Job description

A 3 years PhD Research Fellowship is available at the Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo. The position is connected to the ERC-funded project EPIC, with PI Mat Domeier.

Preferred starting date around 1 October 2022.

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

Project and Job Description:

The Ediacaran Period (~635-540 million years ago) was a particularly dynamic interval in Earth’s history, marked by dramatic changes in climate, global geochemical cycles and the biosphere. Coeval records of the Earth’s magnetic field exhibit rapid variations that suggest dramatic changes may have been occurring in Earth’s lithosphere, mantle or core then too, but the specific nature of the Ediacaran paleomagnetic signals remains unknown. Establishing the origins of these rapid paleomagnetic variations is important, both for understanding global paleogeography at this critical time in Earth’s history, and for understanding the evolution of Earth’s geomagnetic field and the geodynamo that powers it.

The EPIC project is a 5 year project dedicated to determining the origin of the rapid changes observed in Ediacaran paleomagnetic data through a combination of fieldwork, paleomagnetic and geochronologic analyses, and plate tectonic modelling.

We seek a motivated PhD student who will work together with the international EPIC team to conduct fieldwork and paleomagnetic analyses of Ediacaran rock samples to unravel the nature of their rapidly-varying paleomagnetic records. The analytical work will involve a variety of paleomagnetic, rock-magnetic and paleointensity experiments and the candidate will also be invited to conduct advanced rock-magnetic and/or geochronological analyses abroad in collaboration with EPIC project partners.

A detailed project plan will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate, depending on qualifications and interests.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for the position will be selected in accordance with this, and are expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Candidates must hold a Master’s degree 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 and plate tectonics
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements.

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 edu-cational system

Desired qualifications:

Basic knowledge about field geology, statistics and programming languages such as Python or R will be an asset.

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 491 200 – 534 400,- 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 environment with its 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)
• 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).

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.

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. 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:

• Mat Domeier, e-mail: m.m.domeier@geo.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please, contact:

• Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no

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