PhD Research Fellow in near surface geophysics using electromagnetic induction techniques is available at the Department of Technology Systems
A position as PhD Research Fellow in near surface geophysics using electromagnetic induction techniques is available at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS), University of Oslo. The workplace is at ITS, Kjeller which is located 20 km north east of Oslo.
The fellowship period is 3 years and devoted to carrying out activity within the project called Rimfax – Mapping Planetary Geology and Water Resources by Ground Penetrating Radar and Magnetic Induction Spectrometer funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date, as soon as possible.Foto: Colourbox
Job description
The search for water on Mars is a key point in both determining if life ever arouse there and for use in life supply for manned missions to the planet. The first Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to land on Mars was RIMFAX on the NASA Perseverance rover mission in February 2021. A GPR is very good at imaging sedimentary layers and structures but have more difficulties in mapping subsurface composition. Studies and field measurements have shown that low frequency electromagnetic techniques can map the amount of subsurface ice and absorbed water in the ground.
The PhD research fellow position will be part of the planetary activities at the Centre for Space Sensors and Systems (CENSSS) at the Department of Technology Systems.
The PhD fellow will develop a low frequency electromagnetic induction instruments to measure the frequency dependent electromagnetic properties of the subsurface.
The PhD research work will include the following topics and tasks:
- Perform numerical simulations to determine tradeoffs in the geometry of the induction instrument.
- Design and manufacture an induction instruments with electronics and coils.
- Perform field test to characterize the instrument performance.
- Develop inversion algorithms for the instrument both for imaging and for determining the electromagnetic properties of the subsurface.
- Dissemination through scientific publications.
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.
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant fielda relevant field such as Physics, Electronics, Geophysics, Mathematics or similar.
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
- The PhD candidate must be eligible to obtain a “restricted” security clearance according to the Norwegian National Security Act (Lov om Nasjonal Sikkerhet, a.k.a. “Sikkerhetsloven”), i.e. preferably a citizen of Norway or a NATO country.
- The PhD candidate must have fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
Desired qualifications
The PhD candidate should preferably also have:
- Good publication track record
- Good programming skills in languages like Python, Matlab and/or similar
- Background in near surface geophysics
- Work experience from fieldwork
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
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:
http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html
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
- Ability to take initiative and come up with new ideas to solve theoretical and practical problems
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- Good communication skills
We offer
- Salary NOK 491 200 – 534 400 per year depending on qualifications as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Career development programmes, professional courses and workshops
- 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 will 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.
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:
Svein-Erik Hamran, Professor ITS, email: s.e.hamran@its.uio.no
For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, e-mail: t.s.guttormsen@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 7500 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.
The Department of Technology Systems (ITS) is a newly established department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo. ITS has taken over the activities at UNIK from January 2017. The Institute is located in the Kjeller Research Park, which is one of the largest research and development centers in Norway. ITS collaborates with the research institutes at Kjeller, and with industry, while it is also tightly integrated with complementary activities at UiO in Oslo. The department has two sections: section for energy systems and section for autonomous systems and sensor technologies. An important goal of ITS is to provide wider opportunities at UiO within applied technologies.