PhD Research Fellow in Structural and Metamorphic Geology

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Structural and Metamorphic Geology available at The Njord Centre, Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is up to 4 years, with 3 years devoted to research education. The position entails a compulsory workload of 25% that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and research assistance. Starting date no later than October 1 2020.

Job description

We invite applications for a PhD position in Structural and Metamorphic Geology to investigate the mechanisms and significance of transient brittle deformation in the ductile crust. The main goal is to understand and quantify the roles of episodic fluid pressure oscillations, of seismic loading, and of local stress amplifications on cyclic switches from viscous to brittle deformation in the middle- and lower crust, and the associated implications for the earthquake cycle.

To achieve this goal, the project will combine field work, high resolution microstructural analysis, and numerical modelling to investigate two km-scale shear zones: (1) the Nusfjord East shear zone network (Lofoten, Norway) and (2) the Moyagee fault (Yilgarn craton, Western Australia).

The project will benefit of a large sample collection already available at the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo. Scanning- and transmission electron microscopy will be routinely used for sample characterization and advanced analysis, with a strong focus on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The project will use new, cutting-edge techniques, such as high-angular resolution EBSD (HR-EBSD) and transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD).

The candidate will be part of a lively research environment at the Njord Centre at the University of Oslo. The position includes collaboration between the Njord Centre (Dr Luca Menegon, Prof Bjørn Jamtveit, Prof Francois Renard, Dr Dani Schmid), the Geological Survey of Western Australia (Dr Ivan Zibra, Dr Klaus Gessner), the University of Bayreuth (Dr Marcel Thielmann), and the University of Cambridge (Dr David Wallis). The position is funded by the University of Oslo.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for this position 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 an MSc degree in Earth Sciences with competences in structural and metamorphic geology. The position requires interest in deformation mechanisms and microstructures.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• The following skills are required:
• Geological field work and structural analysis
• Microstructural and petrographic analysis of fault rocks with polarized light microscopy
• Experience with scanning electron microscopy and microbeam techniques (e.g., SEM-BSE, SEM-SE, EMPA, EBSD)
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desired skills:

• Experience with Matlab
• Image analysis of microstructures

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
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English evt. and a Scandinavian language.

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

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/application.html

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/

We offer

• Salary NOK 479 600 – 523 200 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, transcripts of records and letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• 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).

Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

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

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship 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.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Contact information

• Associate Professor Luca Menegon, e-mail: luca.menegon@geo.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, HR Adviser Torunn Standal Guttormsen, +47 22854272, t.s.guttormsen@mn.uio.no

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