Researcher position in Early Earth Processes

University of Oslo; Oslo; On-site; NOK 646,000 - 745,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oslo invites applications for a Researcher position in Early Earth Processes within the Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB). The appointment is full-time for 3 years, with starting date no later than 01.01.2027, based at PHAB in Oslo.

The researcher will contribute to studies of Archean-Paleoproterozoic crustal and environmental evolution, combining fieldwork and lab work to understand habitability and early Earth processes.

Qualifications

• PhD in geosciences; thesis defended; must be submitted by closing date.
• Fluent English (oral and written).
• Strong publications track record.
• Extensive Archean craton and greenstone belt field experience.
• Geobiology research with stable isotopes and SIMS.
• Experience in U-Pb zircon geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork and laboratory investigations related to early Earth processes.
• Collaborate with PHAB project group on planeto- and planetology studies.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Contribute to training and mentoring of junior researchers.

Skills

Fluent English

Publication record

Archean field work

Geobiology isotopes

U-Pb zircon dating

Lu-Hf isotopes

Education

Doctoral degree in geosciences

Tools

SIMS

Geochronology lab

Job description

Researcher position in Early Earth Processes

University of Oslo

Stillingstittel Researcher position in Early Earth Processes

We invite applications for a Researcher position in Early Earth Processes, available at the Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB), Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO).

The position is a full-time position for a period of 3 years.

Starting date no later than 01.01.2027.

Place of work is PHAB, the Department of Geosciences at Blindern, Oslo.

The position is associated with PHAB and linked to the research theme ‘Planets and Early Earth’, which addresses planet formation, evolution and comparative planetology to identify the initial conditions for habitability and how a planet’s composition and interior influence its ability to nurture a biosphere. The researcher will be part of a project group that explore the conditions for early life and Earth’s evolution as a habitable planet, and specifically, through geochemical investigations of ancient cratons and greenstone belts to understand habitable environments and key geological events (e.g., the Great Oxidation Event) to shed light on crustal and atmospheric processes during Archean-Paleoproterozoic times. The project requires considerable field and laboratory experience, and we seek a candidate with a strong Archean-Paleoproterozoic geological background with a proven record in early Earth surface processes, sedimentology, geobiology, micropaleontology, evolutionary processes, geochemistry and geochronology.

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe'sleading communities forresearch, 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.

About the position

We invite applications for a Researcher position in Early Earth Processes, available at the Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB), Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO).

The position is a full-time position for a period of 3 years.

Starting date no later than 01.01.2027.

Place of work is PHAB, the Department of Geosciences at Blindern, Oslo.

Project description

The position is associated with PHAB and linked to the research theme ‘Planets and Early Earth’, which addresses planet formation, evolution and comparative planetology to identify the initial conditions for habitability and how a planet’s composition and interior influence its ability to nurture a biosphere. The researcher will be part of a project group that explore the conditions for early life and Earth’s evolution as a habitable planet, and specifically, through geochemical investigations of ancient cratons and greenstone belts to understand habitable environments and key geological events (e.g., the Great Oxidation Event) to shed light on crustal and atmospheric processes during Archean-Paleoproterozoic times. The project requires considerable field and laboratory experience, and we seek a candidate with a strong Archean-Paleoproterozoic geological background with a proven record in early Earth surface processes, sedimentology, geobiology, micropaleontology, evolutionary processes, geochemistry and geochronology.

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe'sleading communities forresearch, 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.

Required qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in geosciences. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completeddefence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong publication track record.
• Extensive Archean craton and greenstone belt field experience.
• Early Earth geobiological research background using stable isotope systematics (C, N, S, O) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
• Experience with U-Pb zircon geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopic systematics.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience working in large-scale multi-partner projects.
• Experience in paleo sea-temperature proxies and pH modelling of oceans.
• Experience in advanced methods, e.g. high-resolution synchrotron-based techniques.
• Experience in fundraising.

UiO is subject to the Security Act, which governs the organisation's protection of security-sensitive objects and knowledge, in addition to other relevant legislation concerning access to and handling of sensitive information. Based on this, it is a requirement that successful applicants are security-eligible. We may use background checks as part of our recruitment process.

What are we looking for in you?

Personal skills:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work precise in a structured manner and swiftly adapts to new tasks
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Positive attitude and the ability to handle hectic periods

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal skills.

We can offer you

• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
• Committed colleagues in a good working environment.
• Good welfare schemes .
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours . A workplace with good development and career opportunities.
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse , which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Researcher, position code 1109 in salary range NOK from 646000 to 745000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund.

We need different perspectives in our work

UiO is an open and internationally oriented comprehensive university that strives to be an inclusive and diverse workplace and academic environment. You can read more about UiO’s work on equality, inclusion, and diversity at uio.no .

We fulfill our mission most effectively when we draw upon our variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We are looking for great colleagues, could you be the next one?

We will do our best to accommodate your needs. Relevant adjustments may include modifications to working hours, task adaptations, digital, technical, or physical adjustments, or other practical measures.

If you have an immigrant background, a disability, or CV gaps (Norwegian), we encourage you to indicate this in the job application portal. We always invite at least one qualified candidate from each group for an interview. In this context, disability is defined as an applicant who identifies as having a disability that requires workplace or employment-related accommodations. For more details about the requirements, please refer to the Employer portal (Norwegian).

The selections made in the job application portal are used for anonymized statistics that all state employers include in their annual reports. More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here . We hope you will apply for the position with us.

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest rated institution of research and education with 26 500students and 7 200employees. Its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally esteemed research communities make UiO an important contributor to society.

Centre for Planetary Habitability (PHAB) is a Norwegian Centre of Excellence that provides a stimulating and well-funded research environment. PHAB’s main goal, based on detailed studies of Earth and our solar system, is to develop predictive models to identify habitable planets around other stars. PHAB research activities comprise three interrelated research themes: (1) Planets and Early Earth, (2) Modern Earth and (3) Exo-Earths. The centre was established in 2023 and will consist of approximately 70 full time and part time professors and researchers, PhD Research Fellows and Postdoctoral Research Fellows.