Job description

A PhD Research Fellow position in structural geology is available at the Study of Sedimentary Basins Section within the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo.

A candidate with a strong background in structural geology and analysis of faults data would be employed to utilize outcrop studies combined with drone imagery and seismic interpretation using deep learning to characterize faults at different scales.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Preferable starting date 15th of August 2023. Starting date no later than 1st of October, 2023.

The fellowship period is 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department of Geosciences). This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Project description:

Faults are complex structures that substantially influence the mechanical behavior and hydraulic connectivity of rock formations. One of the main challenges in studying faults (both seismic and aseismic portions) is the accessibility to fault’s 3D structure. Depending on the resolution of the measuring methods and the fault accessibility, fault geometric characteristics could be constrained and biased. Therefore, application of modern visualization techniques that can provide a more complete view of fault geometry and growth is essential. In this regard, we are going to utilize state-of-the-art drone imaging in outcrops and deep learning on seismic data in order to reduce the uncertainty of fault data, characterize faults from different scales and hence get a better knowledge of fault 3D structure. Utilizing this multiscale approach, we will be able to improve fault scaling laws and fill the gaps in the global datasets of faults from different scales. A detailed project plan will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate at the start of PhD.

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 structural geology with emphasize on faults in the upper crust.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
• Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.
• Experience with independent fieldwork and analysis of field data.
• Experience with seismic interpretation.
• Holding a driver license, valid in Europe to be able to drive to filed localities in different countries.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with using drone and interpreting drone images of outcrops.
• Familiarity with automatic seismic interpretation using machine learning.
• Background in Python, basic programming.
• Knowledge of fracture and fault mechanics.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis applied to fault scaling laws.

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 of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

Personal skills:

• Being motivated and enthusiastic to perform the research tasks.
• To be able to work in a team and have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Being focused and at the same time be able to deliver tasks before deadlines.

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 532 200 – 575 400 per year depending on qualifications 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)
• Official copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
• 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)

Only complete applications with all documents listed above, will be considered for the evaluation.

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 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.

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.

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.

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:

• Professor Anita Torabi, e-mail: anita.torabi@geo.uio.no

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

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