Postdoctoral Research Fellow in geology/geophysics/geochemistry/ paleontology/physics - two positions

About the position

Two positions as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at CEED, the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo

Starting date no later than March 1, 2021.

Each appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of two years.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.

Job description

Two fellowships (each 2 years period) are available at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), a Centre of Excellence located at the University of Oslo and funded by the Research Council of Norway (2013 to 2023). CEED is dedicated to research of fundamental importance to the understanding of our planet, which embraces the dynamics of Earth’s interior and tectonic plates, the origin of large-scale volcanism, the evolution of climates and the abrupt demise of life forms.

CEED activities are organized within six sections or scientific themes: (1) Dynamic Earth: Plate motions and Earth history, (2) Deep Earth: Materials, structure and dynamics, (3) Earth Crises: LIPs, mass extinctions and environmental changes, (4) Earth and Beyond: Comparative Planetology, (5) Earth modelling: Numerical models of Earth Dynamics and (6) Earth Laboratory: Paleomagnetism and Rock Magnetism. Experience within one or several of these themes are required and examples of prioritized projects to foster interaction between CEED themes include:

[1] Planetary recycling of volatile elements [e.g. (i) tectonic reconstructions and modeling approaches to make predictive maps of the wet and dry areas in the mantle, (ii) the importance of subduction for regulating planetary interior temperatures, atmospheric greenhouse concentrations and surface temperatures, and/or (iii) the chemical processes driving volatile recycling].

[2] Long-term climate trends and evolution of life [e.g. (i) identify the drivers for greenhouse versus icehouse conditions, (ii) unravel correlative versus causal relationships among biotic (diversity) and abiotic time-series, and/or (iii) understand life-threatening tipping points].

The two fellowships are broadly open for applications within all the six CEED themes, or even two within the same theme:

https://www.mn.uio.no/ceed/english/research/

If the application does not directly address one of the two project examples listed above, the application must include a short research plan, and explain how the planned research fits with one or several CEED themes.

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.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in the fields of geology/geophysics/geochemistry/paleontology/physics. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

A strong publication record is an asset.

Qualification requirements for project 1: a background in modelling approaches linked to plate reconstructions, mantle flow, subduction dynamics and/or geochemistry/mineral physics.

Qualification requirements for project 2: experience in general circulation models (GCMs) linked to plate reconstructions, long-term climate modelling (GEOCARBSULF, COPSE or GEOCLIM) and/or evolutionary biology (paleontology, paleobiology, time series analyses).

We offer

• Salary NOK 526 000 – 608 200 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (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
• 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, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.

Digital interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete 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 for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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

For further information please contact:

For project 1: Professor Clint Conrad, e-mail: c.p.conrad@geo.uio.no or Researcher Valentina Magni, e-mail valentina.magni@geo.uio.no

For project 2: Professor Trond H. Torsvik, e-mail: t.h.rtorsvik@geo.uio.no

For general information: Professor Carmen Gaina (e-mail: carmen.gaina@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding the electronic recruitment system, please contact HR adviser Torunn S. Guttormsen: t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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