PhD Research Fellow in Geosciences (Earth History), 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

Much of the research in historical geosciences is concerned the plausible relationships between different (reconstructed) variables, such the atmospheric concentrations of different gases (e.g. oxygen, carbon dioxide), features of the surface of the earth (e.g. continental area, tectonic activities, snow and ice cover, biodiversity), and characteristics of the earth’s interior. These variables are variously estimated via proxies (e.g. isotopes) or using models with different types of input parameters, giv-en a set of assumptions, usually based on modern measurements. While there is a lot of focus on both the generation of proxy data and the construction of earth history models, there is less focus on time-series analyses and especially causal inference, even though many of the questions posed in the recent literature concern unraveling causal relationships among time series. There is hence a need to use better time se-ries tools and further develop time series tools for temporally patchy, highly uncer-tain data common in historical geology.

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

Use a time series inference framework to quantify relationships between different abiotic (temperature, tectonics, atmospheric carbon dioxide) and/or (possibly) biotic time series (e.g. extinction rates, functional groups) across the Phanerozoic and beyond.
Use a time series inference framework to ask if the underlying dynamic processes in different time intervals of earth history are different (e.g. comparing Snowball Earth periods)
Quantify the relationship(s) between measured temporal proxies and model generated curves meant to reflect those measurements (e.g. a delta 018 curve and a modelled global temperature curve)
Contribute to an updated version of layeranalyzer (Reitan and Liow 2019) where the time series inference will be performed, including a R CRAN version, together with extended tutorials and vignettes.
Depending on the skills and inclinations of the candidate, the candidate can be involved in model extensions to layeranalzyer.

The Ph.D candidate will work closely with Trond Reitan, Lee Hsiang Liow, Trond Torsvik and other PHAB scientists. The candidate can choose to be co-affiliated with the Natural History Museum Oslo.

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 geosciences or a related field (e.g. evolutionary biology, paleobiology), who can document some experience in statistical inference and programming. The candidate should be eager to become highly proficient in programming (in R and/or C++) and in time series analyses. The candidate should be highly motivated to understand earth and/or biogeodynamics on time scales of millions to billions of years.

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.