PhD Research Fellowship is available at Department of Geosciences and the Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene
A 3 years PhD Research Fellowship is available at Department of Geosciences and the Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene (CBA) at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway. Starting date is no later than 01.10.2022.
The Paris agreement defines 2 °C as an upper level of global average temperature increase to avoid “dangerous effects” such as positive feedbacks in the global C-cycle. A major climate feedback of concern is the mobilization of vast amounts of terrestrial C in the boreal biome and their release into the atmosphere as the greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4. Knowledge gaps on biogeochemical feedback mechanisms across the boreal biome, with varying sensitivities to climate-related shifts in ecosystem traits, restrict our ability to make robust predictions of interactions between climate and C cycling (ecosystem metabolism). In particular, microbial and geochemical control of organic matter processing under expected ecosystem transitions, such as vegetation changes and thawing permafrost, are poorly understood.
The BioGov project is a 5 year project that aims to understand basic coupling between biogeochemical responses to climate change through fieldwork and laboratory analyses which will act as input for parameterization and optimization of predictive climate models, including the Norwegian Earth System model (NorESM).
Together with a team of experienced researchers, the PhD will do fieldwork and detailed analyses of soil samples to quantify pools of soil organic matter (SOM; available, chemically- and physically protected) as well as factors governing bioavailability of SOM for greenhouse gas production and natural organic matter (NOM) mobilization. The candidate will assess the effects of increased vegetation and climate change on boreal SOM pools and their bioavailability.
A detailed project plan will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate, depending on qualifications and interests.Foto: Colourbox
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.
- Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in (bio)geochemistry or an equivalent qualification in biology, geology or chemistry.
- A demonstrated basic understanding of the (bio)geochemistry of soils and soil development.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
For detailed information see: http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html
Basic knowledge about (bio)geochemical modelling (e.g., phreeqc), and programming languages or statistics software such as python, matlab and R will be an asset.
Personal skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to think critically and innovatively
- Ability to work independently
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/
We offer
- Salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per year 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, transcripts of records and letters of recommendation
- Documentation of English proficiency
- 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.
Applicants may be called in for an interview.
Formal regulations
Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship 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.
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
Professor Helge Hellevang: Room 114 Geology building, Blindern, UiO. E-mail: helge.hellevang@geo.uio.no
For further question regarding the application process, please contact HR-Officer Ole Rustad (ole.rustad@mn.uio.no, +47 22 85 13 87)
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 7500 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The geosciences are the studies of the planet Earth and its comparative planetology; the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and cryosphere, the Earth’s surface and its interior. The Department of Geosciences conducts research and teaching in most of the domains of geoscience; geology, geophysics, physical geography, geomatics, hydrology, meteorology and oceanography. The Department is the broadest geoscience research and education environment in Norway. The Department encompasses five sections; Meteorology and Oceanography, Geography and Hydrology, Geology and Geophysics, Physics of Geological Processes (Njord centre) and one Centre of Excellence CEED – Centre of Earth Evolution and Dynamics.
The Department aims to contribute to the new and important UN Sustainability Development Goals. The staff consists of 40 professors and associate professors, in addition to postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, researchers, technical- and administrative staff. Approximately number of employees are 240 at the Department.