PhD Fellow in Evaluating methane hydrate formation beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet, iC3

Stig Brøndbo
5th February 2024
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English

• English

English
Faculty of Science and Technology
PhD Fellow in Evaluating methane hydrate formation beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet, iC3
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The position and iC3 Centre of Excellence

The Department of Geosciences , Faculty of Science and Technology has a PhD position vacant on evaluating methane hydrate formation beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet and its vulnerability to future change with ice sheet mass loss. The position is affiliated to the newly funded Norwegian Centre of Excellence, iC3: Centre for ice, Cryosphere, Carbon and Climate. 

The position is for a period of four years. The nominal length of the PhD programme is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % each year and will consist of teaching and other duties for the department. This may include teaching (e.g. supervision and evaluation of student exercises) at various levels, as well as performance of other relevant duties. The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position.

The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer and latest 1st August, 2024. During the PhD the student will be expected to obtain 30 ECTs within the instruction component and 150 ECTs for the thesis component.

Centre of Excellence, iC3: Centre for ice, Cryosphere, Carbon and Climate  

The PhD fellow will be part of a cohort of iC3 fellows to start in 2024 and benefiting from iC3´s dedicated impact Theme (iT-2) Training the Next Generation which will train and mentor early career researchers under iC3´s broad remit. iC3 is funded for 10 years (2023-2033, pending successful mid-way evaluation) and aims to fill a major research gap in polar science by quantifying the future impact of ice sheet change on the Earth's carbon cycle over policy-relevant timescales. It will achieve this by uniting complementary world-leading expertise at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the Norwegian Polar Institute, NORCE and a network of collaborators in an unprecedented research endeavour spanning both the Arctic and the Antarctic. Its integrated, interdisciplinary hub of experts studying the cryosphere, oceans, atmosphere and geosphere will close order of magnitude uncertainty in polar carbon budgets, addressing the hypothesis that changing ice sheets (and aligned cryosphere) profoundly impact Earth's carbon cycle, directly affecting human societies via feedbacks to our future climate and invaluable polar ecosystems.

Project details 

Buried beneath the West and East Antarctic Ice Sheets are several major and many small sedimentary basins, with drapes of sediments up to >10 kilometres thick. Many of these Antarctic Sedimentary Basins (ASBs) are located around the continent´s periphery, but some penetrate 100-1000s km into the ice sheet interior. ASBs have been estimated to host vast stores of organic carbon (up to c. 20,000 Gt) derived from former marine sediments, hydrocarbons, or crustal material, depending on regional ice sheet history and geological and geomorphological evolution of the continent over thousands to millions of years. These deep carbon repositories in ASBs have been highlighted as potential hot spots for the production of the potent greenhouse gas, methane, both via biological and thermogenic processes. If present, it is likely that a significant fraction of the methane that has been accumulating in some ASBs since the time of glaciation is stored as methane hydrate (within the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone, GHSZ) and free gas (below the GHSZ) under the frigid weight of the overlying ice shield. The potential size and location of this potential methane reservoir is highly uncertain but has relevance for future climate due to its sensitivity to destabilisation by subglacial pressure perturbation under ice sheet thinning and projected collapse. Currently, ice sheet collapse-subglacial hydrate dissociation remains largely absent from climate policy discussions, a reflection of the high uncertainty. This PhD project aims to address the question – Where and how much methane hydrate + free gas is stored beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet and how is this stock influenced by transient forcing conditions associated with future projections of ice sheet change?

The project objectives are as follows:

1.       To evaluate the past, present and future conditions in ASBs which might be conducive to hydrate formation, including ice sheet size, basal temperature, pressure, subglacial properties, geothermal heat fluxes and GHSZ extent.

2.       To estimate the potential biogenic and thermogenic CH4 hydrate formation in ASBs and quantify the size of the present-day ASB with a coupled diagenetic-hydrate reaction-transport model.

3.       To assess the vulnerability (i.e. change in GHSZ and size of affected hydrate reservoir) of the present-day reservoir to ice sheet retreat projected for different SSP (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) scenarios.

 

Opportunities: this PhD project offers a unique opportunity for a candidate to tackle an interdisciplinary science problem traversing the fields of ice sheet history, glaciology, sedimentology, geology and geochemistry, working with a team of supervisors with a broad spectrum of relevant expertise. The appointed person will learn to analyse and interpret reconstructions of past ice sheet extent, marine core records and other sedimentological data via Objective 1, developing advanced numerical modelling skills via Objective 2 and 3. The candidate will spend time at the Department of Geosciences Environment and Society at the Université libre de Bruxelles working with Professor Sandra Arndt to apply a novel coupled diagenetic-hydrate reaction-transport model to ASBs.

The position’s affiliation and field of research

While the candidate is a member of the iC3 Centre of Excellence, they will be employed at the Department of Geosciences, at UiT´s Faculty of Science and Technology. The research activities at the department are mainly focused around three research groups: Solid Earth Sciences, Mineral Resources and Geohazards, Geophysics, Glaciology and Oceanography and Sedimentary Systems, Paleoclimates and Environments. Students and staff within the department work on land and at sea, using a diverse range of methods and technologies to collect data. The department is a major user of the new ice-breaking research vessel "Kronprins Haakon", as well as UiT's research vessel "Helmer Hanssen" and has excellent laboratory facilities for geoscience research, including the new custom-built ICOM: ICe Oceans and cliMate laboratory for the study of biogeochemistry and microbiology in polar environments.

The applicants must present a description outlining the academic basis of the PhD project. The project description shall not exceed 1-2 pages, literature references included. It must include a description of the topic, research question(s) and a reasoning of the choices. It should also indicate the methodologies to be used. The final project description will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor. 

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact the supervisors, detailed as follows:

• Primary Supervisor: Professor Sandra Arndt (Department of Geosciences Environment and Society, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Department of Geosciences, UiT), https://biogeomod.ulb.behttps://biogeomod.ulb.be, Email [email protected] e
• Co-Supervisor: Professor Jemma Wadham, UiT the Arctic University of Norway (Centre for ice, Cryosphere, Carbon and Climate, Department of Geosciences), https://www.jemmawadham.com, Email [email protected]
• Co-Supervisor: Dr Petra Langebroek, NORCE, https://www.norceresearch.no/en/persons/petra-langebroek/858, Email [email protected]
• Co-Supervisor: Dr Henry Patton, UiT the Arctic University of Norway (Centre for ice, Cryosphere, Carbon and Climate, Department of Geosciences), https://en.uit.no/ansatte/person?p_document_id=367657&p_dimension_id=88137 Email, [email protected]

For information about iC3 and any general enquiries, please contact:

• The iC3 Centre Manager: Dr Terri Souster, [email protected]

Jon Terje Hellren Hansen, Ingun A.Mæhlum via Unsplash Jon Terje Hellren Hansen, Ingun A.Mæhlum
Qualifications

This position requires:

• A Master's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science/Engineering, Geoscience, (Biogeo)Chemistry, Physical Geography, or a related field
• Experience of working with biogeochemical or chemical problems
• Demonstration of strong numerical and statistical skills in Fortran and Matlab
• A master's thesis (see specifications below)
• Fluency in English

It is considered an advantage if you have:

• Previous experience of reaction-transport modelling in a relevant setting (e.g. benthic ocean, glacial, soil, permafrost)
• Experience of working in a team
• A national and/or international research network that you can refer to
• Publications and/or reports
• Working knowledge of Norwegian or another Scandinavian language

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must document completion of your degree before commencement in the position. You must still submit your transcripts for the master’s degree with your application

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the grades in the master programme, the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. The project description will also be considered.In addition, other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme may be given consideration, e.g. working experience.

Applicants must document fluency of in English and be able to work in an international environment. Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma.  Working knowledge of Norwegian or a Scandinavian language is also beneficial. It is expected that the successful candidate is willing to learn Norwegain within two years. 

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. We are looking for candidates who:

• Have good collaboration skills
• Have good communication and interaction with colleagues and students
• Wants to contribute to a good working environment

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

Admission to the PhD programme 

For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology  and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally requires:  

• A bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree, or an integrated master's degree.

UiT normally accepts higher education from countries that are part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

In order to gain admission to the programme, the applicant must have a grade point average of C or better for the master’s degree and for relevant subjects of the bachelor’s degree. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here . 

If you are employed in the position, you will be provisionally admitted to the PhD programme. Application for final admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position.

Inclusion and diversity

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.

via Unsplash
We offer

• Involvement in a cutting-edge research project within an interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence
• A vibrant and interdisciplinary academic environment with dedicated colleagues 
• Good career opportunities, and high employability after successful graduation
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund 
• A stunning Arctic landscape and diversity of outdoor activities
• PhD Fellows are normally given a salary of 532 200 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase

Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services.

More practical information about working and living in Norway can be found here: https://uit.no/staffmobility

Application 

Your application shall include: 

• Cover letter explaining your motivation , research interests, skills you bring to the position and your ideas for the development of this PhD project (max. 2 pages)
• CV
• Diploma for bachelor's and master's degree
• Transcript of grades/academic record for bachelor's and master's degree
• Explanation of the grading system for foreign education (Diploma Supplement if available)
• Documentation of English proficiency
• Documentation of proficiency in Norwegian  or a Scandinavian language (if applicable)
• Contact information for three references
• Master’s thesis, and any other academic works
• Project description (1-2 pages)

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. You may still apply if you are in the final stages of the master’s degree, but the master’s thesis must be submitted for evaluation within the application deadline. You must submit the thesis and transcript of grades for the master’s degree with your application.

All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Diplomas and transcripts must also be submitted in the original language, if not in English or Scandinavian. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline. 

General information 

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants . 

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment.

Remuneration for the position of PhD Fellow is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. You will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which gives you many benefits in addition to a lifelong pension: You may be entitled to financial support if you become ill or disabled, your family may be entitled to financial support when you die, you become insured against occupational injury or occupational disease, and you can get good terms on a mortgage. Read more about your employee benefits at: spk.no .

A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the PhD Fellow has already completed parts of their research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position PhD Fellow, research assistant, or the like in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years. 

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act (Offentleglova). According to the Personal Data Act information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication, if you have requested non-disclosure. 

Eallju - Developing the High North

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT. Along with students, staff and the wider community, we aim to utilise our location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio and interdisciplinary advantage to shape the future.

Our social mission is to provide research-based education of high quality, perform artistic development and carry out research of the highest international quality standards in the entire range from basic to applied. We will convey knowledge about disciplines and contribute to innovation. Our social mission unites UiT across various studies, research fields and large geographical distances. This demands good cooperation with trade and industry and civil society as well as with international partners. We will strengthen knowledge-based and sustainable development at a regional, national and international level.

Academic freedom and scientific and ethical principles form the basis for all UiT’s activities. Participation, co-determination, transparency and good processes will provide the decision-making basis we need to make wise and far-sighted priorities. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Founded on academic integrity, we will be courageous, committed and generous in close contact with disciplines, people and contemporary developments.

We will demonstrate adaptability and seek good and purposeful utilisation of resources, so we are ready to meet the expectations and opportunities of the future. We will strengthen the quality and impact of our disciplines and core tasks through the following three strategic priority areas.

Apply for this job
Deadline

5th February 2024

Employer

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Municipality

Tromsø - Romsa

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Duration

Fixed Term

Place of service
Hansine Hansensveg, 9019 Tromsø

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