Job description

Position as Researcher (SKO 1109) in global-scale glacier modeling available at the Department of Geosciences. The appointment is a fulltime position for a period of 3 years with possible extension for up to another 6 months, depending on the final contracting with the funding agency.

Targeted starting date is January 1, 2022 but the exact date can be negotiated.

The position, which requires a doctoral degree, is part of the project “Global glacier modelling: Do non-linear feedback matter for century-scale projections?” funded by the Norwegian Research Council. The successful applicant will – together with two PhD students - contribute to global-scale modeling of glaciers (outside the ice sheets) using the global model PyGEM with the ultimate goal to make global-scale glacier mass change projections based on an ensemble of climate projections. The successful candidate will have a great deal of freedom to shape the exact methodology, modeling experiments and research questions of the project within the overarching topic of global glacier modeling. Topics may include but are not limited to improving the model physics, for example, with respect to calving or dynamic adjustments, investigating the effects of climate feedbacks and dynamic instabilities (surges) on large-scale projections, exploring innovative methods to assimilate available in-situ and remote sensing data products including GRACE for model input and validation, possibly including machine-learning, and assessing the sensitivity of projections to climate forcing. Results may be analyzed with respect to the contribution of glaciers to sea-level rise and/or runoff. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the supervision of the two PhD students in the project.

The researcher will be involved in the international Glacier Model Intercomparison Project GlacierMIP, and thus have ample opportunities for national and international collaboration, including in particular collaboration with PYGEM developer, Dr. David Rounce at Carnegie Mellon University, USA.

No fieldwork is anticipated directly for this project, but possibilities to gain field experience may well arise within other projects in the group. Funding is available for conference attendances and research visits with external collaborators.

More about the position

The main purpose of the position is to prepare researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

The researcher will join a growing, lively, international research group focused on cryospheric sciences, hydrology, remote sensing, geohazards and geomatics.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for this position will be selected in accordance with this.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in geosciences, physics, computer science, environmental sciences, engineering, mathematics or any other relevant field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• The candidate must have a strong quantitative background and extensive experience in programing (Python/Matlab or similar), experience with handling large data set as well as a strong interest in glaciology.
• Previous experience in glaciology and numerical modeling are highly desirable.
• Postdoctoral experience and experience in remote sensing are an advantage.
• The candidate must have proof of excellence in research as demonstrated through publication of manuscripts in high-impact refereed journals and presentations at scholarly conferences. The candidate’s publication record must show evidence of creativity and capability of independent research.
• An excellent command of written and spoken English is required.
• Applicants must be able to work independently while having the ability to actively communicate and co-operate within the larger research team.

We offer

• salary NOK 534 400 – 594 300 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 (statement of motivation, brief overview of scientific work and research interest)
• CV (including education, positions, pedagogical, administrative and mentoring experience, and other relevant activities)
• a complete list of publications
• copies of degree certificates
• list of 2-3 references (name, affiliation, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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).

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

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.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Regine Hock, phone: +47 228 55804, e-mail: regine.hock@geo.uio.no.

For questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR adviser Torunn S. Guttormsen, phone: +47 228 54272, e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no.

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