The position

The Department of Geosciences has a vacant 4-year PhD position in marine geology/sedimentology for applicants who wish to obtain the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD).

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT is a multi-campus research university in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Credibility, academic freedom, closeness, creativity and commitment shall be hallmarks of the relationship between our employees, between our employees and our students and between UiT and our partners.

The PhD position is associated with the Research Centre for Arctic Petroleum Exploration (ARCEx), (https://arcex.no/). The centre aims at improving the knowledge of petroleum resources in northern and Arctic areas. ARCEx aspires to provide essential knowledge and methodology for eco-safe exploration in the high north. ARCEx is led by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and funded by the Research Council of Norway. The centre profits from the close cooperation amongst the nine academic and six industry partners. The following institutions are scientific partners with ARCEx: UiT the Arctic University of Norway (host and lead institution), University of Bergen, University of Oslo, University of Stavanger, The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) and Akvaplan Niva AS.

The PhD position is for a period of four years, and the nominal length of the PhD program is three years. The fourth year consists of teaching or other duties for the department, and these duties are distributed over the four years. UiT the Arctic University of Norway funds the position.

The position’s field of research

This PhD position will be part of the work package Geology, more specifically in the task Basin analysis. In this task, ARCEx aims to improve the fundamental understanding of the formation and geological evolution of sedimentary basins in the Barents Sea - Svalbard region during the Cenozoic. This includes the timing, causes and consequences of Cenozoic uplift and erosion as well as the onset and evolution of ocean current controlled sedimentation.

Main objectives of the PhD project include:

• Contribute to the understanding of the formation and geological evolution of sedimentary basins in the Barents Sea - Svalbard region during the Cenozoic
• Identify various phases of Cenozoic uplift and erosion and elucidate on its underlying mechanisms
• Quantify the sediment volumes and rates of erosion using a source-to-sink approach
• Offshore-onshore correlation of the Cenozoic succession in the Svalbard area (the uplifted part of the Barents Sea)
• Better understand the ocean current processes including volume quantification and rate of deposition

The project will be based on interpretation of 2D seismic data, integrated with exploration well or scientific borehole data where available. This project will also include fieldwork targeting the Cenozoic succession exposed onshore western Svalbard. The position may also be assigned to other activities within the work package, including numerical modelling of sedimentary systems.

The selected candidate can start his/her work immediately as the data are already exist and the software packages are available at the department.

Contacts

Further information about the position and UiT is available by contacting:

• Professor Jan Sverre Laberg, phone: +47 77644456, email: jan.laberg@uit.no

Affiliation and collaboration

All the planned data analyses will be implemented at the Department of Geosciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Multiple visits to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate in Harstad and other relevant institutions for data analysis and discussions will be part of the project. The candidate will spend up to 6 months at an institution in a foreign country.

The results of this project are to be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and presented at national and international conferences/workshops including ARCEx conferences and workshops, as well as at public events such as “Forskningsdagene” (The Norwegian Science Days).

The appointed candidate will benefit from cooperation of cross-disciplinary groups within ARCEx, as well as with other groups at the department. The candidate will be part of the PhD Trainee School in Arctic Marine Geology and Geophysics (AMGG) at the department, and the Petroleum Research School of Norway (NFiP).

Qualifications

This position requires a Master’s degree in marine geology/sedimentology. Relevant experience in the study of continental margins including seismic stratigraphy, sedimentology, geomorphology, fault geometries and/or paleoenviromental reconstructions is a requirement. Experience with software for seismic interpretation (Petrel) or other relevant programs is also a requirement. Fieldwork experience (from remote regions/Arctic regions) is considered highly advantageous.

The applicant must present a description outlining his/her academic basis of the PhD project.

The results shall be presented to the project user partners, at national and international conferences/workshops, as well as published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Therefore, a good communication level in English, both written and oral, is required. A working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language is desirable.

The assessment will emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. You must be willing to engage in the ongoing development of your discipline and the university as a whole. For this position, we are looking for a creative candidate with problem solving attitude. The successful candidate should be able to work in a team as well as independently in office as well as in the field.

During this assessment process, emphasis will be put on your potential for research as shown by the Master’s thesis, the project description and any other academic works. In addition, we may consider work experience, teaching qualifications or other activities of significance for the PhD studies.

The position requires admission to the PhD programme. To gain admission to the PhD programme, you must have a grade average of C or better. Documented fluency in English is required. Information about requirements and the PhD programme is available here: https://uit.no/nt/phd

As many as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

Application

Your application must include:

• CV and application letter
• Diplomas and transcripts (diploma supplement)
• Documentation on English language proficiency
• References
• Master thesis
• Project description

You must present a description outlining the academic basis of the PhD project. You must also submit academic works which you wish us to consider during the assessment process.

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement. For those who are near to the completion of their master’s degree, submit a draft version of the thesis. You must have completed before 1st of March 2020. You should also attach a statement from your supervisor regarding the completion of your master’s degree.

All documentation have to be in English or a Scandinavian language. Submit applications electronically through Jobbnorge.

We offer

• Remuneration of PhD positions are in salary code 1017, and normally start at salary grade 54 on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees. There is a 2% deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• UiT has good welfare arrangements for employees including beneficial arrangements for pension and insurances.
• A cross-disciplinary, interactive, supportive and challenging working environment.
• National and international mobility to work closely with the project partners and to present the work in conferences/workshops.
• Possibility of joining research cruises to collect marine geological and geophysical data
• A fascinating city of Tromsø with unique experiences of mid-night sun in the summer and aurora borealis in the winter as well as attractive Arctic sports, nature adventures and social urban activities.

More information about moving to Norway: http://uit.no/mobility.

Generell informasjon

We make the appointment in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has HR policy objectives that emphasize diversity, and encourages all qualified applicants to apply regardless of their age, gender, functional ability and national or ethnic background. The university will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability.

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act. You may request to not be registered on the public list of applicants, but the University may decide that your name will be made public. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication.

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