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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Planetary Sciences / Exoplanetary Research

Deadline: 15.11.2020

About the position

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.


Centre for the Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence that provides a stimulating and well-funded research environment. The main goal of the centre is to develop a model that explains how mantle processes drive plate tectonics and trigger massivevolcanism and associated environmental and climate changes throughout Earth's history.


The centre explores the distribution and history of tectonic plates in time and space, and examines the driving mechanisms that steer all stages of the ‘Wilson Cycle’, and aims to establish the links between Earth's interior, crust and oceans, atmosphere and biosphere. CEED endeavors to also unravel similarities and differences of our planet with earth-like planetary bodies.The centre was established in 2013 and consists of ca. 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.

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, and the latest possible starting date is Spring 2021.No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

Job description

We are now at the dawn of a new era of space telescopes surveying exoplanets, which provides exciting new data on exoplanets with Earth-like orbits and sizes. The overall aim is to develop models of the likely interior structures of exoplanets with Earth-like mass and size. To prepare for the new space missions, new models combining currently available data of stars, exoplanets and our understanding of planetary system evolution shall examine how to recognize a planet at similar pressure and temperature conditions and with similar composition to our Earth. This approach is novel and challenging as it requires a highly interdisciplinary study of circum-stellar discs, planetary accretion and differentiation. So far, such comprehensive and integrated investigations have been performed mainly for gas and ice giants. The successful candidate is expected to collect information on the range of star compositions, and to combine aspects of condensation sequences and degassing in order to estimate the protoplanetary disk composition.

We provide an international and multi-disciplinary team with expertise across comparative planetology, mineralogy, experimental and computational mineral physics, astrophysics, geophysics.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

  • Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Astrophysics, Planetary Sciences, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Mineral Physics or an otherwise related field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

  • A strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
  • In depth knowledge of stellar spectroscopy, planetary disk and planet formation modelling and/or disk mineral assemblages relevant to terrestrial type planets, and differentiation processes gives a clear advantage
  • Experience in working on relevant Exoplanet Research is an asset
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively, but also interest in collaborative research and team work

We offer

  • Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 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 interests)
  • 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. Web based interviews will be held shortly after the deadline has passed with selected 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

  • Professor Stephanie Werner, s.c.werner@geo.uio.no

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

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