There is a vacancy for a PhD position on regional climate impacts from Nature-Based Solution (NBS) application at the Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years.
The PhD position is a part of a larger project funded by the Research Council of Norway entitled ‘NATURACT – Nature-based solutions for climate change: upscaling landscape-based climate mitigation and adaptation actions’. The primary objective is to understand the impact, feedbacks, synergies and trade-offs upscaling of nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate adaptation has on climate mitigation pathways in the short-and long-term. In particular, the goal of the PhD project includes ‘Understanding the short-term regional and longer-term global climate impacts and feedbacks of NBS interventions through the development of idealised Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) scenarios.
The candidate will analyze regional climate model simulations, quantify the impacts of NBS application on regional climate, and ultimately develop and design policy-relevant risk assessment indices to be able to provide policy-relevant knowledge.
The PhD student will complete doctoral education towards obtaining a doctoral degree in biology on the topic of understanding how application of NBS affects regional climate change, climate impacts, and climate risks.
The PhD candidate will join the Multiscale Biology (MsB) section of the Department of Biology. The MsB section investigates processes across all levels of biological system – from molecules to ecosystems. The MsB is a collaborative, vibrant and growing research community including 8 Associate Professors and Professors, 10 PhD candidates and postdocs, and 7 engineers. Further information can be found in the webpage: https://www.ntnu.edu/biology/research/multiscale
In addition, the candidate will spend 3-6 months at the collaborating institute, NORCE (Norwegian Research Centre) and the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research in Bergen, Norway to familiarize him/herself with using the regional climate model, WRF.
The candidate will be jointly supervised by Associate Professor, Dr. Hanna Lee at NTNU and Research Professor, Dr. Priscilla Mooney at NORCE. The candidate will join the terrestrial ecosystem ecology and modeling group led by Dr. Lee and physically located at NTNU in Trondheim. The group uses both observations and modeling to understand how climate change affects terrestrial energy, water, and carbon cycling. Particularly, the research topics focus on high latitude ecosystems.
Duties of the position
- Take the leadership in conducting research
- Actively participate in group meetings and discussions
- Attend conferences and present the findings
- Write and defend a PhD thesis
- Publish at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles
Required selection criteria
- Must have either obtained the master’s degree or have submitted the thesis prior to the application deadline
- A strong academic background from the previous studies and an average grade from the master’s degree program, or equivalent education, equal to B or better. If the letter grades are not awarded, the candidate must have an equivalent academic basis to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale.
- Meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program
- Have submitted all required documents including the research statement
- A degree in Biology (specialization in Ecology), Geography, Physics, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
- A prior experience in analyzing regional climate modeling data is a requirement (preferably WRF model)
- Proficiency in high level programming language (e.g. Python, Fortran) is required
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required
The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant
Preferred selection criteria
- Knowledge in high latitude ecosystems and climate is an advantage
- Knowledge and work experience in Nordic or European policy related to LULCC and their climate impacts and risks is an advantage
Personal characteristics
- The candidate will be encouraged to explore his/her own ideas and research questions related to the overall goals of the PhD project. Therefore, proactive problem solving skills will be highly valued
- Work independently and in a structured manner, and can cooperate with others in the project and the research group
We offer
- Exciting and stimulating academic working environment
- Training in science and research with supervision
- Career development training
- An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- employee benefits
Salary and conditions
As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 501 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The period of employment is 3 years.
Appointment to a PhD position requires that the candidate is admitted to the PhD program in Biology within three months of employment, and that he/she participates in an organized PhD program during the employment period. It is a prerequisite that the candidate is present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.
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The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.
The application must include:
- A cover letter stating the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
- A research statement (max. 1 page) outlining the research questions and approaches one would be interested in addressing during the PhD work
- A full CV
- Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts in English or Scandinavian language. If the master’s degree is not awarded, a confirmation that the thesis has been submitted is required
- A copy of the master’s thesis
- Name and address of three referees
- A publication list (if applicable) with description of the applicant’s role
If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.
We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.
NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA.
General information
NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.
NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality.
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The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.
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As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.
A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Hanne Lee, email: hanna.lee@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Mari H.Hansen, e-mail: mari.h.hansen@ntnu.no.
If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.
Application deadline: 31.07.22
NTNU – knowledge for a better world
NTNU – knowledge for a better world
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.