Ledig stilling ved UiT Norges arktiske universitet

PhD Candidate Quaternary sciences / Aquatic Biogeochemistry

Deadline: 08.10.2019

The position and its field of research

The Faculty of Science and Technology has a PhD position vacant for applicants who wish to obtain the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD). The position is affiliated with the Department of Geosciences. The PhD position is for a fixed term of four years, with the objective of completion of research training to the level of a doctoral degree.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT is a multi-campus research university in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.


Credibility, academic freedom, closeness, creativity and commitment shall be hallmarks of the relationship between our employees, between our employees and our students and between UiT and our partners.

The research project is multidisciplinary and covers the fields of Quaternary sciences and aquatic biogeochemistry. The overall goals of this project will be to investigate the microbial methane (CH4) cycling in Arctic lake sediments, the net contribution of this process to Arctic lake CH4 emissions and potential decadal-to-millennial lag effects of the biogeochemical cycling of carbon stored during different climatic periods of the Holocene.

To track diagenetic processing of organic matter, a range of techniques will be applied, such as:

  • Mass spectrometry (elemental content and stable isotopes).
  • Gas chromatography of greenhouse gases.
  • Radiocarbon age determinations of organic matter and CH4.

This information will be tied to the reconstruction of CH4-processing microbial communities through time at the sites using ancient environmental DNA in link with the RCN-funded project PolarCH4ives. Based on data obtained in this PhD project as well as published datasets, the you will have the possibility to be involved in developing landscape modelling approaches to quantify the CH4 contribution from Arctic lakes on a regional level.

Contact

Further information about the position and the research project is available by contacting:

Qualifications

You must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, preferably with focus on aquatic geochemistry, biogeochemistry, limnology or lake sediment studies. You are required to have knowledge about biogeochemical processes and impacts of environmental changes in aquatic ecosystems. Experience with paleoclimatic reconstructions from lake sediments is an advantage but not a requirement. We also value experience with geochemical approaches based on stable isotopes, radioisotopes and/or gas chromatography.

You must fulfil the requirements for admission to the faculty’s PhD programme. Information about requirements and the PhD programme is available here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

The research work will be performed in collaboration with national and international partners, and progress and results are expected to be presented at national and international conferences/workshops, as well as published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Therefore, a good command in English, both written and oral, is required. Applicants not able to communicate in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language are required to learn Norwegian within a reasonable amount of time.

The project involves various types of fieldwork on Svalbard and other Arctic regions. It is expected that you are able and willing to participate in physically demanding field campaigns of up to several weeks each year. Therefore, experience with fieldwork in polar and/or remote environments is considered an asset.

Willingness to conduct longer visits at international and national partner institutions is expected. The project is carried out in collaboration with researchers abroad, and you must be able and willing to spend significant amounts of time for lab analyses, data analysis, and scientific collaboration off campus. The Faculty of Science and Technology encourages and supports stays abroad for PhD students. Experience with teaching, scientific publication, conference presentations, and grant applications will be regarded as positive.

Emphasis will be put on your potential for research, motivation and personal suitability for the position. We value positive attitude, flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Application

Your application must include:

  • Letter of application stating how the your experience, motivation and expectations align with the proposed research
  • CV (containing a complete overview of education, research experience, supervised professional training and work)
  • Documentation of English language proficiency
  • Names and full contact information of three academic or professional referees
  • Master thesis, and any other academic works
  • Diplomas and transcripts from completed degrees
    • Diploma and transcript from your Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
    • Diploma and transcript from your Master’s degree or equivalent
    • Diploma supplement for completed degrees

Documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language. We only accept applications through Jobbnorge.

Assessment

An expert committee will assess the applicants. During this assessment process, emphasis will be attached to your potential for research as shown by:

  • Master’s thesis or equivalent
  • any other academic works
  • Academic or professional references

Information and material must be submitted by the stipulated deadline to be considered during the assessment.

In addition, the committee will consider work experience or other activities of significance for the implementation of the PhD studies, and to any teaching qualifications. This includes teaching education, teaching experience, experience from popularization and other types of dissemination.

The applicants who are assessed as the best qualified will be called to an interview. The interview shall among other things aim to clarify the applicant’s personal suitability for the position.

Working conditions

The appointment is for a period of 4 years, and the nominal length of the PhD program is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % of each year, and will consist of teaching or other duties for the department. UiT funds the position.

Admission to a PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position. You must participate in the faculty’s organized research training.

Remuneration of PhD positions are in state salary code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2% to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted.

More practical information for working and living in Norway can be found here: http://uit.no/mobility

General

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. UiT will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability

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.

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