About the PhD fellowship: Life histories are key components of individual fitness and are expected to evolve in response to environmental change and artificial selection. However, little is known about the molecular basis underlying variation in these traits. Atlantic salmon is among the most variable vertebrates on Earth in terms of life histories, making it a powerful model to study how complex differences in ecologically and economically relevant life history traits are regulated at the molecular level (e.g. Verta et al. PNAS 2024). Variation in a key Atlantic salmon life history trait, maturity age, is strongly influenced by the genotype in a few large-effect genes including SIX6 and VGLL3. How genetic variation in these regulatory proteins translates through gene regulatory networks into life history variation remains largely unknown. The PhD candidate will use state of the art functional genomics to discover the molecular mechanisms mediating SIX6 and VGLL3 effects on salmon maturity age. The candidate will work with molecular techniques to map gene regulatory networks (e.g. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq) and statistical approaches to discover genotype-phenotype associations (e.g. GWAS, random forest) in common-garden and aquaculture environments. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, and how genetic variation therein associates with life history traits, the candidate will: - discover the mechanism by which large-effect regulatory genes mediate life history adaptations - help to predict changes in life history traits as salmon adapt to new environments - help to develop new broodstocks with desirable maturation rates The project is implemented in collaboration with researchers at the University of Helsinki (Finland), and with partners from the aquaculture industry. The candidate will join the Genomics division at the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture at Nord University and will be supervised by Associate Professor Jukka-Pekka Verta. The division is housed at the new Noatun building with excellent lab space for genomics and proteomics as well as powerful IT infrastructure. The vibrant city of Bodø is surrounded by stunning Arctic nature and offers excellent quality of life in one of the world's most developed countries. The fully-funded contract will be for a 3-year period without teaching. The start date is flexible within fall 2025 / winter 2026. The PhD program is in English (proficiency in Norwegian is NOT required). What we're looking for: - 2-year (120 ETCS) MSc degree by the time of employment - motivation in functional and evolutionary genomics - experience with molecular genetics and/or genotype-phenotype associations - experience with bioinformatics and/or a strong will to learn - an open mind and a team spirit - good communications skills in English Ideally, these skills would be documented through peer-reviewed publications or other academic work (e.g. Master's or Bachelor's thesis, course reports, etc.). Applications are warmly welcomed even if the candidate lacks these skills or formal documentation of them. What we offer: - The annual salary for doctoral researchers (code 1017) is set at NOK 550 800,- in the Norwegian State Salary Scale. - Benefits from the Government Pension Fund, like better deals on loans, insurance, and pensions - Creative and collegial working environment - A workplace with progressive development - Flexible working hours Application: Applications must be submitted electronically by 15.10.2025 through JOBBNORGE following the link below https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/282760/phd-position-in-functional-genomics-of-atlantic-salmon The application should include: - Application letter with description of your motivation for applying for the position - Complete CV (education, work and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications) - Copy of diploma for both bachelor and master education and relevant certificates - Copy of the applicant's master's thesis as a PDF file - Name and contact information of 1-3 references including the supervisor of their MSc thesis (name, your relation to the person, email and phone number) - All documents must be uploaded as attachments to the electronic application form. Questions can be addressed to: Dr. Jukka-Pekka Verta Associate Professor Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Nord University, Norway jukka-pekka.verta@nord.no Jukka-Pekka Verta (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)