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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plate Tectonics

Deadline: 01.11.2020

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.

About the position

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Centre of Excellence, Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED).The position is for two years, and the latest possible starting date is 1 February 2021.No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

Job description

Full-plate paleogeographic models define the entire system of lithospheric plates and CEED scientists have developed a global full-plate model back to the Early Devonian (410 Ma). We seek a postdoctoral research fellow (as part of a larger team) to extend our global plate model back to the dawn of the Phanerozoic (541 Ma), but tasks also include model-refinements for the Late Paleozoic and the Mesozoic. We use the GPlates plate reconstruction software (gplates.org) and our Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic model will be based on paleomagnetic data in close concert with the rules of plate tectonics and with known geological and tectonic constraints.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidate 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 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.

  • The candidate must have a PhD or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Geology or Geophysics. 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.
  • We seek a candidate with wide geological knowledge and solid background in the development of plate tectonic reconstructions at regional or global levels.
  • Experience with GPlates, familiarity with paleomagnetic data, and/or programming skills are advantageous.
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

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 Trond H. Torsvik: t.h.torsvik@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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