About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Earth Sciences available at the Njord Center/Department of Geosciences.

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, 2024.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

We invite applications for a PhD position in Petrology, Volcanology and Structural Geology to investigate key aspects of ancient volcanic systems in the Oslo rift case study. The PhD project will focus on characterising (1) the depositional mechanisms and extent of ignimbrite formations in a rift context, and (2) the mechanics of dyke and sill emplacement in folded and faulted sedimentary strata. The PhD student will conduct detailed ground-based and UAV-based structural mapping of exposed igneous intrusions and pyroclastic rocks, and analyze rock samples of both the igneous rocks and their host rock using state-of-the-art analytical techniques of the Goldschmidt Laboratory at the University of Oslo and elsewhere.

The PhD is funded by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo; it will be led by geoscientists of the Crustal Processes section of the Department of Geosciences and the Njord Center. Njord is a cross-disciplinary centre between the departments of Geosciences and Physics that aims to become one of the University of Oslo's main cross-disciplinary ‘drivers’ for the future development of Physical Sciences in general, and Earth-related research in particular. This PhD project is strategic for the Crustal Processes section and Njord and will be integrated within ongoing research activities in the Oslo Rift. The PhD project will mostly be based on fieldwork in the Oslo Rift, with particular focus on magma emplacement in the form of dikes and sills, and processes associated with explosive eruptive activity, particularly emplacement dynamics of pyroclastic flows. Rock samples collected during the fieldwork will be analyzed using analytical and experimental facilities available at the host institution and elsewhere. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to learn scientific methods from the fields of petrology, volcanology, structural field geology, geochronologic or isotopic analyses, analogue and numerical modelling, with the ambition to become a multi-skilled modern geoscientist. 

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.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Earth Sciences with competences in field geology, and preferentially petrology and structural geology 
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Experience/competency within the following:
  • Geological field work and structural analysis
  • Igneous petrology
  • Interpreting and using geochemical or geochronological or isotopic data
  • Volcanology
  • Working with pyroclastic deposits and/or sill and dike emplacement

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 31 August, 2024 to complete the final exam.

Desired qualifications:

Experience with the following is desired:

• Programming in Matlab and/or Python
• Field experience in the Oslo Rift
• Using modern geochemical, geochronological or isotopic analytical methods
• Modelling of magma emplacement

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
• 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/

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 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, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
• Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• 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.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

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

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.

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. 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:

•  Associate Professor Lars Eivind Augland, phone: +47 95700108, email: l.e.augland@geo.uio.no

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

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