UiT – The Arctic University of Norway has a vacant position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available within the group of Complex Systems Modelling, hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The appointment is for a fixed period of 3 years.

We are looking for a highly talented candidate with great scientific potential, to strengthen and further develop the existing research within climate science, statistics and/or applied mathematics at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The workplace will be at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, campus Tromsø.

Further information about the position is available by contacting:

• Professor Martin Rypdal, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
  • Phone +47 77 62 07 54, email martin.rypdal@uit.no
• Associate professor Sigrunn Sørbye, Head of the research group in Complex Systems Modelling
  • phone +47 77 64 55 04, email sigrunn.sorbye@uit.no
• Professor Arne Smalås, Dean at the Faculty of Science and Technology
  • phone +47 77 64 40 70, email arne.smalas@uit.no

The position’s affiliation

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics consists of four research groups:

• Geometry and mathematical physics
• Algebra
• Complex Systems Modelling
• Machine Learning

The department provides education at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels. The department comprises 17 faculty members and conducts research and education at a high international level. The academic staff are engaged in several international collaborative projects.

The research group in Complex Systems Modelling currently has five professors, and several postdoctors and PhD students. Two of the professors are statisticians, and the others have backgrounds in physics and mathematics. The main research activity is related to climate science, but group members are also involved in research in ecology, medical statistics, non-linear optics, economy and complex systems theory.

The field of research

The candidate is expected to join the applied research at the department, which currently focuses on the following topics:

• Climate science
  • Climate sensitivity and stochastic-dynamic modelling of climate responses
  • Long-range temporal dependence
  • Tipping points and non-linear feedbacks
  • Applied mathematics
    • Numerical methods and scientific computing
    • Non-linear dynamics
    • Linear and nonlinear optics
    • Statistics
      • Bayesian statistics and the INLA methodology
      • Applied statistics and data science in medicine and public health
      • Statistical methods in ecology

All candidates must submit a project description with a progress plan that is related to one or more of these research activities. We seek a candidate with strong background in mathematics or statistics. The commitment to applied research must be documented in the project description.

Qualification requirements

The position requires a Norwegian doctoral degree in mathematics or statistics, or a corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree.

The successful candidate will have a publication record that documents solid knowledge in mathematics or statistics, and strong research potential. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated increased scientific maturity in their selection of issues, application of methods, and documentation of results. For this position it is considered an advantage with previous research experience on topics that are closely related to what is proposed in the vision statement. As is being fluent in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Applicants should have a good command in English.

Emphasis shall be attached to personal suitability.

The objective of the appointment as a Postdoctoral Fellow is to qualify for work in senior academic positions, and no one may be appointed to more than one fixed term period at the same institution.

Teaching qualifications

You must be able to participate in the teaching of general courses to students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, including contributing to supervision of master and doctoral thesis projects. In particular you are expected to teach a course in time series analysis and/or a course in climate dynamics.

You can document teaching qualifications by submitting a teaching portfolio.

Application

Your application must include:

• Application letter
• A vision statement as described above
• CV including list of all academic works
• Diplomas and transcripts
• References
• Teaching portfolio
• If you don’t have documented pedagogical competence: Form for teaching qualifications
• Description of your academic production, stating which works you consider most important
• Academic works, up to ten. The doctoral thesis counts as one work.

All documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. The application must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge.

Working conditions

We offer

• A challenging and stimulating working environment.
• Mentorship and administrative support.
• Support on applications for externally funded research projects.
• Good arrangements for pension, insurance and loans in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The remuneration for this position is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1352. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. In addition to the salary, UiT pays approximately 12.35% directly to the Pension Fund.

The position requires participation in teaching and supervision. It is expected that 25% of working time will be spent on regular teaching assignments. This normally means having responsibility of one course each year. As a norm, we expect all employees in scientific positions to reserve 5% of their working time for administrative tasks.

More information about moving to Norway: http://uit.no/mobility

Assessment

An expert committee will assess the applicants. The committee’s mandate is to undertake an assessment of the applicants’ qualifications based on the material presented by the applicants, and the detailed description drawn up for the position.

The applicants who are assessed as the best qualified might be called to an interview. The interview shall among other things aim to clarify the applicant’s personal suitability for the position. A trial lecture may also be held.

UiT wishes to increase the proportion of females in research positions. In the event that two or more applicants are found to be approximately equally qualified, female applicants will be given priority.

General

We make appointments in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university is an IW (Inclusive Workplace) enterprise, and emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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