Job description

Applications are invited for a 3,5-years post-doctoral fellowship position in “Regional structural geology analysis of CO2 storage sites” at the Department of Geosciences, as part of the Environment-Friendly Energy Research Centre, the Norwegian CCS Centre (NCCS).The position is assigned to the Geology and Geophysics Section that has a considerable project portfolio financed by the Norwegian Research Council, the European Union and the petroleum industry. Education and research is undertaken in cooperation with national and international research institutions.No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

Earliest start of fellowship: January 2021

The Department of Geosciences seeks a highly motivated geoscientist that can enrich and strengthen the Department in the field of structural geology analysis of offshore basins, with an emphasis on future subsurface CO2 storage sites. Focus is on identification and de-risking large-scale, potential storage sites (upscaling of Northern Lights project) in the Horda Platform, North Sea, and will cover work of reservoirs, top-seals and faults. Schemes for fault development linked to tectonic geomorphology and basin characteristics including growth-sections will be prioritised. As faults represent a critical risk for storage site integrity, the work will cover seismic studies on fault geometry and characteristics, fault displacement fields of relevance to growth and vertical movements, and lithological juxtaposition, all of relevance to fault seal integrity workflows.

The position is funded by the NCCS centre (www.sintef.no/en/projects/nccs), guiding expectations towards the centre’s ambitions and integration. The fellow will collaborate with other teams in the centre and industry partners.

The holder of the position is expected to contribute as a dynamic member in the group working with geological characterisation of storage sites for CO2 sequestration both at UiO and in NCCS. Tasks will include developing and supervising research activity and student work, and promotion of the group and its achievements. There are anticipations around initiating and developing research projects.

Teaching obligations covering c. 25 % work time will include teaching, supervision of students and younger researchers, and exam-related work, all within the relevant fields in the Department’s study programs. There are some general administrative duties according to current regulations at the Department.

The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines.

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 of being a leading research faculty. 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 structural geology and tectonics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment.
• It is essential for the applicant to have a strong background in structural geology and fault analysis of sedimentary basins, with insight into fault-driven geomorphology as an asset.
• Applicants are expected to have knowledge in techniques and methods applied in a detailed study of fault displacement and fault-seal of relevance for reservoir performance.
• The applicant should have significant experience with 3D seismic interpretation work and the utilization of well log data. Experience from outcrop study is beneficial.
• Applicants should have a growing track record of publications in high-level international journals and have an internationally orientated research profile.
• Experience from interdisciplinary work and student supervision is beneficial.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Teaching experience is beneficial. The teaching language is mainly English, but a fundamental understanding of Norwegian is expected with time. Applicants who are not competent in Norwegian must acquire such competence within two years subsequent to their appointment to be able to participate actively in all functions the position entails.
• Candidates should be qualified for Visa to the USA, Oman and elsewhere and hold an internationally recongised drivers licence.

Good communication abilities and interest in contribution to an active and open research environment are considered key assets.

We offer

• salary NOK 523 200 - 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (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

• Comprehensive application letter substantiating qualifications and scientific interests
• CV containing:
  • a) institution where the master thesis (or equivalent) was received and the date of graduation, including the title of the thesis
  • b) title of the Ph.D. thesis, the institution where the Ph.D. was received (or will be received) and the date or expected date of the defense
  • c) the institutions where the applicant has been employed after receiving the Master and Ph.D. degrees
  • d) complete list of scientific merits; publications, presentation, posters, etc
  • e) teaching experience (subjects) and pedagogical training
• Copies of educational certificates
• Names and contact details of two/three references

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).

The selection and ranking of candidates will be based on their scientific track record, submitted scientific publications, teaching and supervision experience, research cooperation, and research statement.

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 as Postdoctoral Fellow for more than one specified period at the same institution.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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

• CO2 team leader, Professor Alvar Braathen, email: alvar.braathen@geo.uio.no

For technical question regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser; Torunn Standal Guttormsen, t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no, phone:+47 22854272

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