Job description

This is a position as PhD Research Fellow in Geosciences, with an emphasis on marine geology and geophysics, available at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics – CEED, the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo

The fellowship period is for 4 years, with 3 years devoted to carrying out one of the two project alternatives given below. The position also entails a compulsory work load of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and research assistance.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than 01.10.2019.

More about the position

This PhD position is affiliated with several research groups at CEED in an interdisciplinary effort to explore the intricate role of plate tectonics and mantle dynamics in shaping the long-term climate. The project focus will be established with the successful candidate and possible topics include:

1) Submarine volcanism

Seamount volcanism is attributed to magmatic processes connected to the formation of new ocean floor/oceanic crust (seafloor spreading), or to the modification of this crust by subsequent intra-plate volcanism. Intra-plate volcanism may also be the result of local processes like lithosphere cracking or melt extraction from heterogeneous mantle small-scale sub-lithospheric convection, or shear-induced melting of low-viscosity pockets of asthenospheric mantle located along the base of the lithosphere. In this project, we aim to evaluate the correlations between oceanic volcanic features (seamounts and other small igneous edifices), the oceanic crust morphology and evolution, and the upper mantle – including mantle plumes.

2) Structure and evolution of oceanic transform faults and fracture zones

The mid-ocean ridge plate boundaries contain thousands of kilometer of transform fault segments and the oceanic lithosphere preserved a huge number of fracture zones (fossil transform segments). They are playing an important role not only in plate tectonics, but also in stirring sediments and ocean currents. The oceanic lithosphere involved in these regions is prone to serious deformation and alteration. This project will study in detail selected fracture zones and aims to explore their role in regional oceanic circulation.

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.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Geosciences, with an emphasis on marine geology and geophysics
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• The project involves geophysical and geological data interpretation, compilation and modelling, therefore the candidate should must have strong numerical skills and a background in quantitative geophysics. Additional knowledge and skills in oceanography, climate and/or biology will be an advantage.

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 educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

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 449 400 – 505 800 per annum depending on qualifications as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• 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 and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and 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).

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews in person or on video conferences.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

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

• Professor Carmen Gaina, carmen.gaina@geo.uio.no

For questions about the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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