About the position

Position as 3-year Researcher in Glacier mass-change reconstruction using data assimilation available at the Department of Geosciences.

Earliest starting date is October 1, 2023 and preferably not later than 1 January 2024.

The position aims to reconstruct the glacier mass evolution of all >200,000 glaciers on Earth outside the ice sheets over the last four decades using data assimilation, thus producing a global glacier ‘reanalysis’. Work will focus on developing a suitable methodology to fuse diverse observational data (e.g., in-situ observations, satellite-derived elevation changes, gravimetric balances from GRACE, snow line observations, glacier extent/outlines, surface ice velocities) with physical knowledge encoded in numerical glacier models to provide optimal and uncertainty-aware estimates of glacier mass change for every glacier and each month using a consistent methodology.

The position is part of the recently funded EU ERC Advanced Grant “Past and Future High-resolution Global Glacier Mass Changes (GLACMASS)”. The researcher will be part of a growing team of researchers, postdocs and PhD students working on modeling global glacier mass changes using data assimilation and machine learning as part of GLACMASS (see also positions as Postdocs and PhD in the same field). The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the supervision of the project´s PhD students. Funding is available for conference attendances as well as research visits with external collaborators at universities in Europe and the USA. No fieldwork is anticipated for this project, but possibilities to gain field experience may well arise within other projects in the glaciology group.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition 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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in geosciences, physics, computer/data science, environmental sciences, engineering, mathematics or any other relevant field. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and thesis defense prior to the actual starting date are eligible for appointment.
• The candidate must have a strong quantitative background and extensive experience in scientific programing (using e.g., Python, Matlab, and/or Julia), as well as an interest in glaciology.
• Previous experience using data assimilation (Bayesian inference/inversion) in numerical geoscientific models is highly desirable.
• Experience in glacier, snow or climate research and handling of large data sets such as climate reanalyses and Earth observations are an advantage.
• The candidate must have proof of excellence in research as demonstrated through publications 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 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

The application must include:

• Cover letter (including statement of motivation, brief overview of scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, scientific computing, mentoring and administrative experiences, and any other relevant activities/skills/information (e.g., github username)
• Complete list of publications (incl. ORCID)
• Copy of PhD degree certificate (or documentation indicating the anticipated date of completion of the PhD degree)
• Names 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, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. 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, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact persons:

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

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no

Apply for this job