UiB – Knowledge that shapes society

Through robust and close interaction with the world around us – globally, nationally and locally – we shall be instrumental in building a society based on knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Do you want to take part in shaping the future?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=JRdMR-PhbBQ%3Fautoplay%3D0%26modestbranding%3D1%26playsinline%3D0%26rel%3D0%26start%3D4%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobbnorge.no%26widgetid%3D1

Postdoctoral Research Fellow position

At the Department of Biological Sciences, there is a vacancy for a postdoctoral research fellow position within deep-sea ecology and environmental management. The position is for a fixed term of two years and is associated with the research project Eco-Safe Ridge Mining, funded by the Research Council of Norway.

Tentative start date for the position is 1 st October 2022.

About the project/work tasks

Coordinated by the University of Bergen, Eco-Safe Ridge Mining is a Collaborative and Knowledge-Building Project (KSP) between academia and ocean industry, aiming to fill key knowledge gaps, assess environmental risks and identify appropriate strategies towards mitigation of potential deep-seabed mining impacts on the Norwegian continental shelf. The study area is the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge, where mineral deposits containing valuable metals co-occur with vulnerable habitats such as hydrothermal vents and sponge grounds. A better understanding of deep-sea ecosystems associated with seabed mineral deposits is crucial and timely to inform policy and management decisions during the ongoing opening process for seabed mining activities.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic candidate who will take an active role in a wide variety of tasks within the Eco-Safe project, from participation in research cruises with ROV and other underwater technologies, to data analysis and communication of results. This position offers the potential to conduct exciting and relevant research, while developing a close network among academia, industry, and other sectors, both in Norway and internationally.

Specific responsibilities will include:

  • Acquisition, extraction, and analysis of biological data from seafloor imagery
  • Assessment of benthic biotopes associated with seafloor mineral deposits
  • Planning of and participation in research cruises to the Arctic mid-Ocean Ridge
  • Complementary collaboration with the Eco-Safe research team in the assessment of environmental risks of deep-seabed mining
  • Possible co-supervision of postgraduate students connected to Eco-Safe
  • Writing of scientific papers as part of the Eco-Safe team
  • Communication with academic partners and a broad range of stakeholders, including the ocean industry, authorities, NGOs, and the general public

While the position is to be carried out within Eco-Safe, there will be opportunities to engage with other associated projects. Development of new research in line with the interests of the successful candidate will be encouraged.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

  • Applicants must hold a Norwegian PhD or an equivalent degree within marine biology, marine ecology or other related field, or must have submitted his/her doctoral thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline. It is a condition of employment that the PhD has been awarded
  • Experience in deep-sea biology and seafloor imaging, in addition to good knowledge of marine community ecology in the Arctic region, is a clear advantage
  • Experience in research cruises and the use of ROV/AUV platforms is a major advantage
  • Experience in conducting environmental risk assessment of marine activities is an advantage
  • A track record in scientific publishing appropriate for the career stage is an advantage
  • Experience in disseminating results beyond the academic community is an advantage
  • Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English
  • Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner, and to cooperate with others.

In the evaluation of the candidates, their personal and relational qualities, independence, and relevant research experience will be emphasized. Ambitions, as demonstrated in the motivation letter and interviews, will count when evaluating candidates. A track record that documents a high degree of future potential and an upwards trajectory are expected.

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, the employment period may be increased to 2 years and 3 months. Teaching and other duties will in such cases be added to the position. The department will fund the extra months. 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. In accordance with the Research Council’s rules, neither can anyone be hired more than once as an NFR-financed postdoctoral research fellow.

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.

The Research Council of Norway currently has a funding scheme that provides funding for a up to a year extra provided the time is spent abroad and at least three months remains of the contract upon return to Norway. Making use of this opportunity is encouraged and will be planned together with the project team.

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 62 (code 1352 / pay range 24, alternative 6) according to the state salary scale upon appointment. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 573 900. 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 the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
  • The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the 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:

Further details about the position can be obtained by contacting the project leader Dr. Pedro Ribeiro, e-mail: Pedro.Ribeiro@uib.no.

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.

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.

About The University of Bergen (UiB) 

The University of Bergen is a renowned educational and research institution, organised into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centres. Campus is located in the centre of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien and Årstad. 

There are seven departments and several centres at Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Read more about the faculty and departments. 

Apply for this job

Leave a Reply