Job description

Applicants are invited for a 3 year position in a Research Fellowship as PhD Candidate in Geophysics to be based at the Njord Centre, a cross-disciplinary research unit at the interface between Physics and Geosciences at the University of Oslo.

Starting date for the possition is between April and September 2022.

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

More about the position

This position is open in the project "Break-Through Rocks" funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

When brittle materials are loaded, numerous microfractures may nucleate, grow, and coalesce before a major catastrophic rupture occurs. This mechanical behavior controls the deformation of various materials such as cements, metals, ice, and rocks in the Earth’s crust where earthquakes occur. However, the origin and evolution of these microfractures are not understood and could be used to monitor and predict the occurrence of major earthquakes. Using state-of-the-art rock physics experiments performed at the ESRF, the candidate will perform deformation experiments of rocks approaching failure (4D X-ray microtomography, acoustic emission monitoring, using new rock deformation) and analyze experimental data and compare them with natural rocks collected in fault zones. The main question will be to identify how the precursors to failure in rocks and other brittle materials localize on the future fracture plane when approaching failure and to what extent water may control this process.

At the Njord Centre, the candidate will be supervised by François Renard, professor of Geosciences, and Dr. Jess McBeck, researcher in geophysics. The candidate will perform several short- and long term internships at the ESRF under the supervision of Dr. Benoit Cordonnier

The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out research in the framework of the European Research Council (ERC) funded project entitled "Break-Through Rocks".

The research fellow must take part in the approved PhD program at the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period. The main purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The applicant must, in collaboration with the supervisors, within three months after employment, have worked out a complete project description to be attached to the application for admission to the doctoral program. For more information, please see our web site Application and admission - the road to MN PhD - The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (uio.no).

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in experimental Physics or Earth Sciences, preferably in rock physics with laboratory experiments experience.
• Candidates with documented experience in X-ray imaging and/or ultrasonic monitoring techniques will be prioritized.
• Skills in scientific programming (Python, Matlab) will be considered as important assets.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Personal skills

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

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, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• Vibrant international academic environment

How to apply

The application must include:

• cover letter statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• copy of the master thesis
• documentation of english proficiency
• a complete list of publications and academic works
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone 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).

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. 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 appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

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.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor François Renard, email: francois.renard@geo.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elin.thoresen@mn.uio.no, phone +47 22 85 71 96.

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