Job description

Position as researcher in mesopelagic ecology 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 18 months.

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 address various aspects of mesopelagic ecology. The University of Oslo contributes in assessing abundance and vertical distribution/migration as well as individual, in situ behavior of the mesopelagic fauna by the use of acoustic methods. We analyze already available acoustic data sets.

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 these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

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 completed defense of the doctoral thesis being approved.
• Strong computational skills
• Solid knowledge and experience in the use of echosounders and analyses of acoustic data in marine ecological research. It is essential that the candidate has experience in acoustic target tracking for analyses of individual behavior as this will be the central element of the research.
• Solid background in pelagic ecology and handling of large data sets
• Competitive publication track record
• 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 will place great emphasis on personal skills.

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 615 800 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

• Application letter including a statement of interest, describing how your background and previous experience relate to the project in general, and how your 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
• 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).

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.

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 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:

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

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

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