PhD on ecological restoration of wind energy facilities from construction to decommission

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You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

There is a vacancy for a PhD position on ecological restoration of wind energy facilities from construction to decommission at the Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years starting October 1st 2022. 

The goal is a completed doctoral education towards obtaining a doctoral degree in biology on the topic of restoration ecology embedded in the Research Centre NorthWind. NorthWind is a Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research and will be in operation from 2020 to 2028. Northwind will be at the cutting edge, working on innovations to make wind power cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable. NorthWind works to turn wind R&D into a profitable export industry that creates green jobs and respects nature. This requires that environmental and societal conflicts caused by the combined footprint of multiple wind farms have on ecosystems are resolved.

 The candidate for this position will assess life-cycle options for ecological restoration from construction to decommissioning. This will form the basis for evaluating the relationship between biodiversity loss and carbon equivalents from wind-power plants but also include the requirements for ecological restoration of these impacts during operation and after decommissioning. This enables developing best practice restoration methods that most efficiently can minimise the negative impacts of onshore wind turbines on area loss, habitat for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

The research group and the project:

Professor Bente Graae will be the main supervisor for the PhD. Senior Research Scientists Dr. Dagmar Hagen and Dr. Roel May at NINA will act as co-supervisors regarding the scientific work.

• Perform literature review, field and lab studies, statistical analyses and scientific reporting
• Take the leadership in conducting research in the field
• Have on-going communication with relevant stakeholders
• Actively participate in group meetings and discussions
• Attend conferences and present the findings in NorthWind workshops and meetings.
• Assist Bachelor, Master, and other PhD students
• Write and defend a PhD thesis
• Publish at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles

• Must have either obtained the master’s degree or have submitted the thesis prior to the application deadline. 
• A degree in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related fields
• 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 the letter grades are not awarded, the candidate must have an equivalent academic 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

• Experience with fieldwork and data analysis related to terrestrial ecology (including soil science) or natural resource management

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants  and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosodophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant  

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and preferably also in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language
• Good knowledge and skills in statistics is an advantage

• A valid driver’s license to be able to drive a car in Norway

• The candidate will be encouraged to explore his/her own ideas and research questions related to the overall goals of the PhD project. Therefore, proactive problem-solving skills will be highly valued
• Work independently and in a structured manner, and can cooperate with others in the project and the research group

• Exciting and stimulating academic working environment
• Training in science and research with supervision
• Career development training
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years, with suggested start 1. October 2022

Appointment to a PhD position requires that the candidate is admitted to the PhD program in Biology within three months of employment, and that he/she participates in an organized PhD program during the employment period. It is a prerequisite that the candidate is present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

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The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and 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 to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English. 

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include: 

• A cover letter stating the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position
• A research statement (max. 1 page) outlining the research questions and approaches one would be interested in addressing during the PhD work
• A full CV
• Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts in English or Scandinavian language. If the master's degree is not awarded, a confirmation that the thesis has been submitted is required
• A copy of the master's thesis
• Name and address of three referees
• A publication list (if applicable) with description of the applicant’s role

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here . If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. 

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

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The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

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As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

Any questions regarding the position can be referred to Bente Graae (phone: +47 40465642; e-mail: [email protected] ), Senior Research Scientist Roel May (phone: +47 95785995; e-mail: [email protected] ) or Senior Research Scientist Dagmar Hagen (phone +47 99264856; email: [email protected] ).

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. 

Application deadline: 01.07.22

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Biology 

We work with global challenges in natural diversity, climate, the environment, health and nutrition. Our expertise in biological processes at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – contributes to a sustainable society. The Department educate graduates for a wide range of careers in public administration, business and academia. The Department of Biology  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .