Job description

A 2 year position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow is available at the Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo. Preferred starting date no later than 01.10.2019.

The candidate will work within the Nansen Legacy project (https://arvenetternansen.com/) to which the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo contributes. This subproject is led by Prof. Jon Ove Hagen and Prof. Thomas V Schuler.

More about the position

The project aims at quantifying freshwater fluxes to the ocean from glaciers and seasonal snow on Svalbard for current and future conditions. The task will be to develop algorithms describing the small-scale variability of seasonal snow based on terrain parameters and weather/ snow conditions. These algorithms are to be implemented and tested in a hydrological model framework Scientific publications in international journals are expected.

We envisage the candidate having a strong quantitative background from hydrology/ geophysics/ meteorology, field abilities in cold environments, experience in programming and modeling, and good collaboration skills

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 Geoscience, Physics, Geophysics, Mathematics, Hydrology or Computer Science. 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.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English (evt.) and a Scandinavian language

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

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

Personal skills

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Technical expertise in one or more programming language(s), e.g. Python/Matlab or similar
• Good communication skills and the willingness to manage tasks and project deliverables in an international research environment
• Evidence of creativity and capability of independent research

Experience with processing and displaying of large data sets in time and space is beneficial.

In addition, candidates with experience in one of the following topics will be given priority:

• Glacier mass balance modelling
• Land surface models
• Data assimilation techniques

We offer

• salary NOK 515 200 – 597 400 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

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• 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, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate completes 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

• Prof. TV Schuler, phone: +47 228 55928, e-mail: t.v.schuler@geo.uio.no or
• Prof. JO Hagen, phone: +47 228 54038, e-mail: j.o.m.hagen@geo.uio.no

For technical question regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Officer; Ørjan Pretorius, orjan.pretorius@mn.uio.no

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