Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in experimental porous media physics is available at the Centre of excellence (SFF) PoreLab at the Njord Centre/the Department of Physics.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2023.

The fellowship period is 3 years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that normally consists of teaching. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

More about the position

This position is open at the Njord Centre in the project CO2Basalt funded by the University of Oslo. It involves a collaboration between geologists and physicists of the Center of Excellence PoreLab.

The aim of PoreLab is to describe the flow in porous media on scales ranging from micrometers to kilometers and for highly different media. The approach is based on a combination of theory, simulations and experiments. The successful candidate must have a strong background in experimental physics, but is expected to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary environment that includes chemists, geologists and engineers.

The candidate will perform experiments on density-driven convection which is of central importance for CO₂ storage. When CO₂ is dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid, resulting in a slight increase in density and a change in acidity (pH). The purpose of the project entitled Gravitational instabilities during water-CO2 flows in fractures, is to investigate the convective mechanics of CO₂ dissolved in water in model porous media and fractures and estimate the pH field using a pH analysis methods developed by PoreLab. Along with flow experiments on 3D printed fractures and porous models, the candidate may develop numerical models that can simulate density-driven convection.

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.

Required:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in experimental physics, experimental physical chemistry or experimental fluid mechanics. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Background in hydrodynamics
• Background in statistical physics or porous media physics

Desired:

• Background in chemistry
• Background in numerical simulations
• Background in image analysis

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.

Grade and language requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system.
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system.
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• For candidates who would like to apply for a fourth year including teaching, good knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language is strongly preferred.
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

Personal skills:

• Teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently
• Enthusiasm, personal drive, and ability to take initiative
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility, ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

• http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
• http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence.

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, previous positions and academic work)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of any 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)
• Applicants who are interested in teaching need to add to this application a description of their motivation for and (if any) experience with teaching.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). 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 will be part of the hiring process.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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.

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 information

For further information please contact:

• Prof. Knut Jørgen Måløy, phone: +47 413 23 979, e-mail: k.j.maloy@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no.

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