Supervisors

Potential topics/projects:

Are you eager to join a team that combines basic research with high real-world applicability? Our highly interdisciplinary group unites experts in microbiology, molecular biology, and biophysics from Norway, Sweden, and Belgium, while collaborating closely with industry partners. This dynamic and innovative environment provides an exceptional opportunity to advance fundamental science while tackling practical challenges with real-world significance.

As a PostDoc, you will be based at the University of Life Sciences in Ås, Norway, with a secondment at Umeå University in Sweden. This international and interdisciplinary setup provides the chance to work closely with expert supervisors, Marina Aspholm in Norway and Magnus Andersson in Sweden, who have a proven track record of mentoring PhD students, Postdocs, Master’s students, and research track students.

You’ll work on challenges related to bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and spore resilience—issues critical to food safety, industry processes, and health. Collaborating with industry partners, you’ll bridge the gap between fundamental discoveries and their practical use in solving real-world problems.You’ll master a wide array of techniques, including microbiology methods, confocal and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, mutagenesis, optical tweezers for cell manipulation, force measurements of biopolymers, laser Raman optical tweezers for single-cell characterization, image processing algorithms, and microfluidics.

Are you interested in microbiology and its real-world impact? Join our exciting project exploring spore-forming bacteria—microorganisms that pose significant challenges in the food industry. These bacteria produce highly resistant spores capable of surviving extreme conditions, contaminating food products, and adhering to surfaces despite advanced cleaning methods.

Our research focuses on Endospore Appendages (ENAs), specialized protein fibers that play key roles in spore attachment, biofilm formation, and bacterial survival. We’re investigating novel ENA types using advanced techniques like imaging, and mutant analysis. Through this work, we aim to uncover how these fibers contribute to spore resilience and persistence.

As part of our team, you’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art methods while addressing real-world challenges in food safety. Your work will directly contribute to developing innovative strategies for controlling spore-forming bacteria—minimizing their impact in food production and enhancing their use in beneficial applications like biopesticides. Whether you’re passionate about microbiology, biotechnology, or food safety, this project offers a unique opportunity to make a difference. Join us to explore, discover, and innovate!

https://www.nmbu.no/en/research/groups/food-safety-unitFood Safety Unit

Magnus Andersson - Biofysik och biofotonikgruppen

Potential topics/projects:

I work with genetics and physiology of crops such as macroalgae, forage legumes and faba bean, mostly in relation to plant breeding and/or climate adaptation

Åshild Ergon

Potential topics/projects:

My research group focuses on utilizing large-scale genomics datasets to address key questions relevant to gene regulation, evolution, and host-microbiota (hologenomics) interactions. We develop and adapt cutting-edge computational methods to model how genes interact in regulatory networks and how these networks give rise to the traits characteristic of individuals, species or holobionts. Our research is species-agnostic and spans an exciting diversity of projects, from (a) comparing regulatory networks (comparative regulomics)  underlying wood formation in trees to understand the evolution of trees and what defines “tree-ness”, to (b) modulating the microbiota of salmon, cattle, and pigs to optimize feed efficiency, health, and sustainability. Our group benefits from a robust research network, both internationally and within our campus, providing opertunities for impactful collaborations and interdisciplinary approaches. I am excited to support motivated postdocs applying for prestigious MSCA Fellowships to join us.

Home page: https://trhvidsten.org

Publication: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rMkIGowAAAAJ

Potential topics/projects:

We study molecular mechanisms governing the cell cycle and stress responses in Gram-positive pathogens – and aim to utilize this knowledge to design improved treatment and vaccination strategies.

We are also specifically interested in bacteriocins as novel antimicrobials and study the synthesis and mechanism of such peptides.

In our work we combine state-of-the-art molecular genetics approaches and genetic screens with molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatic methods. We also have a number of international collaborators complementing our expertise.

Morten Kjos

Potential topics/projects:

Prof. Mayer has over 30 years research experience in the field of fish reproductive physiology and behaviour. His research has focused both on small model fish species and aquaculture species, especially Atlantic salmon. More recently his research has focused more on fish welfare, specifically how production systems can be changed to improve welfare. Currently, Prof. Mayer is coordinating a new EU project, CryoStore, focusing on how the cryopreservation of germplasm can benefit both animal breeding and the conservation of genetic resources.

Ian Mayer | NMBU

Potential topics/projects:

My research focuses on the interplay between food technology and microbiology, which are part of our group's core research. I integrate microbiome research with food processing to investigate the importance and significance of food microbiomes in the food chain.

Food microbiomes are a primary player in food processing and influence several quality attributes, including flavor, texture, safety, shelf-life, and nutritional value. By understanding the composition and function of both quality-enhancing and quality-deteriorating microbiomes, we aim to improve the sustainability of the food chain by developing and optimizing processing strategies. Within my research, I extensively use the novel methodologies developed within the -omics field, such as metagenomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics, and I have access to the newly renovated Food Pilot Plant Norway with the possibility to scale up processing experiments. 

SciFood: Food quality and sustainability group

Davide Porcellato

Potential topics/projects:

I’m interested in understanding how genomes evolve, and how genomic variation impacts phenotypic variation, adaptation, and evolution of traits.

Currently Im involved in research to understand how genetic variation in Atlantic salmon impact variation in development, how selective and neutral evolutionary processes have shaped the genome structure and regulation of Mucoromycota fungi, and the role of the 3D genome organization in evolution of gene regulation in vertebrates.

Sandve-lab

Simen Rød Sandve

Potential topics/projects:

In my group, our main research interests focus on bacterial cell division, cell wall synthesis, antibiotic resistance and natural competence. The latter involves active uptake of environmental DNA and is a major driving force for spreading antibiotic resistance- and virulence genes among many bacteria. We are currently exploring the underlying mechanisms of natural competence and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop future antimicrobial treatment strategies. I have an ongoing collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health to investigate the changing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Related to this project I study the molecular mechanisms that must take place for S. pneumoniae to become penicillin resistant. I collaborate with world leading experts within structural biology and biochemistry in our projects on bacterial cell division, cell wall synthesis and remodeling. These processes are clinically relevant and of considerable academic interest. Both processes are essential for bacterial proliferation, which makes many of the components involved potential targets for next generation antibiotics.

Daniel Straume

Molecular Microbiology (MolMik) | NMBU

Potential topics/projects:

In brief I am an aquatic ecologist with an interest in cross-disciplinary cooperation. My justification for this is first that most environmental problems are complex and have dimensions that reach into social as well as natural sciences. A second reason is that it can be highly enriching to work with people from different disciplinary backgrounds. Having served my faculty as a research dean the past years I have been able to continue some active research but I had to limit myself and I chose ecosystem services assessments as a focus. I have guided 18 PhD and postdocs and published over 100 papers in the primary literature. My H index (WoS) is 42.

My research interests

Wetland biogeochemistry – biodiversity interactions: the role of biota in shaping the biogeochemical processes and the importance of keystone species.

I participated in a range of coastal zone projects on seagrasses, mangroves and corals in SE Asia, and worked on nutrient retention and greenhouse gas emissions from Dutch peatlands.

Catchment land use – water quality interactions: wetland biogeochemistry (first topic) links geographically to adjacent upland catchment processes and to downstream water quality effects. I have an interest in the role of the spatial arrangement of different forms of land cover.

Ecosystem services quantification: I see the ecosystem services framework as a means to integrate the assessment of societal benefits across different domains and sectors.

The interface between natural and social sciences in the resolution of environmental problems: As I wrote above, environmental problems are rarely single-issue problems that can be resolved by mono-disciplinary analysis. Communication across disciplinary interfaces is important and complex. Coming to terms requires willingness to invest in learning each other’s paradigms, and then work from that. Have tried to work from this perspective for the last two decades.

Jan Vermaat

Researchgate

Potential topics/projects:

Composite membranes for osmotically-driven membrane processes

Forward osmosis (FO) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) are promising osmotically-driven processes for water treatment and energy generation. FO has progressed significantly in recent years, driven by advances in thin-film composite membranes and more effective draw solutions that mitigate internal concentration polarisation. These improvements have extended the range of possible applications, from low-energy desalination and wastewater treatment to nutrient recovery. PRO, which aims to harvest energy from salinity gradients, has seen parallel membrane improvements but continues to face mechanical stability issues and relatively low net power density, limiting its large-scale implementation. Widespread commercialisation of these osmotically-driven processes remains constrained by challenges such as membrane fouling, internal concentration polarisation, inadequate selectivity, and the need for efficient draw-solution regeneration. Thus, prospective MSCA postdoctoral fellows are invited to explore novel composite membranes for FO and PRO to be used for water treatment and energy generation.

Within the scope of the MSCA PF project, we suggest preparing novel membranes using commercial nanoporous polyimide films of a monolayer structure with a relatively small thickness and high porosity. Such films contain nanopores of narrow size distribution, facilitating coating with ultrathin layers via polyelectrolyte multilayers (LbL) and interphase polymerisation. As a result, the project should expect high diffusion permeance of support layers in such composite membranes, which is beneficial for applications like FO/PRO, where internal concentration polarisation is critical. The project shall characterise the structure of polyimide films and modify the pore surface to enhance hydrophilicity. The obtained composites will be tested for membrane transport characterisation in self-developed test cells. The best membrane candidates will be evaluated in FO/PRO processes in the lab and industrial environment.

Research proposals from candidates should include: a summary of the state-of-the-art on membranes for FO/PRO justifying the knowledge gaps and setting the research aim; a brief description of the theoretical background of the proposed research idea; orientation on the methodology to be used in research.

Zakhar Maletskyi

Potential topics/projects:

My research focuses on transforming various types of waste into high-value products. I specialize in developing innovative technologies to convert waste into biochemicals, bioplastics, and biofuels. Additionally, I have integrated data mining and machine learning techniques to streamline experimental work, reduce labor, and enhance efficiency. My work also includes cultivating algae using wastewater to produce bulk chemicals and biofuels.

To achieve these goals, I have conducted detailed raw material characterization to understand the composition and structure of diverse bio-based resources. I have prepared, characterized, and tested various catalysts, including commercially available ones and bio-based catalysts derived from waste. My team has also conducted experimental testing of these catalytic solutions in the lab and developed theoretical models to explore their interactions with raw materials. In addition, this has facilitate us the possibility to also study the interaction of hydrogen and with different materials as applications for fuel cell and batteries, giving us a cutting edge knowledge on the development of new systems.

This dual approach has enabled us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved, including kinetics, heat and mass transfer limitations.

We have designed and optimized experimental setups, reactors, and reaction conditions to maximize raw material efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and waste. Furthermore, I have contributed to techno-economic assessments and the scaling up of processes to commercialize these technologies. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with experts worldwide across multiple disciplines. Have been involved in projects from EU, research council of Norway as well as being supervisor for Marie Curie Individual fellowships as well as Staff exchange projects. I am currently also involved in the Research council of Norway HySchool project for hydrogen and hydrogen based fuels.

Jorge Mario Marchetti | NMBU

Reaction Engineering and Catalysis (REC) | NMBU

Google scholar

Potential topics/projects:

The Resource Recovery Group focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions for water and waste management.

Research Areas:

1. Decentralized Water Treatment Systems and Nature-Based Solutions
   The group develops systems to manage grey water and black/yellow water effectively, utilizing constructed wetlands and soil infiltration techniques.
2. Energy Recovery and Biorefinery Concepts
   Research includes anaerobic digestion, bioelectrochemistry, pyrolysis, to enhance energy recovery and create valuable bioproducts.
3. Nutrient Recovery and Biobased Fertilizers
   Efforts focus on biochar technologies, sorption methods, struvite precipitation, and microalgae production to recover nutrients.
4. Contaminants of Emerging Concern
   We investigate microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and microbial resistance to mitigate their impacts on ecosystems and human health.
5. Environmental Impact and Health Risks
   Studies evaluate life cycle assessments, greenhouse gas emissions, hygiene, and health risks to support environmentally sound decision-making.

Our group’s cutting-edge research, funded by EU Horizon, the EU Blue Economy Partnership, and the Norwegian Research Council, collaborates with international institutes to develop sustainable solutions.

Linkedin

Resource Recovery | NMBU

Potential topics/projects:

In aquaculture, the integration of computer vision coupled with computational fluid dynamics has modernized the management and efficiency of aquatic environments. These techniques can be used to monitor fish behaviour, track growth patterns, and detect anomalies in real-time. The techniques also enhance data extraction from underwater images, facilitating detailed analysis of water quality parameters and the overall health of aquatic organisms. Moreover, it also provides a predictive understanding of fluid dynamics within aquaculture systems. This integration allows for optimized water flow, waste management, and environmental conditions, ultimately improving the overall sustainability and productivity of aquaculture operations. The synergy of these technologies presents a powerful toolset for addressing challenges in aquaculture and promoting its sustainable development.

My research is also at the forefront of transformative technologies contributing to climate change research and mitigation efforts. The research plays a pivotal role in monitoring and analyzing environmental data. The interpretation of satellite imagery provides insights into deforestation, ice cap melting, and other visual indicators of climate change. These technologies collectively empower scientists and policymakers to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change.

I am also one of the investigators of the BatCAT project which is funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. The project is a collaboration between 18 partner organisations  from 9 European countries, coordinated by NMBU.

Habib Ullah | NMBU

Google Scholar

About and the research group:

I am and expert in environmental valuation and advanced choice modeling with more than 10 years’ experience developing and applying choice models to understand people’s preferences and how they choose among competing alternatives, and how we can leverage that for policy. I hold a PhD in Environmental and Resource Economics from UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. After completion of my doctorate, I have held research positions in Sweden, Scotland, and Norway, including a MSCA Individual Fellowship.

At the School of Economics and Business at NMBU, you will get the opportunity to be part of an active research environment with leading research groups in Climate-, Resource, Energy- and Environmental Economics, Behavioral and Experimental Economics, and Finance and Data Analytics. All there to support excellent research.

Overview of the research topic

The world is facing a rapidly changing climate and an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. Solutions may severely affect current land uses and put increasing pressure on already vulnerable areas or increase competition for utilizing already scarce areas. To make better policy decisions for a more sustainable future it is critical to understand the gains and losses to society and find solutions that can balance social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Determining the gains and losses begins with understanding how people make choices and trade-offs among goods and services in real and hypothetical markets. This understanding is critical to value the environment, and to derive and forecast demand. Today, more data is collected about what people do and how they behave than ever before. For example, GPS location data, social media and public transport data. The ability to combine these data sources with more traditional demand data allows us to augment traditional data sources and expand our models.

Potential topics:

Choice modeling and fisheries: Meeting national targets for conservation following the Kunming-Montreal agreement or development of offshore wind power may affect areas currently used for fishing. Using VMS data, vessel data, and ecological data, the project seeks to leverage advances in choice modeling and machine learning to develop new and powerful models to predict fishing behavior. This can be done both in a traditional choice modeling framework or agent-based modeling framework.

Choice modeling and land-use change: Over the last few decades we have increasingly seen nature being built down in favor of development. Sometimes this takes the form of renewable energy projects highlighting the potential inherent conflict between the sustainable development goals. Using historic data on land use changes, historic renewable energy projects, and planned projects, this project seeks to predict the economic, social, and environmental impact of these projects to make the potential trade-off between sustainable development goals now, and over time.

https://www.nmbu.no/om/ansatte/erlend-dancke-sandorf

Potential topics/projects:

My main research focus over the last five years has been following up on research conducted under ICT4COP, a global scale Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Action studying community-based policing and post conflict police reform in 12 case countries spanning four continents.  This research was at the cutting edge of police reform in challenging contexts, and the results revealed the need for innovation in police reform not only in post-conflict contexts but in democracies where mistrust in the police has been increasing. I have now established the ICT4COP Center, a teaching and research center whose aim is to become a leading center in community centered police reform across the globe. This Center brings together the eminent researchers of the ICT4COP project, as well as a global network of policing experts to continue this work, both in the earlier countries studied, as well as new case areas within and outside of Europe.  I would like to invite young researchers to join in this endeavor to create an innovative research and teaching environment focusing on new ways to understand police-community relations in a variety of contexts. Topics can include a focus on reform processes in specific cases, and/or innovative, applied methodologies such as action research and the co-creation of knowledge with communities and police.

Prior to this research I have led several projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council on topics of gender, human security and development, and post-conflict livelihood security in Pakistan and Afghanistan. I have worked closely with local organizations and universities in these contexts in conducting qualitative, empirical, participatory research in challenging field areas. I have successfully advised 13 PhD candidates and over 30 MSc students from around the globe in connection with our international programs at the department. 

Ingrid L. P. Nyborg