postdoctoral Research Fellow position within studies of non-thermal effects on fluid inclusion thermometry at the Department of Earth Science
There is a vacancy for a postdoctoral Research Fellow position within studies of non-thermal effects on fluid inclusion thermometry at the Department of Earth Science. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years and is part of the ERC project FluidMICS (led by Prof. Nele Meckler). We are looking for candidates with a background in physics or material science to complement the expertise in our interdisciplinary research team.
About the project/work tasks:
Stalagmites are an important terrestrial climate archive. In our lab we reconstruct past temperatures based on the density of former drip water enclosed in microscopic fluid inclusions in the stalagmite calcite matrix. To this end, we measure the liquid-vapour homogenisation temperature of the fluid inclusions. More information about the method can be found in Krüger et al. (Chem. Geol., 289, 2011) and in Marti et al. (Fluid Phase Equilibria, 314, 2012).
In the FluidMICS project we want to further improve this analytical approach by identifying and characterizing non-thermal factors or processes that potentially affect a) the initial water density when the inclusions are formed, b) the volume of the inclusions after they have formed, c) the surface tension mediated collapse of the vapour bubble and d) the timing of the transition from open pores to hermetically sealed fluid inclusions.
The work tasks of this postdoctoral position include the identification and quantitative evaluation of the potential factors that impair the paleo-temperature signal based on analytical findings and model simulations. Analytical investigations will be based on a variety of small-scale imaging techniques in 2D and 3D, using facilities available in Bergen and collaborating with external project partners. In addition, co-supervision of PhD and master students is envisaged.
With this position, we would like to broaden the expertise in the research group and are looking for applicants with a background in physics or material sciences who are interested in applying their expertise to fluid inclusion and paleo-climate research, and who are motivated to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team with geologists and climate scientists. In addition to the postdoctoral position, the FluidMICS team consists of Prof. Nele Meckler, Dr. Yves Krüger, and two PhD candidates, as well as a group of international collaborators.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
- Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD degree or equivalent in the fields of Physics, Material Sciences or a related discipline, or must have submitted their doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded.
- Expertise in one or several of the following topics is of advantage: Solid-state Physics, Crystallography, Thermodynamics, Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces, Statistics
- Experience with some of the following analytical techniques is of advantage: Polarisation microscopy, Laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman – and/or Infrared-spectroscopy, X-ray absorption or X-ray tomography.
- Previous experience with numerical modelling of stress fields and crystal deformation and/or surface properties is an advantage.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative and communication skills.
- Previous experience in an interdisciplinary work environment is an advantage.
- Excellent skills in both written and oral English is a requirement.
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
About the position of postdoctoral research fellow:
The postdoctoral position is a fixed term position with the primary objective of qualifying the appointee for work in top academic positions. If the appointee lacks teaching experience, or other relevant qualifications, teaching and other duties will in such cases be added to the position.
The position may be extended by up to one year (maximum 4 years in total) if the appointee is granted externally financed research stays abroad. Individuals may not be hired for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution.
For postdoctoral research fellow positions associated with externally financed projects, the completion of the project proposal for the qualifying work, as well as a progress plan, will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor and head of department.
It is a requirement that the project is completed in the course of the period of employment.
We can offer:
- a good and professionally stimulating working environment
- salary at pay grade 61 (code 1352 / pay range 24, alternative 5) according to the state salary scale upon appointment. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 553 500. Further promotions are made according to length of service. For particularly highly qualified applicants, a higher salary may be considered.
- enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
- a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position, including
- A description of how and to what extent you have acquired the desired qualifications listed above
- An assessment of how your expertise would benefit the research project.
- the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor from the PhD programme.
- CV
- transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your PhD degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming that the thesis has been submitted.
- relevant certificates/references
- list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
- publications (as applicable)
The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.
General information:
For further details about the position, please contact:
Prof. Nele Meckler, nele.meckler@uib.no, Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen.
The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.
We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply. Upon the expiry of the closing date for applications, an evaluation committee will be appointed. As an applicant, you have a right of access to the committee’s description of your formal and professional qualifications. If you wish to take advantage of this right of access, please contact the executive officer in charge after receiving information about the appointment of the evaluation committee.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
Further information about our employment process can be found here.
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