University willing to host and supervise them.
If awarded, the Postdoctoral Fellowship grant covers salary, mobility allowance, family allowance (if eligible), and other allowances (if eligible) for the research fellow. The grant also covers research costs and overheads for Nord University.
If you are interested in applying for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), you have two options:
- Option 1: Scroll below to find the Nord University Expressions of Interest and send the below mentioned required documents to the contact persons mentioned in the Expression of Interest.
- Option 2: Visit our faculty and research group webpages to explore topics and areas that align with your research interests.
Document requirements
To apply, please provide the following documents:
- Eligibility Information:
- PhD Degree Award Date
- Full-time research equivalent experience
- Period of stay in Norway
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a full list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise clearly related to your proposed research area and topic.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in joining the relevant professor and research group.
- Explain your research and career objectives.
- Demonstrate alignment of your research themes with the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Selected candidates will collaborate with us to prepare a full MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF) application for submission under the Horizon Europe Programme, with a deadline in September.
We will provide comprehensive support throughout this process, including:
- Assistance in refining and focusing your research topic
- Participation in the MSCA Masterclass
- Professional reviews and feedback on your application
- Other necessary guidance to ensure submission of a high-quality application
Please note that MSCA PF is highly competitive, bringing together some of the best research talent globally. While funding success is not guaranteed, participating in the application process provides valuable experience and insights into your own research and proposal writing skills, as well as fostering close collaboration with your supervisor and research group.
Applications
In 2024, Nord University submitted 17 MSCA PF applications:
- Life Sciences: 9
- Environmental and Geosciences: 5
- Chemistry: 1
- Economic Sciences: 1
- Social Sciences and Humanities: 1
These included 15 European Fellowships (EF) and 2 Global Fellowships (GF).
EU Results
- Total MSCA applications (EU-wide): 10,360 from 95 nationalities
- Funded projects: 1,696 (16% success rate)
- Seal of Excellence awarded to 2,940 applicants (28% of total)
- Top sectors funded: Social Sciences & Humanities (22.94%) and Life Sciences (20.93%)
Nord University's performance
- Two successful applications with scores of 100% and 98.4% (both in Life Sciences)
- Overall success rate: 11.7% (22.22% success rate in Life Sciences)
- 9 candidates awarded Seal of Excellence (53%)
- 75% of applications scored above 80%; only 3 applications below the threshold (70%)
By selecting Nord University for your MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, you will join an institution deeply committed to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact, ready to support your academic journey and professional growth.
Following is our MSCA-PF support timeline for both supervisors and fellows:
MSCA-PF support timeline If you any further questions about the roadmap and support, please feel free to contact the people mentioned on the right side of this page.
Other options for expressing your interest
In addition to the above mentioned Expressions of Interest, Nord University is also seeking ideas of postdoctoral researchers who are interested in conducting independent research and broadening their international networks to develop their future career prospects. Nord University have following faculties with different research divisions and research groups which can be contacted to develop a joint open-topic proposal:
I. Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
II. Faculty of Education and Arts
III. Faculty of Social Sciences
IV. Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
V. Nord University Business School
You can find a suitable potential supervisor to discuss your research idea by name (find a supervisor). After identifying a potential supervisor you are invited to contact her/him as soon as possible via email by sending a CV and a research project outline document (no more than 2 pages) with the following information: project title, project description, main research area, sub research area, keywords, relevance with the research division and faculty of Nord University, relevance with the supervisor expertise, and need of secondments (if required). If the contacted supervisor is convinced of the proposed project idea and your potential to implement it at Nord University, she/he will provide you with support necessary to submit a competitive proposal.
SEA-EU
Supervisor and candidates now also have the opportunity to use Sea-EU partners for secondments and for finding a second supervisor. Also, at this website candidates can find Expression of Interest from our alliance partners - Marie Sklodowska Curie – Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023 – European University of the Seas (sea-eu.org)
EuroMarine Network
In addition to this, if your topic is related to any marine area then you can also use different opportunities from EuroMarine Network as Nord University is a member of this network.
Are you a researcher or part of a research group at Nord University with an idea that could benefit from international research talent? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) is a good opportunity to:
- Attract highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from around the world
- Strengthen your research group with new ideas and perspectives
- Expand your international network and visibility
- Receive external funding to support your research initiatives
We invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) if you would like to host a researcher under the MSCA PF 2025 call. Your EoI will be published on international platforms such as EURAXESS, LinkedIn, the SEA-EU Network, and Nord’s website, helping you find potential MSCA candidates aligned with your topic.
Watch a video about MSCA PF at Nord University
Expression of interest
Ready to get started? Submit your Expression of Interest here.
Expression of Interest of Nord University
Short Description
Research title: Advancing Mathematics and Science Education through Technology-Driven Pedagogical Practices.
Project Scope:
This research will explore the integration of technology and innovative teaching strategies in mathematics and science education. Key areas of focus include:
- Technology and engagement.
- Robotics in Teaching and Learning: Developing new approaches to using robotics as a tool for enhancing educational experiences.
- STEM/STEAM Education: Advancing research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts education to foster interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving skills.
- Programming Education in Schools: Investigating how programming can be integrated into school curricula and its impact on student learning.
- AI Tools in Science and Mathematics Education: Exploring how artificial intelligence can transform teaching practices and boost student Project Aims: This work aims to reshape education by utilizing emerging technologies to create more engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environments.
Main research field:
Mathematics- and sciences-education
Keywords:
Technology and Programming Education in Schools, AI Tools in Science and Mathematics Education, STEM Education
Supervisor:
Prof. Asif Mushtaq (asif.mushtaq@nord.no)
Research group:
Science and Technology (S&T) in teaching and learning (Leader)
Faculty:
Faculty of Education and Arts (FLU)
About supervisor:
Asif Mushtaq, professor of mathematics, has extensive academic and professional experience in teaching, research, and leadership. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematical sciences from NTNU and has held several prestigious positions, including Associate Professor at Nord University, lecturer roles in Lahore, and a research scientist position at SINTEF ICT in Trondheim. He leads the research group S & T in Teaching and Learning, which focuses on advancing interdisciplinary research in mathematics and natural sciences. His primary research interests include technology-enhanced mathematics education, the integration of AI tools in teaching, and STEM education. With a strong research portfolio, he has published peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. He has supervised many master's and bachelor's theses students and is currently mentoring three master's students conducting research on programming in schools. He has mentored 22 mathematics teachers across 10 schools in Bodø municipality, guiding them in effectively integrating programming into their teaching practices as part of professional development.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
Office space with high-speed internet, Digital tools for research like micro:bits, Bitbots, VR etc
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to asif.mushtaq@nord.no, morgane.h.colleau@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent (FTE) experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
Short Description:
This project focuses on developing a novel approach for synthesizing hydrogel-based media using biocompatible materials such as alginate, methyl acrylates, and cyclodextrin. These hydrogels will have highly tunable mechanical and optical properties, making them suitable for optimizing eye drop formulations aimed at regenerating the aging human retina. The motivation behind using these hydrogels in ophthalmology is to replace animal testing, such as the use of Matrigel derived from mouse sarcoma, with plant-based drug delivery platforms. These platforms will ensure the hydrogels maintain appropriate physical properties to remain functional in the eye, being biocompatible and capable of optimal drug release.
Project Aim:
The aim of this project is to monitor in-situ cell growth, nutrient use and evolution of physicochemical properties of the gels during the growth period.
Project Scope:
This project is an initiative focused on the development of advanced sustainable synthetic methods, such as microwaves to add value to marine biomass, like seaweed, an abundant and highly underutilized natural resource.
Project Goal:
The goal is to obtain polysaccharides and other important molecules, e.g. fucoidans, to produce stable, cell-friendly and reproducible hydrogels that will be used to support cell growth and the delivery of therapeutic cells to repair retina damaged tissue. The project will enable researchers to study disease progression (our case, eye diseases) and identify/ evaluate new non-invasive treatment approaches.
Main research fields:
Chemistry, Material Sciences, Natural products, Manufacturing
Keywords:
hydrogels, sustainability, biopolymers, biomaterials, microbiology, polymer chemistry
Supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Anna Trubetskaya (anna.trubetskaya@nord.no)
Research group:
Animal Sciences & Veterinary
Faculty:
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
About supervisor:
Anna graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby in 2016, M.Sc. in Bio-Engineering at University of Kassel, Germany (2011), and Dipl. In Biotechnology & Process Engineering at University of Applied Sciences Flensburg, Germany (2009). She is an author > 70 scientific articles with the h-index = 28 (google scholar). Her research is focused on chemical processes, biopolymers, bio-based materials, and statistics.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
Nord University has excellent biological facilities, a platform for chemical synthesis, rheometer, microscopy. The researcher will have the opportunity to do secondment at the Ophthalmology group at UiO for the biochemical analysis of hydrogels and cells.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to, anna.trubetskaya@nord.no, marit.v.bjorkmo@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
Short Description:
Research title: Digital Health Technology for Indigenous Elders in Norway: Creating a Culturally Tailored and Sustainable Healthcare Solution
Research Aim:
The project aims to identify key challenges and needs for healthy aging among elderly Sami in Norway and leverage this knowledge to create digital health tools that enhance their well-being as they age, in line with SDG 11's goal of fostering inclusive communities for older individuals.
Background and Scope of Research:
Europe's aging population demands sustainable health and social care services that focus on healthy aging, as highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Healthy aging involves maintaining functional ability, well-being, and independence in later life, with crucial factors including social support and daily activities. However, current health frameworks frequently overlook the cultural contexts that influence perceptions of healthy aging, especially within diverse populations like Indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples worldwide share common values and confront similar challenges, yet their distinct historical experiences require customized strategies to address the needs of their elders. In Sami communities, the only Indigenous group in Europe residing in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, health is understood as a harmonious balance of social, cultural, environmental, and spiritual factors. Unfortunately, this holistic perspective is not fully incorporated into the health systems of these countries, leading to unequal access to culturally relevant health and care services for Indigenous populations when compared to the majority population. Digital technology has the potential to bridge the disparities and support the healthy aging of Sami elders by offering equitable and independent services. However, research on aging Indigenous populations has predominantly concentrated on regions outside Europe, resulting in limited understanding of the healthy aging of Sami elders in Norway. Additionally, there is a notable scarcity of digital health tools tailored specifically for elderly users in this area.
Research Challenge:
We invite applicants to develop a project focused on designing and implementing digital solutions for the self-management and health promotion of Sami elders within community health and care services.
Main research field:
Digital health Technology
Keywords:
Indigenous health, digital health technology, cultural safety, patient-centered approach, innovative methods, community health, self-management
Supervisor:
Associate Professor Lise Tuset Gustad (lise.t.gustad@nord.no)
Research group:
E-health, innovation and leadership (EHIL)
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
About supervisor:
Lise Tuset Gustad has completed supervisory courses at NTNU and NORD, totaling 56 hours. She has been the main supervisor at all academic levels, including bachelor, master, and PhD candidates. To date, she has supervised five doctoral candidates to completion, acting as the main supervisor for three of them (60%). Additionally, she supervised 10 master theses to completion, serving as the main supervisor for five of them (50%). Her research impact includes 51 unique publications, with 2404 citations, an h-index of 19, and the number of articles with over 10 citations is 24 (i10-index) (Google Scholar). Of these, eight (15.7%) as the first author, 14 (27.4%) as the second author, and eight (15.7%) as the last author. Her key expertise is in quantitative methods and epidemiology, but she has also published qualitative and mixed-methods studies. Gustad has significant experience in research management, having led the research group Clinical Quality Improvement at Nord University since 2022. Additionally, she has considerable experience in managing collaborative research and educational development projects. Gustad has secured external funding for five projects in the last five years, totaling 5.5 million NOK, acting as the project manager for four projects and as a team member for four projects.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
The postdoctoral researcher will join a project team that includes Associate Professor of Public Health Ivana Bojanic from Nord University, who has experience in healthcare services and population-based studies focusing on Sami people in Norway. The team also includes Jon Petter Stoor, PhD, from Umeå University, and Kamilla Nørtoft from the University of Southern Denmark, Centre for Public Health in Greenland. Stoor is a member of the Lancet Indigenous Commission and has played a crucial role in data collection and the organization of a population-based study focusing on health and living conditions among Sámi in Sweden, known as the SámiHET study. Nørtoft specializes in aging research within Indigenous populations in Greenland and has led several projects related to healthcare and the living conditions of Inuit elders. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the eHealth Innovation and Management research group, which offers access to an interdisciplinary community that fosters critical reflection on research designs and methods. This group provides a platform for presenting and discussing project findings. Nord University is a co-owner of TechLab, an independent technology consultancy focused on developing innovative digital health solutions to enhance quality across healthcare, education, and various industries through advanced technologies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in digital health technology to design tools specifically for Sami elders.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to, lise.t.gustad@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
Short Description:
Research title:
Enhancing medication safety for home-living older adults through family caregiver support
Research Background and Scope:
As the number of older adults living with complex health conditions and treatment regimens continues to grow, ensuring medication safety in home care settings becomes increasingly complex. In addition to physical frailty and functional impairments, dementia and cognitive decline further complicate medication management. Memory loss, difficulty following medication schedules, and reduced ability to cooperate and communicate significantly increase the risk of medication-related incidents. Family caregivers play a crucial role in managing medications, yet they often lack sufficient training and support. They represent a diverse group with varying life circumstances, resources, and preferences. Collaboration between family caregivers and home healthcare professionals is essential for improving medication safety. While caregivers provide daily insights into the patient’s routines and responses to treatment, healthcare professionals bring clinical expertise. Strengthening this partnership can lead to more proactive medication management, reducing risks and enhancing patient outcomes.
Research Challenge:
We invite applicants to develop an innovative research project exploring how family caregivers, in collaboration with the health and care services, can be empowered to enhance medication safety for older patients living at home.
Main research field:
Medication safety
Keywords:
Medication safety; home healthcare; family caregivers
Supervisor:
Prof.Rose Mari Olsen (rose.m.olsen@nord.no)
Research group:
Centre for Care Research
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
About supervisor:
Rose Mari Olsen, PhD and Professor in Health Sciences, is the Head of The Centre for Care Research (CCR), Mid-Norway, hosted by Nord University. She has extensive experience in supervision at all academic levels, having successfully supervised three PhD candidates to completion. She is currently supervising four PhD candidates and mentoring a postdoctoral fellow. Olsen's research expertise focuses on health and care services, with a particular focus on patient safety, medication management, documentation, and information exchange in municipal health services. She also has significant experience in project management and securing external funding. She is currently the project manager for ‘MedSafe-Old: Ensuring Medication Safety for Older Recipients of Municipal Home Care Services’, a project funded by the Research Council of Norway with a grant of 16 million NOK.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of a project team that includes Siri Andreassen Devik, PhD, Associate Professor in Nursing; Marianne Kollerøs Nilsen, PhD, Associate Professor in Pharmacy; and Hege Rasmussen Eid, PhD, Associate Professor in Mental Health. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be affiliated with the Centre for Care Research (CCR), Mid-Norway, hosted by Nord University and part of a nationwide network established by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care in 2008. The CCRs aim to strengthen practice-based research, disseminate findings to municipalities and educational institutions, and contribute to the development and implementation of knowledge and expertise in municipal health and care services. Additionally, the Postdoctoral Fellow will be part of the Drugs and Drug Management research group, an interdisciplinary team with expertise in pharmacology, social pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, geriatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Being part of both CCR Mid-Norway and the Drugs and Drug Management research group will provide the Postdoctoral Fellow with access to a strong research community. This environment offers opportunities for critical reflection on research, study designs, and methodologies while also serving as a platform for presenting and discussing the project.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to, rose.m.olsen@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
Short Description:
Project title:
Macroalgae immune response – cellular understanding and application for crop protection
Project Background and Scope:
Kelp farming is rapidly expanding in Europe and the Americas, with Norway projected to harvest up to 20 million tons annually by 2050. As key ecosystem engineers, kelps provide habitat, improve water quality, and contribute to coastal resilience. However, large-scale cultivation faces challenges from biofouling and pathogen outbreaks, which reduce kelp health, lower commercial value, and accelerate blade decomposition, particularly under rising ocean temperatures. To counteract these threats, kelp has evolved natural defense mechanisms, including phenolic compounds, oxylipins, terpenoids, and sulfated polysaccharides. These compounds can deter fouling organisms and pathogens, and their production is often inducible, triggered by stressors through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated signaling. Additionally, kelp-associated microbiota may play a crucial role in immunity, with beneficial microbes potentially suppressing harmful biofilm formation and enhancing resistance. Studies suggest that environmental conditions influence kelp immunity. Early deployment (late autumn) may enhance natural defenses and reduce biofouling intensity, likely due to prolonged exposure to cooler temperatures. While tank-based systems can use filter-feeding bivalves to control fouling, open-sea cultivation requires alternative strategies. Beyond biofouling control, kelp’s immune responses may contribute to broader ecological benefits. Kelp extracts have been shown to enhance immunity in herbivorous fish and play a role in phycoremediation, reducing antibiotic-resistant strains in coastal waters. Furthermore, kelp’s cellular totipotency—its ability to regenerate from damaged tissue—may be linked to immune responses, presenting opportunities for sustainable farming and restoration efforts. Understanding and harnessing kelp immunity has the potential to improve cultivation efficiency, support ecosystem health, and contribute to climate resilience in coastal environments.
Main research field:
Phycology, molecular biology
Keywords
immunology, pathogens, metabolomics, pathway, defense, sustainable, kelp farming
Supervisor
Assoc. Prof.Alexander Jueterbock (alexander.juterbock@nord.no)
Research division:
Algal and Microbial Biotechnology
Faculty:
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
About supervisor:
Since 2020, Alexander is leading the unit ‘Macroalgae Molecular Variation’ as Associate Professor within the division ‘’ at Nord University. His long-term research goal in this unit is to understand functional-trait variation at the molecular level and to apply this knowledge towards sustainable growth of algae, and towards the management of kelp forests under the impact of environmental challenges. Within this unit, he has been coordinating and supervising research focusing on kelp genetics and epigenetics, genome variation, sustainable development of the macroalgal industry, and bio-monitoring of kelp farming impact using eDNA. Several of the projects I am supervising are focusing on the analysis of Next Generation Sequencing data to understand the molecular basis of trait variation, acclimation, and adaptation. Over the past 10 years, he has secured 11 grants totalling approximately 13 Million NOK. This includes the KELPRIME project, financed by the Norwegian Research Coucil –in which he is collaborating with the Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany) and the Roscoff Research Station/CNRS (France) to implement stress-priming as a bioengineering technology to enhance kelp growth and stress performance. Over the past ten years, he has supervised 6 MSc students, one of which graduated with distinction, and one BSc student that defended with an “A”. Currently, he is supervising 4 PhD students (and 3 MSc) focusing on macroalgae research, and he is co-supervise 5 PhD students focusing on marine ecology, diversity, and macroalgae.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
Wetlab with kelp cultivation possibilities; drylab allowing for DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing, HPLC, high-performance computing clusters
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to alexander.juterbock@nord.no, marit.v.bjorkmo@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
Short Description:
Project Title:
To design and test a novel real-time CPR feedback device by combining real-time feedback and physiologic monitoring for high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Project Background:
High-quality chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical for improving survival in cardiac arrest, yet even trained professionals often fail to deliver optimal chest compressions. Traditional chest compression feedback devices focus on compression depth and rate without monitoring the hemodynamic response for every compression.
Project Scope:
This project therefore aims to test whether integrating real-time hemodynamic monitoring with CPR feedback can improve chest compression quality in an experimental study before advancing to clinical trials. In the experimental animal model, the project will evaluate a novel real-time CPR feedback device. A hands-free carotid Doppler ultrasound system designed to provide continuous feedback on blood flow during chest compressions will be combined with the novel feedback device. The novel real time CPR feedback device has the potential to guide rescuers in adjusting compression technique based on actual hemodynamic effectiveness.
Project Goal:
The primary goal of the project is to determine whether this novel real-time CPR feedback device functions effectively in an experimental setting. This innovation could help shape the next generation of CPR technology.
Main research field:
Physiologic Monitoring
Keywords:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Manual chest compressions, Doppler ultrasound, Carotid artery, Real-time feedback, Physiologic monitoring, Resuscitation
Supervisor:
Prof.Charlotte Björk Ingul (charlotte.i.ingul@nord.no)
Research group:
Animal research
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
About supervisor:
Charlotte B Ingul is a Professor and specialist in anesthesiology and cardiology, with extensive research experience and cardiac arrest research experience . She is the project leader for RescueDoppler, an innovation project funded by the Norwegian Research Council. This project focuses on developing a hands-free carotid Doppler ultrasound for continuous hemodynamically guided resuscitation. The project involves both technical development of the RescueDoppler probe and a multicenter clinical study with participation from six major hospitals and prehospital. Ingul’s research integrates technological innovation with clinical application, aiming to enhance survival rates and outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. For more info: https://www.rescuedoppler.com/nb/team-3 https://www.ntnu.no/ansatte/charlotte.b.ingul
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to charlotte.i.ingul@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
Short Description:
Title:
To develop a macrophage checkpoint inhibitor (MCPI) therapy for treating solid tumors that are resistant to current immunotherapies.
Project Background and Scope:
While existing checkpoint inhibitors target lymphocytes with limited success in many solid cancers, this project shifts focus to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which often dominate the tumor microenvironment and play a crucial role in cancer progression. The research builds on the Jubayer’s previous work in suicide gene therapy, which revealed that different tumor types respond differently to treatment based on their immune microenvironment. Tumors with immunosuppressive microenvironments, characterized by M2-polarized macrophages, show limited response, while those with activated immune cells achieve lasting remission. Using an innovative screening approach involving immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages and a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 library, the project will identify key macrophage checkpoints responsible for immunosuppressive M2 polarization. Once/if identified, the researcher will attempt to develop single-chain antibody fragments (ScFv) against these checkpoints and deliver them using a lentiviral vector platform, in this ambitious project. The two year project is divided into following parts:
- identifying macrophage checkpoints using CRISPR screening,
- developing antibody-based inhibitors against identified targets
- testing efficacy in syngeneic mouse models of glioblastoma
- characterizing anti-tumor immune responses in both mouse and humanized models
This project include both research and innovation aspects.
Project Goal:
This approach represents a paradigm shift in cancer immunotherapy by targeting the myeloid compartment rather than solely focusing on T cells. If successful, the MCPI platform could be applied to multiple solid tumor types that currently respond poorly to existing immunotherapies, potentially opening a new avenue for cancer treatment with or without complementary therapies.
Main research field:
Cancer Immunotherapy
Supervisor:
Assoc. Prof.Jubayer Hossain (jubayer.hossain@nord.no)
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
About supervisor:
Dr. Jubayer A. Hossain is an Associate Professor at Nord University. He also holds an Adjunct Position at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Bergen. Dr. Hossain specializes in translational oncology and therapeutic development. With a PhD in glioblastoma gene therapy from Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, his expertise spans neuro oncology, cancer immunotherapy, and viral vector-based treatments. His research focuses primarily on developing novel therapeutic approaches for brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, using lentiviral vector-mediated suicide gene therapy.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
The research will be caried out at Nord University with a secondment opportunity at the department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen. There will also be a placement opportunity.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to jubayer.hossain@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
Short Description:
Project Background:
The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a critical period characterized by significant psychological, social, and biological changes. Mental health issues often emerge during this time, necessitating timely and appropriate psychiatric interventions. However, high rejection rates of referrals to psychiatric services can lead to adverse outcomes. A precursor to this project was a prior NFR funded initiative on health care services under pressure and consequences for patient flows, efficiency, and patient safety.
Project Scope:
This research aims to investigate the impact of rejected referrals to psychiatry on adolescents and young adults, focusing on outcomes such as suicide rates and the use of health services. The research will help to provide evidence that will contribute to improved decisions in health policy and health care. The research goals will be achieved by applying cutting edge methods for observational data to answer some of the most pressing questions in health service delivery.
Research Questions:
The research often sparks lively debates because we ask questions that affect us all. For example, does the distance to a hospital affect birth outcomes? What happens to patients’ health after a GP quits practice?
Research Topics:
The following are main research topics of this project
- Health Services Trajectories: Examine the trajectories of health service usage before and after the rejection of psychiatric referrals.
- Suicide Risk Comparison: Compare the risk of suicide among those whose referrals were rejected to those accepted for psychiatric care and the general population.
Project Aim:
This research study aims to determine if patients experiencing rejections have a substantially different mortality risk compared to those accepted for treatment. Timing of Rejections as a Trigger: Investigate whether the timing of rejection notes acts as a trigger for suicide risk or self-harm. Using a case crossover design, where the patient serves as their own control, we can explore if rejection notes are associated with self-harm incidents.
Main research field:
Health services
Keywords:
Mental health, referral, psychiatric services, outcome, suicide, health service use, adolescents
Supervisor and Co-Supervisor:
Supervisor: Prof. Ottar Bjerkeset (ottar.bjerkeset@nord.no), Co-supervisor: Professor Johan Håkon Bjørngaard
Research group:
Epidemiology, health services and population based studies
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
About supervisors:
Main supervisor Prof. Ottar Bjerkeset has adviced PhD students the last 15 years, mainly epidemiological research in various areas of mental health, psychosomatic medicine and health services – especially in adolescents. Many of the projects use data from the Trøndelag Health Study, Norway (http://www.ntnu.edu/hunt) and national health registers. At Nord university, Prof. Bjerkeset leads the research group "Epidemiology, health services and population based studies". Publication record of Bjerkseset can be found here Publications: https://scholar.google.fr/citations?hl=no&user=y0xRsMkAAAAJ
Co-supervisor Professor Johan Håkon Bjørngaard, a distinguished professor in health services research, serves as the project leader for Regforsk. He has long experience with supervision of PhD candidates in this field. Publications: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=UVfbaekAAAAJ&hl=en.
Both Bjerkeset and Bjørngaard are affiliated with Nord university and NTNU, and have collaborated for several years at Regforsk. At the moment 10+ PhD candidates and 10+ reserachers on post.doc/professorate level are engaged in Regforsk studies. Regforsk: https://www.ntnu.edu/ism/research/regforsk#/view/publications.
Research infrastructure and facilities: The researcher will work at Nord University. The researcher will also have an opportunity to be engaged with Regforsk.
Regforsk: It is a strong research community specialized on healthcare services at NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology), using a complete and comprehensive linkage of national health registry data. Regforsk was formally established in 2019 with the support of the Research Council of Norway (NFR) funded project titled “Improved Decisions with Causal Inference in Health”. This is known as "Regforsk," a name that directly conveys our specialization in registry-based healthcare research. Included in this platform/infrastructure are: Primary care and specialist health service use, pensions and disability, educational level, birth and mortality data, and some of Norway's largest population studies: HUNT - Trøndelag Health Study - NTNU, and The Tromsø Study | UiT). These population studies cover decades of extensive data collection, across a wide range of health and social demographic data. In sum, the available data in this project will provide unique possibilities for cutting edge methodological designs and novel findings.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to ottar.bjerkeset@nord.no, bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
Short Description:
Project Scope:
The scope of the research project is to have an interdisciplinary working group that tries to update revolution theory with regard to different aspects and approaches of the social science.
Research Questions:
- What is the relation between time and revolutions, which roles do nationalism and migration play, etc.?
- How much democratic potential do revolutions possess?
Project Goal:
The goal is to link revolutions theoretically to other research fields and approaches within the social science and thereby to change the often stereotypical understanding of revolution
Main research field:
Revolution theory
Keywords:
Revolutionaries, revolutions, history of revolutions
Supervisor:
Assoc. Prof.Frank Jacob (frank.jacob@nord.no)
Research group:
History
Faculty:
Faculty of Social Sciences
About supervisor:
Extensive international supervision experience and advanced research portfolio.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to frank.jacob@nord.no, margit.k.jensen@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
Short Description:
Research Title:
Digital medication management in community health and care services.
Research Background and Scope:
The Medication errors and unsafe medication practices are leading causes of avoidable harm in healthcare systems worldwide, with costly consequences for both individuals and society. Community health and care services face several challenges in providing safe medication management to home-dwelling patients, such as inadequate documentation, communication, and information sharing. Digital solutions and the use of information and communication technologies to support services are recognized as drivers of quality in healthcare. Moreover, digital solutions offer opportunities to improve medication management for patients, healthcare personnel, and the healthcare system.
Research Challenge:
We invite applicants to develop a project on how digital solutions can aid safe medication management in community health and care services. The focus is on how digital solutions can contribute to person-centred care, quality improvement in documentation practices, effective information sharing, and evidence-based and sustainable community health and care services.
Main research field:
Digital health
Keywords:
Medication management; community health; patient safety
Supervisor:
Hege Sletvold (hege.sletvold@nord.no)
Research group:
Drugs and Drug Management
Faculty:
Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FSH)
About supervisor:
Hege Sletvold, MSc.Pharm., PhD and Associate Professor in Pharmacy, is the Head of the Drugs and Medication Management Division at FSH, Nord University. She has extensive experience in supervision, having supervised two PhD candidates and 13 master’s students to completion. Currently, she is supervising four PhD candidates.
Sletvold has significant experience in research management, having led the research group “Drugs and Drug Management” at FSH, Nord from 2018-2024. Additionally, she has considerable experience of managing collaborative research and educational development projects. Sletvold has secured external funding for seven projects the last five years, totaling 32.2 mill NOK, acting as project manager for three projects and as a team member for four projects.
Research infrastructure and facilities:
The Post.doc. will be part of a project team including Rose Mari Olsen, PhD and Professor in Health Sciences, and Head of The Centre for Care Research (CCR), Mid-Norway; Marianne Kollerøs Nilsen, PhD and Associate Professor in Pharmacy; Ivana Bojanic, PhD and Associate Professor in Pharmacy; and Tomas Log, PhD and Associate Professor in Pharmacy. The Post.doc. will be part of the research group Drugs and Drug Management, that gives access to an interdisciplinary research community, with opportunities for developing critically reflection on research, designs, and methods, and provides a platform for presenting and discussing this project. Nord University is one of the owners of TechLab, that is an independent technology consultancy company, that is available for cooperation in the project.
How To Apply
If you are interested in this Expression of Interest (EoI), please first carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you meet these requirements, kindly submit the following documents to hege.sletvold@nord.no , bent.m.strandas@nord.no, and umair.n.mughal@nord.no:
- Eligibility Information:
- Date of PhD degree award
- Full-time research equivalent experience after PhD
- Period of residence in Norway (if any)
- Research CV:
- Comprehensive CV including a complete list of publications, projects, and relevant research expertise.
- Motivation Letter:
- Describe your interest in collaborating with the relevant professor and research group.
- Clearly outline your research and career goals.
- Demonstrate how your research complements with the proposed EoI and those of the targeted research group.
After reviewing your submitted documents, we will contact shortlisted candidates for an interview. Read the more information about ‘How the MSCA PF Process Works’ outlined above.
- Eligibility Information:
In addition to the above mentioned EoI, Nord University is also seeking ideas of postdoctoral researchers who are interested in conducting independent research and broadening their international networks to develop their future career prospects. Nord University have following faculties with different research divisions and research groups which can be contacted to develop a joint open-topic proposal:
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture
- Faculty of Education and Arts
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Nord University Business School
Read the information about Nord University using the above links and find a suitable potential supervisor or research group to discuss your research idea. You can the supervisor using this link find a supervisor. After identifying a potential supervisor you are invited to contact her/him as soon as possible via email by sending the required documents as mentioned above. Copy umair.n.mughal@nord.no in your emails. If the contacted supervisor is convinced from your information, we will provide you with support necessary to submit a competitive proposal.
About our successful researchers
Project Title: Astaxanthin Metabolism in Salmon: A Cutting-Edge Multi-Omics Exploration
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Metabolism, Transcriptomics, Aquaculture, Fisheries, Metabolomics
Free Keywords: Astaxanthin, Salmon, Cell culture, Gut microbiome, Omics techniques
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024
Grant Agreement ID: 101206696
Project Summary: SAXOmics investigates Astaxanthin (Ax) metabolism in Atlantic salmon to enhance pigmentation, health, and growth efficiency using a multi-omics approach. Ax, crucial for salmon pigmentation and health, faces retention challenges in aquaculture. The project combines in vitro, in vivo, and microbiome studies, aiming to understand Ax absorption and develop innovative feed solutions in collaboration with Nord University, NTNU, and BioMar.
Fellow Summary:
I was born in Thoothukudi, India, a coastal town known for fisheries. My educational journey spans fisheries science (BSc, MSc) in India, and a PhD in Spain as an MSCA fellow at ECOAQUA, ULPGC. Beyond academics, I've held leadership roles in student unions and international cooperation, contributing actively to community support, sports, yoga, and dance, earning recognition and awards.Fellow Background and Career Goals:
My academic career started with a fisheries degree, progressing through research on Vitamin D and calcium regulation during my MSc. My PhD, funded by MSCA ITN, focused on Vitamins D and K in seabream nutrition, earning top honors. Motivated by MSCA benefits, I now aim to establish myself as an independent researcher or lecturer, driving impactful innovations in aquaculture, animal, and human sciences.Experience with Nord University's Support:
Nord University offered exceptional support during my MSCA PF application. Despite a tight initial timeline, their guidance and masterclass improved my proposal, achieving an 80% initial score. With additional time, extensive feedback, and invaluable assistance from my supervisors and Nord's advisors, my resubmission scored 100%, marking a highlight in my professional journey, thanks to Nord’s commitment and continuous support.Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Prof. Viviane Paulette Verlhac Trichet | Nord.no
Secondment Host: Norwegian University of Science and Technology - NTNUSecondment Supervisor: Rolf-Erik Olsen - NTNU
Non-academic Placement Host: BioMar | Powered by Partnership. Driven by Innovation.
Placement Supervisor: Simon Leigh Wadsworth | Nord.noProject Title: Exploring the Giant Viruses of Snow and Ice Algal Blooms and their Biotechnological Potential
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Microbiology, Virology, Bioinformatics, biocomputing, and DNA and molecular computation, Ecology
Free Keywords: Snow algal blooms, Giant Viruses, Next-generation Sequencing, Metagenomics analysis, Cold adaptive enzymes
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024
Grant Agreement ID: 101210192
Project Summary: The SNOWGIANTS project aims to reveal the hidden world of giant viruses in Arctic snow algal blooms using advanced genomic methods. Giant viruses, with their extensive genomes, significantly influence algal bloom dynamics, yet they remain understudied. Through field sampling across Arctic Norway, advanced sequencing, and laboratory analysis, the project will uncover novel viruses, isolate valuable enzymes, and explore their applications in biotechnology, contributing to ecological insights and practical solutions in the face of climate change.
Fellow Summary: As an agricultural science graduate from Pakistan, I pursued advanced research in Turkey and South Korea, specializing in viral genomics and microbial ecology. At Korea Research Institute, my work on rapid viral genome sequencing led to three patents. Passionate about microbiology, my international experience spans Pakistan, Turkey, South Korea, and now Norway. At Nord University, I aim to pioneer giant virus research in Arctic ecosystems, integrating ecological discovery with biotechnology.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: My fascination with microscopic life started with agricultural sciences, leading me to excel academically and receive a gold medal in Pakistan. Scholarships allowed me to further my research in Turkey and South Korea, specializing in next-generation sequencing and viral genomics. My career goal is to become a leading researcher in environmental virology, specifically studying extreme ecosystems for biotechnological innovations. The MSCA fellowship at Nord University is pivotal for reaching these ambitions.
Experience with Nord University's Support: Nord University offered exceptional support during my MSCA PF application, providing specialized lectures, revisions, and continuous guidance. Dr. Chris Hulatt’s expertise was instrumental in refining my proposal, aligning it closely with Arctic microbial ecology. Nord’s commitment, excellent research infrastructure, and collaborative environment significantly enhanced my application process, helping secure success in my MSCA fellowship.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Christopher Jonathan Hulatt | Nord.noProject Title: Bioactive polyphenolic compounds from brown macroalgae: A mechanistic study on pig gut health-promoting effects
Scientific Area: Life Sciences (LIF)
Descriptor: Veterinary medicine and infectious diseases in animals, Prevention and treatment of infection by pathogens (e.g. vaccination, antibiotics, fungicide), Agriculture related to animal husbandry, dairying, livestock raising, Medicinal chemistry, Pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, drug discovery and design, drug therapy
Free Keywords: Pig, gut health, weaning, post-weaning diarrhea, brown macroalgae, phlorotannin
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023
Grant Agreement ID: 101147079DOI: 10.3030/101147079
Project Summary: BioAlgae explores bioactive polyphenolic compounds from brown macroalgae, investigating their potential to improve gut health and mitigate postweaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs. This research addresses urgent needs arising from the EU ban on antibiotics and zinc oxide in animal feed. Conducted at Nord University in collaboration with KU Leuven, the project assesses how these compounds influence gut microbiota, inflammation, and overall pig health, promoting sustainable livestock practices.
Relevance for the local/region/Norway/EU/worldwide (outcomes and impact): The effect of phlorotannin is expected to be reflected in improved gut health, reduced mortality, and enhanced productivity in weaned pigs whilst reducing the dependence on in-feed antibiotics and ZnO. This has huge implications in Norway and other European countries to fill the vacuum created by the banning of in-feed antibiotics and ZnO to mitigate the economic losses posed by weaning. The introduction of an effective alternative solution can also be readily adopted outside of Europe to contribute to the global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance without compromising the productivity of pig farming enterprises.
Fellow Summary: I am a dedicated researcher, currently pursuing my postdoctoral research at Nord University. With previous academic roles, including an assistant professor position, my expertise spans animal nutrition, gut health, and sustainable agriculture practices. My MSCA fellowship at Nord University aligns perfectly with my research interests, providing an ideal environment for collaborative, innovative, and impactful research.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: My professional journey began in academia as an assistant professor, focusing on nutrition and gut health. The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at Nord University represents an opportunity to significantly advance my research competencies, enabling me to pursue future tenure-track academic positions. My career goal is to leverage this experience to mentor MSc and PhD students, contribute significantly to animal nutrition research, and secure a tenure-track position in academia.
Experience with Nord University's Support: Nord University provided extensive support throughout my MSCA PF application process. Their assistance included valuable feedback, dedicated proposal development workshops, and comprehensive training, enabling me to enhance my research proposal effectively. This robust support significantly improved my proposal, leading to successful project funding and fostering a positive and productive research environment.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Prabhat Khanal | Nord.no
Secondment Host: Nutrition & Animal Microbiota EcoSystems Lab
Secondment Supervisor: Nadia Everaert
Project Title: Innovative modelling approach for fairy shrimp preservation and study
Scientific Area: Environmental and Geosciences (ENV)
Descriptor: Biodiversity, conservation biology, conservation genetics, Ecology, Freshwater biology
Free Keywords: Adaptive genomic variation, neutral genomic variation, landscape genomics, fairy shrimps, Anostraca, Branchiopoda, freshwater, temporary wetlands, ENM, climate change.
Programme: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023
Grant Agreement ID: 101149901DOI: 10.3030/101149901
Project Summary: This project focuses on studying the genetic diversity of species while assessing the environmental conditions in which they live, in order to predict their capacity to adapt to climate change. Specifically, we study two species of freshwater crustaceans distributed in Norway, which are part of the charismatic and ecologically vital group known as fairy shrimps. Our results aim to understand how these species interact with the landscape and environmental conditions, and to develop effective conservation measures.
Fellow Summary: I was born in Spain and I am currently 31 years old. My hobby has always been to marvel at the diversity of life, and I have found in science a way to work towards its conservation.
Fellow Background and Career Goals: I studied a bachelor in Biology and a master in scientific methods to study the biodiversity and how to conserve it. I had the fortune of completing my PhD in the department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology of the National Museum of Natural Science, in Madrid, where I gained knowledge in evolution, taxonomy, molecular methods in phylogenetics and conservation genetics. I want to continue exploring biological diversity, especially among invertebrates, and applying scientific approaches to understand and conserve it.
Experience with Nord University's Support: The first and most essential support that I received from Nord was the collaborative development of our fellowship proposal. My supervisor and professor at the Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture, Joost Raeymaekers, has guided every step of this project. Additionally, Nord University provides various facilities and resources essential for our research, including laboratory facilities and scientific expertise.
Host: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture | Nord.no
Supervisor: Joost Andre M Raeymaekers | Nord.no
Secondment Host: University of Exeter
Secondment Supervisor: Orly Razgour | University of Exeter
