2 PhD Research Fellowships in Petrology/Tectonophycis (geology or geophysics), Norway (2015)

The PhD positions will be part of the cross-disciplinary research group ‘Physics of Geological Processes’ (PGP) at the University of Oslo. PGP includes researchers from Department of Geosciences and Department of Physics and combine field studies, experimental studies, numerical modeling and theory to understand geological processes.

Project: The aim of the PhD projects is to increase our understanding of what processes control the rate and progress of retrograde, fluid-consuming, metamorphic reactions and how these are coupled to tectonic stress. One project is focused on ongoing serpentinization, and will be based on data collected during a planned continental drilling project in the Semail ophiolite in Oman. The second project is focused on retrograde metamorphism within the continental crust and includes field studies both in Norway and elsewhere.

Both projects will include field studies, mineralogical, petrological and geochemical characterization of sampled material, X-ray micro-tomography (µ-CT), and modeling of fluid migration and reaction kinetics in rocks subject to stress.

Qualifications / Requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. 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.

The applicant must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in geology or geophysics, preferably with background from mineralogy/petrology or structural geology/tectonics. Some experience from field studies is required, and experience with numerical modeling and/or imaging techniques will be considered an advantage.

We seek a highly motivated individual with the ability to define his/her own research questions. Creativity and innovation are valued as is a demonstrated high working capacity, passion for research, and self-motivation. The candidate should expect to work in a highly collaborative environment  and participate in a wide array of activities related to land-atmosphere processes with an emphasis on hydrology in the cryosphere and cold environments.

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree and peer-review publication. The fellowship requires admission to the research training program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. An approved plan for the research training, including a project outline is to be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position, and the admission is to be approved within three months.

For more information see: http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd-programme/

For detailed regulations regarding the PhD:http://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/research/doctoral-degree/phdforskreng.html

A good command of English is required: http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/regulations/proficiency-requirements.html

Salary:

Pay grade: 50 – 57 (NOK 430 500 – 483 700 per year)

The application must include:

• Application letter, including a statement of interest (related to research topic above)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications)
• Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• 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, email and telephone number)
• Candidates are encouraged to provide example software code or links to codehosting repositories (not required)

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.

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