About the position

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) at the Department of Geosciences of the University of Oslo (UiO). The position is for two years, with starting date around 1st of June 2021.

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

Job description

Coincidence in time between Large igneous provinces (LIPs) and environmental upheavals suggests a possible causal relationship between these events, but a full understanding of this link is still elusive.

The intrusive parts of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) contribute enormously to the gas production of such events. Large sill intrusions in LIPs volcanic basins interact over vast surface areas with host lithologies, and generate a number of gas species, which are eventually released into the atmosphere by venting episodes.

We need to achieve further knowledge of within sill reactions that occur within the cooling magma bodies when MAgma PLays with sedimEntary rockS.

This position, funded within the MAPLES project, will focus on specific case studies of magma-host rock interaction. In particular, the post-doc fellow will study fluid and melt inclusions and late stage melt pockets from available sill samples of the Siberian Traps (Tunguska Basin) and Karoo (Karoo Basin) LIPs, and from the Oslo Rift magmatism. Multiple in situ techniques, among which electron microprobe analyses, Raman spectroscopy, (nano) ion probe analyses, laser ablation ICPMS, will be applied in order to get a full picture of the geochemistry and geothermometry of these microstructures. These analyses will aim at investigating speciation and volumes of gas phases present in the orthomagmatic and late magmatic to hydrothermal stages of sill emplacement.

An additional work package will focus on 3D imaging of these magmatic and hydrothermal micro-features, acquired through laboratory source and synchrotron light microtomography. This work is integrated with the activities of the Earth Crises team at CEED.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

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:

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Earth Sciences or an otherwise related field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defense are eligible for appointment.
• Solid knowledge of igneous petrology and geochemistry topics, with particular emphasis on microanalytical techniques (particularly Raman, EMP and microtomography).
• Publication record in peer reviewed journals, possibly related to the work packages on which the position is focused.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desired qualifications:

• The position is open, but early career (<2 years since PhD defence) scientists are preferred.
• Experience with Large Igneous Province magmatism will be a plus.
• Laboratory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively, but also interest in collaborative research and team work.

We offer

• Salary NOK 526 000 – 608 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programs
• 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, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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. 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.

We will arrange for Skype interviews with the short listed candidates.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Researcher Sara Callegaro, sara.callegaro@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding the electronic recruitment system, please contact HR adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no.

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