PhD Research Fellow in Quaternary Sedimentology

About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Quaternary Sedimentology available at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo

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.

Job description

Our understanding of the formation of quick clay is largely based on studies done in the mid-20th century. Little is known about the role of the depositional environmental on the formation of the sensitive clay deposits. Mapping of quick clay is also to little degree based on sedimentological investigations.

The aim of the research project is to improve our understanding of the depositional environments and the fundamental processes that form quick clay deposits. Abundant data are available from a number of research sites in Norway (e.g., Tiller-Flotten, Øysand, Klett, Halden).

The candidate will utilize/use the already existing data and complement it with new high-quality drill cores and new fieldwork campaign data. Laboratory experiments will also be part of the project. Much of the work will focus on the detailed characterization of the cored material, including sediment/pore structures, grain size, pore water chemistry, and microfossil analyses, etc. The work will be done in collaboration with and supervised by experienced researchers Department of Geosciences (University of Oslo), the Natural History Museum in Oslo (NHM), and The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI).

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.

We seek a highly motivated and competent candidate, with the following formal qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in sedimentology, environmental stratigraphy, or quaternary geology with a focus on sedimentary environments
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desired qualifications:

• Knowledge in mineralogy
• Knowledge in aqueous geochemistry
• Experience in analytical methods
• Knowledge in micropaleontology
• Knowledge in clay mineralogy

Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30 June 2024 to complete the final exam.

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

• Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to work in teams, and a driving license.

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, transcripts of records
• 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 about the position please contact

•  Prof. Helge Hellevang, phone: +47 90613526, e-mail: helghe@geo.uio.no or 
• Prof. Jens Jahren, phone: +47 22856611, e-mail: jens.jahren@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact: HR Adviser Ørjan Pretorius, email: orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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