Job description

A PhD Research Fellow position is available at the Department of Geosciences at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway. The applicant will become part of the new centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB).

Starting date on 01.07.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The fellowship period is 3 years.

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

Applications are invited for a PhD candidate to contribute to the Norwegian Research Council-funded project ‘PANDA’ (A 100 Myr paleomagnetic data gap: Investigating anomalous behaviour of Earthʼs magnetic field in the middle Paleozoic) dedicated to understanding the nature of the middle Paleozoic magnetic field through a combination of fieldwork and paleomagnetic analyses.

The middle Paleozoic (~440-340 million years ago) was a key interval in which land-plant cover expanded to form extensive forests, the first seed plants developed, as well as the first terrestrial tetrapods. The middle Paleozoic has long been a problematic period for paleomagnetism, data are generally difficult to interpret and have complex partial or full overprints– problems that arise in data obtained from both sedimentary and igneous rocks. There is a striking scarcity of high-quality, unambiguous paleomagnetic data that hinders our understanding of the deep interior of our planet. Importantly, the absence of high quality paleomagnetic data in this time prevents the understanding of the behaviour of Earthʼs magnetic field in this key interval for Earth evolution, and hampers the use of paleomagnetism as a tool for dating and correlation. A recurring observation in middle Paleozoic paleomagnetism is that magnetisations are often below sensitivity limits of traditional magnetometers, making them effectively unmeasurable with standard techniques.

The PANDA PhD student will investigate promising sedimentary and igneous rocks from the late Silurian to early Carboniferous with new high precision techniques, and constrain changes in the direction and intensity of the magnetic field, and reversal rates of the magnetic poles. The results from PANDA will be used to constrain fundamental behaviour and strength of Earth’s magnetic field.

We seek a motivated PhD candidate who will conduct fieldwork and experimental analyses of middle Paleozoic rock samples to unravel the nature of their complex paleomagnetic records. The analytical work will involve a variety of paleomagnetic, rock-magnetic and paleointensity experiments and the candidate will also conduct advanced rock-magnetic analyses abroad in collaboration with PANDA project partners.

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 geology or geophysics or an equivalent qualification in physics.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• A demonstrated basic understanding of paleomagnetism (either through coursework or research).
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desired qualifications:

Prior experience with geologic fieldwork, paleomagnetism and laboratory measurements will be an asset.

Personal skills:

The candidate will work as part of a team and needs good communication and interpersonal skills.

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 EU/EEA countries and exemptions from these may be found here

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 501 200 – 544 400 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
• A budget for travel and research assistance
• 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, transcripts of records
• Letters of recommendation
• 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.

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.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period 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. 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: Annique van der Boon, e-mail: anniquev@uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no.

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