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PhD Research Fellow in Arctic geology / geophysics

Deadline: 14.11.2021

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.


Centre for the Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence that provides a stimulating and well-funded research environment. The main goal of the centre is to develop a model that explains how mantle processes drive plate tectonics and trigger massive volcanism and associated environmental and climate changes throughout Earth's history.


The centre explores the distribution and history of tectonic plates in time and space, and examines the driving mechanisms that steer all stages of the ‘Wilson Cycle’, and aims to establish the links between Earth's interior, crust and oceans, atmosphere and biosphere. CEED endeavors to also unravel similarities and differences of our planet with earth-like planetary bodies.The centre was established in 2013 and consists of ca. 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.

Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Arctic geology/geophysics is available in the project DYPOLE at the Department of Geosciences/Center for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is 3 years, with a preferred start date in January 2022.

DYPOLE - “Dynamics of polar confined basins – The Eurasia Basin from breakup in greenhouse to present in icehouse conditions (DYPOLE)” is a research project funded by the Research Council of Norway. It is led by University of Oslo, with UiT The Arctic University of Norway, University of Bergen and NORSAR as scientific partners. The overall aim of this project is to increase our understanding of the complex interplay between geological processes that have formed the continental margin north of Svalbard/Barents Sea and adjacent areas of the Arctic Ocean. Moreover, we study how the evolution of Atlantic-Arctic connection has influenced oceanographic and climatic changes.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

More about the position

The successful candidate will work on selected tasks within two of the DYPOLE work packages - WP1 (Breakup and crustal architecture) and WP2 (Eocene–Miocene crustal evolution of the Eurasia Basin).

The candidate will take part in integrated analyses of seismic, gravity and magnetic data with focus on:

  • Crustal architecture (thickness and composition) of the continent-ocean transition across the northern Svalbard/Barents Sea margin along selected regional transects
  • The role of inherited heterogeneities (pre-existing structures) during breakup - that can be linked to the onshore Svalbard geology and prominent structures in the northern Barents Sea (east of Svalbard)
  • Age, geometry and intensity of magnetic anomalies in the SW Eurasia Basin
  • Spreading history and segmentation/zonation of the Eurasia Basin basin floor – any relationships between crustal thickness and spreading rates?

The PnD candidate is expected to participate in a cruise planned for autumn 2022 to collect further marine geological and geophysical data.

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 qualifications:

  • Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in geology/geophysics or a related field.
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
  • The successful candidate should have a strong background combining geology and geophysics and experience with integrated analyses of geophysical data.
  • Excellent presentation and writing skills in English are also requested.

Desired qualifications:

  • Previous experience with one or several of the following topics will be regarded positive in the selection process:
  • Interpretation of seismic reflection data on workstation (e.g. Petrel or similar software)
  • Analysis of seismic refraction data (crustal-scale)
  • Analysis/modelling of potential field data (gravity and/or magnetics)
  • Integrated margin studies

Finally, experience on scientific publishing is beneficial.

Grade 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
  • English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

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/

Personal skills

  • We seek a motivated and dedicated candidate with the ability to work in a team as well as independently, and be well structured and organized.

We offer

  • salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow, (position code 1017)
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
  • Vibrant international academic environment
  • Sufficient research fund for conference participations throughout the program
  • 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, positions and academic work, scientific publications and presentations)
  • Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and
  • Master’s Thesis abstract (max 1 page)
  • Documentation of English proficiency
  • List of 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, 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).

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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. 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.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

  • Prof. Jan Inge Faleide, phone: +47 22856677, e-mail: j.i.faleide@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding the electronic recruitment system, please contact HR manager Torunn Standal Guttormsen: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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