PhD position on upscaling of permafrost thaw-greenhouse gas emissions

Arbeidsplassen; Trondheim; On-site; NOK 551,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned university in Norway is offering a PhD position in Biology focused on upscaling permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas emissions. Candidates will engage in research using existing datasets and have opportunities for fieldwork in northern Norway. Applicants are required to have a relevant degree and strong motivations to succeed in their studies. The salary is NOK 550,800 per annum.

Benefits

Career guidance

International working environment

Access to Norwegian language training

Qualifications

• Must have a master's degree or submitted thesis before the application deadline.
• Strong academic background with average grade B or better.
• Proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific competence in upscaling with existing data.
• Attend conferences and present findings.
• Write and defend a PhD thesis.

Skills

Statistics

Programming (R or Python)

Data analysis related to ecology

Education

Degree in Biology, Geology, Environmental Science or related field

Job description

PhD position on upscaling of permafrost thaw-greenhouse gas emissions

There is a vacancy for a PhD position on the topic of upscaling of permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas emissions. The position is based at the Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years.

The candidate will join the ongoing collaborative research project on understanding permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas exchange in northern Norway. The goal is a completed doctoral education towards obtaining a doctoral degree in Biology at NTNU on the topic of upscaling of permafrost thaw and greenhouse gas emissions. The candidate will work with existing observational data at different levels to upscale the processes and quantify larger-scale greenhouse gas emissions. There is opportunity to work with a larger group within ongoing projects at the department. In addition to upscaling using existing datasets, there is potential to develop one of the PhD chapters based on the student\'s research interests. Examples include field observations to constrain seasonal emissions (e.g., winter CH4 emissions), using AI tools to develop upscaling tools, upscaling to the circumpolar region, or using climate modeling such as the Norwegian Earth System Model to constrain models and observations.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

The PhD candidate will join the Department of Biology and be physically located at NTNU in Trondheim. The candidate will be under the direct supervision of Associate Professor, Dr. Hanna Lee, at NTNU and Professor, Dr. Sebastian Westermann, at the University of Oslo, who will be the co-supervisor. The candidate will join the terrestrial ecosystem ecology and modeling group led by Dr. Lee within the Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution research division. The group uses observations and modeling to understand how climate change affects terrestrial energy, water, and carbon cycling, focusing on high latitude ecosystems undergoing permafrost degradation. The candidate will have the opportunity to conduct parts of the PhD work at an observational site in northern Norway, with field campaigns to understand how permafrost thaw and local hydrological changes affect greenhouse gas emissions. The site is a collaborative environment involving five Norwegian and international groups.

Duties of the position

• Develop scientific competence and leadership in conducting research in upscaling using existing data
• Actively participate in group meetings and discussions
• Attend conferences and present the findings
• Contribute to supervising Bachelor and Master students
• Collaborate with other PhD candidates and team members
• Write and defend a PhD thesis
• Disseminate and publish the research findings in peer-reviewed journals

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

Administrative qualifications:

• Must have either obtained the master’s degree or have submitted the thesis prior to the application deadline
• A strong academic background from the previous studies and an average grade from the master\'s degree program, or equivalent education, equal to B or better. If letter grades are not awarded, the candidate must have an equivalent basis to B or better compared to NTNU\'s grading scale
• Meet the requirements for admission to the faculty\'s doctoral program
• Have submitted all required documents including the research statement
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English

Scientific qualifications:

• A degree in Biology, Geology and Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Soil Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or related fields
• Good knowledge and skills in statistics and programming (e.g. R or Python) is required
• Experience with data analysis related to terrestrial ecology, geography, soil science, or atmospheric sciences

Personal qualities:

• Strong academic drive and motivation to develop as a scientist and obtain the PhD degree

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in NTNU.

Preferred selection criteria

• Knowledge in high latitude ecosystems is an advantage
• The candidate will be encouraged to explore ideas and research questions; proactive problem-solving skills are valued
• Ability to work independently and in a structured manner, and to cooperate with others in the project and research group

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree, it is important that you are able to:

• Work independently
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity
• Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Exciting and stimulating academic working environment
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and NTNU aims to reflect the diversity of society and maximize the population\'s collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world with values that are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. We encourage applicants regardless of gender, functional ability, or cultural background, including those who have been out of work for a period. We are committed to promoting equality and increasing the proportion of women in scientific positions.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, the gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The employment period is 3 years. If Norwegian language training (level A2, at least 15 credits) is completed before the end of the employment period, the period may be extended by up to 10 weeks after completion and documentation of the Norwegian course. To be employed, you must gain admission to the PhD programme in Biology within three months of the start date and participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment. You must be physically present at the institution daily. The appointment follows the State Employees Act and export control regulations. Candidates in conflict with these criteria will not be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application. Documents may be in Norwegian/Scandinavian or English. The application will be assessed based on the information received by the deadline. The application must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no and must include:

• A cover letter stating research interests and motivation
• A research statement (max. 1 page)
• A full CV
• Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts in English or Scandinavian language
• A copy of the master\'s thesis or an abstract
• Name, address and contact details of three referees
• A publication list (if applicable) with description of the applicant’s role

If all or parts of your education are abroad, attach documentation of your entire education. Include diploma supplements if available. If you have a statement from HK-dir, attach it as well.

Emphasis in evaluation will be on education, experience, personal and interpersonal qualities, motivation, ambitions and potential.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and supports responsible research assessment.

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt, provide justification. You will be notified if exemption is not granted.

If you have questions about the position, contact Associate Professor Hanna Lee ([e-mail]). For recruitment questions, contact HR consultant Cathrine Kyung Ja Kravik ([e-mail]).

Application deadline: 28.10.2025

About NTNU and the city

The city of Trondheim offers a modern European environment with a rich cultural scene and opportunities for education, nature, culture and family life.

The Department of Biology at NTNU works with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition, contributing to a sustainable society.