Position as PhD Candidate in Exercise Physiology: to investigate if exergaming (the use of an active video game) can be a feasible and effective form of exercise training in sedentary and/or obese children and adolescents

A temporary, 3-year, full-time (100%) PhD position is open for an outstanding candidate to investigate if exergaming (the use of an active video game) can be a feasible and effective form of exercise training in sedentary and/or obese children and adolescents. Admission to a doctoral degree programme is a requirement for employment as a PhD candidate. The candidate is expected to start in Spring 2018. For regulations concerning the PhD-degree at NTNU, please see: http://www.ntnu.no/studieavd/dok/PhD_regulations.pdf
Institute and research group
The PhD position is linked to the Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging (ISB). For more information about the department, see http://www.ntnu.edu/isb. The position is within the Exercise, Cardiometabolic Health and Reproduction Research Group, under supervision of Dr Trine Moholdt. The main research interest in our group is to develop exercise training strategies to prevent lifestyle related disease (http://www.ntnu.edu/isb/excar).
Project
In this specific project, we will determine if exergaming (the use of an active video game) can be a feasible and effective form of exercise training in sedentary and/or obese children and adolescents, aged 10-18 years. We will assess if such gameplay will improve various health outcomes. One part of the project will be a qualitative study examining the participants’ own experience with this alternative form of training. This project implies close collaboration with the gameplay technology group at the Department of Computer Science, NTNU and Playpulse AS, and was funded as an innovation project.
Requirements of the applicant:
- Master`s degree in exercise physiology or equivalent programme. Students in their final stage of completing their degree are also invited to apply.
- A strong academic record with a weighted average grade of master’s or equivalent education with a grade B or higher, in accordance with NTNU’s grading system.
- Proficiency in oral and written English and a Scandinavian language.
Emphasis will also be placed on
- Documented experience with clinical research or working with children and adolescents.
- Publications in recognised international peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentations at scientific meetings, and a degree from a reputable university in the field.
- Personal motivation and proven ability to work independently and in team, as well as potential as a researcher.
- Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Good understanding of computer technology.

Please be aware that the successful candidate must have successfully passed a criminal record check before being appointed due to this position involving working with minors. It is the candidate’s own responsibility to provide such documentation.
We offer
- An excellent research environment in one of Europe’s most modern research facilities (St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in an early stage of the research career.
- Attractive schemes for housing loan, insurance, and pension in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences wants to attract outstanding and creative candidates who can contribute to our ongoing research activities. A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. If necessary, we will adapt the workplace for people with disabilities. For this particular position, we encourage men to apply.

More information regarding moving to Trondheim, Norway, and working at NTNU: http://www.ntnu.edu/nirs

Depending on qualifications and academic background, PhD Candidates (in code 1017) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences will be remunerated at a minimum of NOK 436 500 per year before tax. Normal wage level is NOK 436 500 - 499 200 of which 2% is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The appointment will be made in accordance with current regulations and supplementary rules with guidelines for employment as PhD Candidate appointments at universities and university colleges.
How to apply
Applicants are asked to apply via this page: https://www.jobbnorge.no/jobseeker/#/application/apply/145135

The application should contain the following attachments:
- A cover letter describing why you are an excellent candidate for this position (single page, no formatting requirements).
- CV (Relevant work experience, technical expertise, list of publications, if any).
- Certificates and diplomas (see “Requirements” above)
- Short statement from a former supervisor/teacher.
- Contact information for two references.
- If the applicant has not yet submitted his/her MSc thesis, he/she should instead include a short description of the project, its current status and main findings.
- Any other document you consider relevant.

Chosen applicants will be invited to undergo an interview.

Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: http://ec.europa.eu/education/tools/diploma-supplement_en.htm

Candidates from non-English speaking countries outside the Nordic countries must provide official documentation of their English competence. Approved tests are TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). The following results are required: TOEFL: 600 / writing 4.5 (paper-based test), 92 / writing 22 (internet- based test) IELTS: 6.5, with no section lower than 5.5 (only Academic IELTS test accepted) CAE/CPE: grade B or A.>

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Deadline for applications: 30.12.2017

For further information about the position, please contact:
Dr Trine Moholdt, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU, email: [Email Address Removed], phone: +47 970 98 594.

For enquires regarding the application procedures, please contact:
HR Consultant Sissel Sollien, email: [Email Address Removed], phone: +47 480 51 191.

Please note that under the Norwegian Civil Service Act, information about applicants may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be included on the list of applicants.
Please note that applications will be assessed based on the information submitted at this page. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all relevant attachments are submitted by the deadline.