Post doctor – C-balance and GHG-emissions from organic soils

The post doc will carry out research work in the newly funded project “Improving conditions for agricultural management of drained peatlands while reducing GHG emissions", PEATIMPROVE. The project studies, among others, the effect of different drainage methods on peatland C balance and GHG emissions in Norwegian grassland cultivation. The work is interdisciplinary with experts in hydrology, GHG emission and grass production for sustainable agriculture. The project is carried out in cooperation with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), national and regional stakeholders.

Working place will be both at NIBIO Ås i Viken County (35 km south of Oslo) and NIBIO Fureneset (Vestland county). Field experiments will be carried out also in other parts of Norway. The candidate will be part of NIBIO’s Division of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Hydrology and Water Environment at Ås. The position has a duration of three years, starting as soon as possible.

• Produce measurement based carbon budgets for inverted and tile drained peat at a grass field site in the county Møre og Romsdal in western Norway.
• Measuring emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Studies of peat degradation will be carried out on additional sites in Norway, including estimates of peat subsidence based on remote sensing and historical data
• Publications in scientific journals

The results will be used as input to national emission inventories.

• PhD in geosciences or any related subject
• Experience in greenhouse gas research 
• Experience with field work and experiments
• Experience with peer-reviewed publishing
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Good command of written and spoken Norwegian (or other Scandinavian language). Candidates without knowlegde of Norwegian language will be expected to acquire such knowlegde during the probation period of six months of employment
• Driver´s license

• Knowlegde of and interest in Norwegian agriculture
• Interest in and knowledge of terrestrial biogeochemistry
• Experience with peatland studies (peatland agriculture or similar)
• Interest in mathematical analysis and modelling

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative
• Capable of working structured, accurate and independent

The position is remunerated according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale as post doc code 1352 salary grade 59-67 (NOK 534.400-615.800 per year), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which includes good occupational pension scheme, occupational injury and group life insurance, and low-interest home loans.

Contact Bjørn Kløve, project leader, phone number (+47) 91 77 81 14, [email protected]

or workpackage leader Dr. Peter Dörsch at the NMBU, phone number (+47) 916 63 372, [email protected] .

Please send your application describing your research interests and CV electronically via the link on this page. You may submit copies of your diplomas and letters of recommendation as an attachment along with the electronic application.

We would like to point out that information about applicants may be subject to public disclosure, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova), Section 25. An applicant can request to be exempted from inclusion on a public list of applicants. If the request for confidentiality is denied, the applicant will be notified thereof.

About diversity and inclusion - for applicants living in Norway:

In accordance with the Norwegian Civil Service equal opportunities policy, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply - regardless of age, gender, functional disabilities, gaps in CV or national or ethnic background. As a government agency, we have the opportunity to provide positive special treatment for applicants who have a disability, gaps in their CV or immigrant background. Positive special treatment means, amongst other, that you may more easily be invited to interview. Read more about this here  (in Norwegian only).

NIBIO’s  activities lie within agriculture, food, climate and the environment. The Institute conducts research and management support, and provides knowledge for use in national preparedness, governmental and district management, industry, and the society at large. NIBIO is owned by Ministry of Agriculture and Food, has its main office in Ås, Viken County, 700 employees, and is present in all parts of the country.

The Department of Hydrology and Water Environment  is one of six scientific departments in the Division of Environment and Natural Resources. We work within a broad range of areas including water quality, hydrology, groundwater, hydrogeology, water quality monitoring, climate change, statistical analysis, integrated water resources management, policy analysis, and stakeholder involvement.

The department has 22 employees, is located at the same campus as NMBU at Ås, and has a large international network. Research at Fureneset station is focused on climate adapted plant production, especially drainage conditions in different soil types in wet climate. NIBIO can provide lodging at Fureneset.

We cooperate with the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA). We also cooperate with the Natural Resources Institute LUKE, University of Oulu and National University of Ireland.