Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Department of Geosciences / Center for Earth Evolution and Dynamics.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo. Starting date in the first quarter 2022, preferably by February.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of three years.

The postdoctoral position is in connection with the Norwegian Research Council funded project POLARIS – the evolution of the Arctic in deep time (PI Dr. Grace Shephard). The POLARIS project aims to understand the deep and surface connection of the Arctic (and high latitude regions more broadly) over the last 400 million years.

More about the position

We seek a postdoctoral research fellow in the field of numerical modelling of mantle convection and geodynamics.

The candidate will focus on the development mantle plumes, plume-slab interactions, and tectonic reconstructions as surface boundary conditions. A specific case study will be applied to large-scale volcanism of the Arctic, including the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP). Prior knowledge of Arctic tectonics is not necessary, but an advantage.

Experience in setting up, running and analyzing numerical models of global mantle convection is required. The code that will be used is the finite element code ASPECT (https://geodynamics.org/cig/software/aspect), which simulates thermal convection problems in 2-D and 3-D.

Digital and in-person outreach activity is expected and there will also be the possibility to contribute to teaching.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition is 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.

Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in geophysics or a related field. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defence are eligible for appointment. Strong curiosity, motivation and career ambitions to unravel structure, dynamics and evolution of the Earth are essential.

We require:

  • A solid background in geodynamics, including mantle evolution and dynamics

We desire:

  • Prior knowledge and experience of running a finite element code including ASPECT, or similar mantle convection codes
  • Knowledge of a programming language (especially C++ and/or Python)
  • A strong record of successfully communicating research results via publications, conference presentations and outreach.
  • A good command of oral and written communication in English

We offer

  • Salary NOK 534 400– 615 800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
  • Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
  • Professionally stimulating working environment
  • Vibrant international academic environment
  • Postdoctoral 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, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
  • CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
  • Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
  • A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works 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. 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).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged. It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this. 

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact: Dr. Grace Shephard, e-mail: grace.shephard@geo.uio.no

For questions regarding the electronic recruitment system, please contact HR officer Ole Rustad: ole.rustad@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 7000 employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society. 

Centre for the Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence that provides a stimulating and well-funded research environment. The main goal of the centre is to develop a model that explains how mantle processes drive plate tectonics and trigger massive volcanism and associated environmental and climate changes throughout Earth’s history.

The centre explores the distribution and history of tectonic plates in time and space, and examines the driving mechanisms that steer all stages of the ‘Wilson Cycle’, and aims to establish the links between Earth’s interior, crust and oceans, atmosphere and biosphere. CEED endeavors to also unravel similarities and differences of our planet with earth-like planetary bodies.
The centre was established in 2013 and consists of ca. 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.

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