Job description

A PhD Research Fellowship position in Planetary Sciences is available at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) at the University of Oslo (UiO).

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.

There is the choice between two topical options:

A) Mars a habitable planet?

Two missions will land on Mars early 2021 (ExoMars2020 and Mars2020). Both will be dedicated to the study of whether Mars have been once a habitable planet and whether there are relics of life to be found. Mars2020 will also cache samples for future return to Earth. Using spectral and other remote sensing data to describe the composition and morphology, and using cratering statistics to establish a timeline will be the tasks of this project. This work can be complimented by experimental assessment of environmental conditions throughout Martian history.

B) Earth-like exoplanets

Two missions (Plato and Ariel) will in the late 2020ies provide exciting new data on planets in earth-like orbits and of earth-like size. Will we find another Earth? Using all currently available data for exoplanets and our understanding of planetary system evolution, the goal is to examine how likely it is that we will find a planet in similar conditions like those of our Earth. One of the goals is to predict the potential planets from star composition, condensation sequences, degassing, and star planet interaction. This approach is highly challenging as it covers the entire planet formation and evolution, but also allows for a large diversity of studies, which have been performed so far only for gas and ice giants. These will be compared to currently known earth-like planets and future discoveries.

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 Planetary Sciences, Astrophysics, Space Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry or an otherwise related field
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Experience in working with either Planetary Sciences or Exoplanet Research is a requirement

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2019 to complete the final exam.

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/application letter - statement of motivation and research interests, including a brief reasoning which is the favorite of the two topics
• 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).

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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 Stephanie C. Werner, email: s.c.werner@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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