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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Geophysics: Mantle Structure and Dynamics of Greenland

Deadline: 15.11.2019

Job description

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 about 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.

Flere stillinger fra Universitetet i Oslo

Position as postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), Department of Geosciences, at the University of Oslo (UiO) in Norway.The fellowship period is 2 years and with preferred starting date February 2020.

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

Project description

Constraining uplift processes in Greenland is important for quantifying present-day rates of melting there. Some of the modern uplift is caused by the viscous response of the mantle to past deglaciation. This glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) is sensitive to mantle viscosity, which is poorly constrained for Greenland. Some lateral variations in viscosity may be associated with heat added to the Greenland lithosphere after it passed over the Iceland plume more than 50 Myr ago. This project will involve using finite element software to develop models of (1) the impact of the Iceland plume on the Greenlandic lithosphere, in order to predict lateral variations in lithospheric structure and surface heat flow and (2) GIA processes in Greenland to evaluate the importance of viscosity variations to GIA patterns in Greenland.

This 2-year position is part of the international project Magnetotelluric Analysis for Greenland and Postglacial Isostatic Evolution (MAGPIE).

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia.To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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 Solid Earth Geophysics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defence of the doctoral thesis being approved.
  • Experience using a finite element code to study a problem in geodynamics is a requirement for this position.
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desired (but not required) qualifications include familiarity with geodynamic processes and geophysical datasets, the successful publication of past research, and previous experience with the ASPECT finite element code.

We offer

  • salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
  • a professionally stimulating working environment
  • vibrant international academic environment
  • postdoctoral development programs
  • attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

  • Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
  • CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
  • Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
  • A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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. 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project 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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral 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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

  • Professor Clint Conrad, c.p.conrad@geo.uio.no

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

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