PhD Research Fellow in Geoscience
About the position
Position as PhD Research Fellow in Geoscience available at Centre for Planetary Habitability at the Department of Geosciences.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2024.
The fellowship period is 3 years.
A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
Knowledge development in a changing world – Science and technology towards 2030.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Job description
Our planet formed 4.567 billion years ago and as it cooled down, it became differentiated into layers. The lighter outermost layer became the continental crust and the first continents were probably formed in the Archean, but their extent and geographical distribution are still unknown. The transition period from a magnesium- rich upper continental crust to a magnesium-poor upper continental crust occurred between 3 and 2.5 billion years ago, and may have set the scene for the formation of living matter that required subaerial land masses. It is therefore crucial to determine when, where, and also the extent of continental masses in order to assess the habitability conditions of early Earth. Direct evidences of these conditions are sparse, but one can use them to test various models of continental crust extent which were geo-chemically derived. The aim of this project is to construct the paleogeography of Early Earth at selected time intervals during the time of transition between the Early Earth tectonic mode (stagnant or sluggish lid) to plate tectonics.
The Ph.D candidate, will carry out some or all of these research in collaboration with PHAB scientists:
- Assess and model the distribution of land and oceans and the nature and extent of proto-plate boundaries by taking into account conceptual tectonic regimes.
- Review existing Archean/Early Proterozoic (~3.5-2.2 Ga) paleomagnetic data to build paleogeographic reconstructions
- Construct Earth’s paleogeography based on possible tectonic scenarios and available geological record together with knowledge of Early Earth atmosphere and planetary parameters for its habitable environments.
The Ph.D candidate will work closely with Carmen Gaina, Clint Contrad, Trond Torsvik, Mathew Domeier and other PHAB scientists.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. 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 Geosciences or other related quantitative disciplines (e.g. statistics or evolutionary paleobiology)
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
Desired qualifications:
We seek a candidate who has a background in geology, with solid knowledge of geo-chemistry, petrology and geodynamics. This is a project that requires thinking outside the box and navigate multiple sub-disciplines while collaborating with Earth and other planets specialists.
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
- English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8
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/
Personal skills
- The ideal candidate is independent, but able to work in a team
- The candidate needs good communication and interpersonal skills
We offer
- Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Career development programmes
- 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 and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
- 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.
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
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.
UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information about the position please contact: Carmen Gaina, e-mail: carmen.gaina@geo.uio.no
For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no
About the University of Oslo
The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB) is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence that provides a stimulating and well-funded research environment. PHAB’s main goal, based on detailed studies of Earth and our solar system, is to develop predictive models to identify habitable planets around other stars. PHAB research activities comprise three interrelated research themes: (1) Planets and Early Earth, (2) Modern Earth and (3) Exo-Earths. The centre was established in 2023 and will consist of approximately 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.
Deadline: 2024-02-29 at 23:59
Unit: Physical sciences/Math
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.