Research position in global permafrost modeling at University of Oslo (UiO)
About the position:
A Researcher position is available at the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo.
The position is for a period of 2 years at 50% employment, with preferred starting date 1 January 2024.
The candidate will primarily work with algorithm development in the international Permafrost_CCI project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), together with scientists with expertise on remote sensing methods and permafrost modelling. The project contribution of the University of Oslo is led by Sebastian Westermann.
Job description/project description:
Within the ESA Permafrost_CCI project, the University of Oslo is responsible for algorithm development, combining remote sensing data with ground thermal models to develop spatially and temporally resolved products of active layer thickness and ground temperature. The processing chain is based on the CryoGrid permafrost models, implemented on a supercomputing cluster within Norway. A particular emphasis is put on the representation of the naturally occurring spatial variability within model pixels.
The candidate will mainly test and extend the existing processing chain, in addition to operational runs to produce maps of ground temperature and active layer thickness. The results of the processing chain, including different subroutines, will be compared against field data sets from world-wide locations, in close collaboration with the international Permafrost_CCI validation team. Finally, scientific publications in international journals are expected.
The position is affiliated with the Section for Physical Geography and Hydrology, which has long-term experience in investigating the terrestrial cryosphere (permafrost, snow, glaciers) and is involved in various high-level research projects and centers. See for instance:
- http://www.mn.uio.no/geo/english/research/groups/remotesensing
- http://www.mn.uio.no/geo/english/research/groups/cryosphere
They offer a lively, friendly and collaborative research environment in cold regions sciences, in particular in cryospheric sciences, remote sensing, geohazards, and geomatics. They participate in projects by the European Union and the European Space Agency such that the successful candidate will have excellent opportunity to participate in international research networks.
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. Applications are encouraged from dedicated candidates with excellent writing skills and the ability to work in a highly team-orientated environment.
- Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in geosciences or similar, with a track record in numerical modeling and remote sensing. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
- The candidate must in particular demonstrate experience with modeling of permafrost with the CryoGrid models, including setup of spatially distributed runs. The expertise should be reflected in the candidate’s publication record.
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
The following desirable qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:
- Technical expertise in programming, in particular MATLAB, Julia, and/or C++
- Technical expertise with parallel computing
- Experience with the CryoGrid community model
- Hands-on experience with field measurements in permafrost environments
- Experience with simulations of subsea permafrost
Offer:
- Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 657 300 per year depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
- Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
- Professionally stimulating working environment
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
The application must include:
- Application letter including a statement of research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work, and other qualifying activity)
- Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records
- If available, a copy of the master thesis
- List of other academic works and publications and/or awards and stipends that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (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).
In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
Formal regulations:
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.
The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.
The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.
Contact persons:
For further information about the position please contact: Sebastian Westermann (Sebastian.westermann@geo.uio.no).
For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-adviser Ole Rustad (ole.rustad@mn.uio.no).
Deadline: 1 December 2023
