PhD Research Fellow in Geoscience, University of Oslo, Norway, Europe

Last Date: 29th February 2024.

About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Geoscience available at Centre for Planetary Habitability at the Department of Geosciences.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2024.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Job description

Our planet formed 4.567 billion years ago and as it cooled down, it became differentiated into layers. The lighter outermost layer became the continental crust and the first continents were probably formed in the Archean, but their extent and geographical distribution are still unknown. The transition period from a magnesium- rich upper continental crust to a magnesium-poor upper continental crust occurred between 3 and 2.5 billion years ago, and may have set the scene for the formation of living matter that required subaerial land masses. It is therefore crucial to determine when, where, and also the extent of continental masses in order to assess the habitability conditions of early Earth. Direct evidences of these conditions are sparse, but one can use them to test various models of continental crust extent which were geo-chemically derived. The aim of this project is to construct the paleogeography of Early Earth at selected time intervals during the time of transition between the Early Earth tectonic mode (stagnant or sluggish lid) to plate tectonics.

The Ph.D candidate, will carry out some or all of these research in collaboration with PHAB scientists:

Assess and model the distribution of land and oceans and the nature and extent of proto-plate boundaries by taking into account conceptual tectonic regimes.
Review existing Archean/Early Proterozoic (~3.5-2.2 Ga) paleomagnetic data to build paleogeographic reconstructions
Construct Earth’s paleogeography based on possible tectonic scenarios and available geological record together with knowledge of Early Earth atmosphere and planetary parameters for its habitable environments.

The Ph.D candidate will work closely with Carmen Gaina, Clint Contrad, Trond Torsvik, Mathew Domeier and other PHAB scientists.

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.

Master’s degree or equivalent in Geosciences or other related quantitative disciplines (e.g. statistics or evolutionary paleobiology)
Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desired qualifications:

We seek a candidate who has a background in geology, with solid knowledge of geo-chemistry, petrology and geodynamics. This is a project that requires thinking outside the box and navigate multiple sub-disciplines while collaborating with Earth and other planets specialists.

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
English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

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

The ideal candidate is independent, but able to work in a team
The candidate needs good communication and interpersonal skills

We offer

Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
Vibrant international academic environment
Career 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 and research interests
CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
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.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and 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.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.