About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in modelling of fracture and damage in geomaterials 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. The starting date will be will be agreed upon, with latest starting date on the 1st January 2025.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

Job description

We invite applications for a PhD position in theoretical and computational modelling of fracture and damage of geomaterials. The overarching goal of this PhD project is to gain knowledge and understanding on the mechanics that governs the migration of magmatic intrusions towards the surface in volcanic plumbing systems. Two end-member models currently exist to describe the propagation of magmatic intrusions in the Earth’s crust. The hydraulic fracture model that describes the flow of magma into a brittle fracture that grows through a linear elastic host rock. The viscous indenter model that describes the ascent of magma by ductile deformation of the host rock. The PhD student will develop computational models to simulate the propagation of magmatic intrusions between these two end-members situations. Through a combination of theoretical and numerical work, the PhD student will quantify how inelastic processes in the rheology of the host rock affect the migration of magma. Overall, the PhD student will be trained to develop models of failure and damage in materials and will learn skills and knowledge directly relevant to other disciplines such as geophysics, material science and engineering.

The PhD student will be a member of the project “BEYOND ELASTICITY – How inelastic properties of crustal rocks control the propagation of dykes and sills in volcanic plumbing systems” funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project will be hosted at the Njord Centre, which is a research centre between the departments of Geosciences and Physics. Njord is one of the University of Oslo's main cross-disciplinary centers in Physical Sciences and Earth-related research.

 The “BEYOND ELASTICITY” project will run as a collaborative effort between the Departments of Geosciences, Physics and Mathematics at the University of Oslo. The PhD student will be integrated in a multidisciplinary team of early-career scientists dedicated to study the dynamics of volcano plumbing systems from both geological, physical and theoretical approaches. The project will also benefit from collaboration with leading national and international research groups and institutions.

The PhD student will: 

• Implement and run computational models to simulate the propagation of dykes and magmatic intrusions

• Investigate and quantify the impact of inelastic (plastic and viscous) deformation of the host rock on the migration of magma through the Earth’s crust 

• Work in an interdisciplinary team combining expertise in geosciences, computational mechanics and the physics of solid and fluid

• Learn knowledge and skills directly transferable to other applications in geophysics or engineering

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:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Earth Sciences or computational mechanics or engineering or condensed matter physics
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Background in continuum mechanics and linear elasticity
• Fundamentals of numerical modelling
• Documented skills in scientific programming and computing (e.g. Python, C++) 
• Competence in fracture mechanics and/or solid plasticity and/or fluid mechanics will be considered as important asset

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 here.

Personal skills

• Comfortable with theoretical modelling
• Keen to work on fundamental problems and basic research
• Teamwork skills including the ability to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary research environment
• Enthusiasm and ability to take initiative
• Meticulous and attentive to details
• Flexibility and ability to meet deadlines

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

• Res. Prof. Olivier Galland, phone: +47 22856719, email: olivier.galland@geo.uio.no
• Dr. Fabian Barras, email: fabian.barras@mn.uio.no

• Prof. Eirik Flekkøy, email: e.g.flekkoy@fys.uio.no

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

Apply for this job