Job description

Position as researcher in marine pelagic ecology is available at the Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, in the research group of professor Stein Kaartvedt.

The appointment as researcher is a fulltime position for a period of two and a half years. Starting date: February 1, 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The candidate will work in the EU Horizon 2020 project “SUMMER” (Sustainable management of mesopelagic resources). The mesopelagic zone at 200 – 1000 m depth is one of the least understood ecosystems on Earth. Recent research suggests that the fish biomass in the mesopelagic ecosystem might be 10 times higher than previously thought, and therefore represent 90 % of the fish biomass of the planet. The mesopelagic zone also hosts a rich community of invertebrates. In the project 22 partners will address various aspects of mesopelagic ecology. The University of Oslo will contribute in assessing abundance and vertical distribution/migration of the mesopelagic fauna by the use of acoustic methods. There are already substantial data sets available for analyses, but it may also be relevant to participate in dedicated SUMMER research cruises.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in marine or fishery biology or similar field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of echosounders and analyses of acoustic data in marine ecological research. Lack of such competence can be compensated for by solid background in pelagic ecology and handling of large data sets.
• Competitive publication track record
• Strong computational skills
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Personal skills

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working candidate with the ambition to gain new insights and publish papers in international journals. Applicants must show good interpersonal skills and be willing to work in close collaboration with the project PI and other members of the project team, as well as have the ability to work independently.

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter
• A statement of motivation and interest for the position, describing how the applicant’s background and previous experience relate to the project in general, and how his/her skills fit into the research framework outlined
• CV (summarizing education, positions, research experience, pedagogical experience, and other relevant activities)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications
• List of up to 3 publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for the position will be selected in accordance with this, and are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications required for this project, as well as the candidates’ motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged if needed.

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Professor Stein Kaartvedt; email: stein.kaartvedt@ibv.uio.no; phone: +47 22854739

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Nina Holtan; email: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no; phone: +47 22854424.

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