Job description

A permanent position is available at the Department of Geosciences for an Associate Professor in the subject area of Physical Geography.

This position is associated with the section of Geography and Hydrology. The section has currently a staff of c. 50, with 8 permanent scientific personnel. The section studies terrestrial surface and sub-surface processes at the boundary between atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

The research is largely field-oriented, in combination with advanced observations and large-scale data sets (e.g. remote sensing) and numerical and statistical modelling (e.g. in hydrology).

One key research focus is the terrestrial cryosphere (snow, glaciers, permafrost and geomorphological processes associated with cold climates), and the section cooperates with geologists, (geo) physicists and atmospheric scientists at the University of Oslo on these research topics.

More about the position

We want to strengthen our competence in assessing glacier response to climatic changes, with focus on observations (field and remote sensing) and numerical modelling of glacier flow and dynamics at different spatial and temporal scales. The position

• shall complement available competences in glacier observations, mass balance and subglacial processes to maximize synergy.
• will have an important role in integrating available field-based and remotely sensed measurements within glaciology with advanced numerical modelling.
• will bridge the understanding of past, present and future glacier configurations on the earth

The holder of the position is expected to

• contribute as a dynamic member in the university’s interdisciplinary research teams, by initiating and developing research projects.
• show a commitment to deliver excellent teaching at the undergraduate level (introductory courses) as well as master/PhD level courses. The successful applicant will teach and supervise bachelor, master and PhD students.
• teach/supervise within glaciology, geophysics and physical geography/ geomorphology/glacial geology, depending on qualification.

Staff members have administrative duties according to regulations at the department.

Teaching is given in Norwegian and English. The standard teaching load is c. one 10 ECTS course per semester.

Qualification requirements

We seek a dedicated person who meets the required qualifications for an associate professorship in Physical Geography, and has a research record of integrating modelling and observations to enhance understanding of glacier responses to climate change. The following requirements for the ranking of candidates apply:

• The applicant must hold a relevant PhD within geosciences, i.e. physical geography, geology, geophysics incl.hydrology/meteorology or physics.
• The applicant must have a strong scientific background in studying physical processes in cold climates (in particular glacier dynamics) and must document both
  • experience with observations within these topics, as well as
  • experience with development and application of numerical models
• The applicant must provide a track record of publications in high-level international journals and have an internationally orientated research profile.

The following points represent assets for ranking the candidates:

• The successful applicant should be on an upward trajectory and is expected to have a strong potential to secure and execute research projects at a high international level. If the candidate has not yet succeeded to secure own research funding, her/his potential for initiating research and ability to attract external funding will be assessed.
• Field experience is a strong advantage.
• The ability of the candidate to work in a research-team oriented environment towards bordering research fields, within the section and the Department of Geosciences.
• The candidate’s national and international network.

The successful candidate must demonstrate mastery of both English and one of the Scandinavian languages as working languages. If an appointee is not fluent in a Scandinavian language, the appointee will be expected within a two-year period to learn sufficient Norwegian to be able to participate actively in all functions the position may involve.

We offer

• salary NOK 576 100 – 682 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Associate professor (position code 1011)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• the opportunity to apply for promotion to full professorship at a later stage

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records
• List of publications and academic merits (awards)
• Up to ten selected scientific publications the applicant wishes to include in the evaluation
• A research statement (2–4 pages) describing scientific ambitions for the nearest future
• A teaching statement
• Documentation of teaching and supervising Master and PhD students
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to applicant, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Formal regulations

The successful candidate who at the time of appointment cannot document basic teaching qualifications will be required to obtain such qualifications within a two-year period.

Please see the rules for Appointments to Professorships and Associate Professorships and Rules for the assessment and weighting of pedagogical competence.

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 Bernd Etzelmüller, bernd.etzelmuller@geo.uio.no
• Head of Department, Brit Lisa Skjelkvåle, b.l.skjelkvale@geo.uio.no

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

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