About the position

The Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3- year PhD–position in veterinary anaesthesiology, with the possibility of extension for up to one year.

The position is part of the Antifent project, which aims to effectively counteract opioid-induced activation of skeletal muscles. The project is well established and progressing, and it represents a collaboration between researchers at NMBU and external partners at Oslo University Hospital. The PhD position and part of the operating funds are financed by NMBU, while additional funds are provided by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The position involves training through formal courses, active participation in research activities, collection and processing data, publication in international peer-reviewed journals, and finally writing a PhD dissertation to be defended at a doctoral disputation for the PhD degree.

This is a 3-year position with the possibility of a 4th year for the right candidate. In the case of a 4-year position, 25% of the working time will involve clinical work at the Anesthesia Unit at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

An application for a PhD position at NMBU is at the same time an application for admission to a PhD program at the institution. The documentation that is necessary to ensure that the admission requirements are met must be uploaded as an attachment.

Main tasks

The candidate will perform the following tasks:
• Plan and collect research data from animal models. 
• Process research data and publish findings at conferences and in the form of articles and a PhD dissertation.
• Complete mandatory courses for the PhD program.
• For a 4-year employment, participate in daytime and on call clinical work at the Anaesthesia Unit.

The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

Competence

The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must hold a degree in veterinary medicine recognised for authorisation as veterinarian in Norway. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background relevant to the position and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.

The applicant should document experience and interest in research.

Required Academic qualifications
• Degree in Veterinary medicine recognised for authorisation as veterinarian in Norway.
• Documented strong academic background from undergraduate education.
• Be proficient in English, both written and spoken.

The following experiences and skills will be emphasized
• Experience with scientific research.
• Experience in veterinary anaesthesiology.
• Approved course in laboratory animal science.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Personal qualities: 

You need to:
• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking skills.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exhibit strong professional motivation.

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD. Fellow NOK 550.800 – 660.000. PhD. Fellows are normally placed in pay NOK 550.800 on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment and follow ordinary meriting regulations.

Employment is conducted according to national guidelines for University and Technical College PhD scholars.

For further information, please contact Professor Henning Andreas Haga. E-mail: andreas.haga@nmbu.no phone +47 47662863

Information for PhD applicants and general Information to applicants

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: 9. February 2026Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations of §15 of the Public Administration Act.

In the application, the candidate must confirm that information and documentation (in the form of attachments) submitted via the job application can also be used by NMBU in a possible admission process.

Applicants invited for an interview are expected to present original diplomas and certificates.

https://www.nmbu.no/en/utenlandsk-utdanning The following documents must be attached to the application:
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Complete CV 
• Certified copies of academic diplomas and certificates. (i.e. Diploma, transcript. Diploma supplement for both bachelor and master). Diplomas, transcripts and diploma supplements that are not in Norwegian or English must be uploaded in the original language. An English translation of these documents must also be attached.
• Applicants from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement, or a similar document, which describes in detail the study program and grading system.
• Documentation of proficiency in written and oral English in accordance with NMBU PhD regulation section 5-2 (3). 
• Names and contact details for two references
• Additional relevant documentation of professional knowledge (for example, list of scientific works). If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.

About the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at NMBU is the country's only veterinary professional education and provide expertise in veterinary medicine and veterinary public health. The Faculty educates veterinarians, animal nurses and doctoral students in Veterinary Science and researches in veterinary medicine and related biomedical fields. We have 500 students and 430 employees.

The faculty consists of the departments of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Paraclinical Sciences, Production Animal Clinical Sciences and Companion Animal Clinical Sciences. We also run the Animal Hospital, which is closely linked to our research and education, and receives patients from all over the country.