PhD position on terrestrial ecosystem ecology and permafrost carbon climate feedback

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There is a vacancy for a PhD position on terrestrial ecosystem ecology and permafrost carbon climate feedback 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 with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work such as teaching duties at the Department.

The goal is a completed doctoral education towards obtaining a doctoral degree in biology on the topic of terrestrial ecosystem ecology and permafrost carbon climate feedback. The candidate will develop and design observations, experiments, and/or modeling studies to investigate novel questions related to understanding how climate change and permafrost thawing affects terrestrial ecosystems, vegetation, greenhouse gas exchange, and soil biogeochemistry to eventually influence climate feedbacks.

The working environment

The PhD candidate will join the Multiscale Biology (MsB) section of the Department of Biology. The MsB section investigates processes across all levels of biological system – from molecules to ecosystems. The MsB is a collaborative, vibrant and growing research community including 8 Associate Professors and Professors, 10 PhD candidates and postdocs, and 7 engineers. Further information can be here:https://www.ntnu.edu/biology/research/multiscale 

The research group and the project

The candidate will be directly supervised by Associate Professor, Dr. Hanna Lee. The candidate will join the terrestrial ecosystem ecology and modeling group led by Dr. Lee. The group uses both observations and modeling to understand how climate change affects terrestrial energy, water, and carbon cycling. Particularly, the research topics focus on high latitude ecosystems affected by permafrost. The candidate will be conducting parts of his/her PhD work at an observational site located in northern Norway. At the site, the group conducts field campaigns to understand how permafrost thaw and local hydrological changes affect greenhouse gas emissions. The research site in northern Norway is a collaborative working environment including five different Norwegian and international groups. There is an opportunity to develop the PhD project based on the ongoing collaboration towards field, laboratory, observations, experiments, as well as modeling.

• Take the leadership in conducting research in the field and the laboratory
• Actively participate in group meetings and discussions
• Attend conferences and present the findings
• Assist Bachelor, Master, and other PhD students
• Write and defend a PhD thesis
• Publish at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles

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 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

Scientific qualifications:

• A degree in Biology, Geology, Soil Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, or related fields
• Experience with fieldwork, lab work, and data analysis related to terrestrial ecology, soil science, or terrestrial biogeochemistry. Knowledge in high latitude ecosystems is an advantage
• Good knowledge and skills in statistics and programming (e.g. R or Python) is an advantage

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  

• A valid driver’s license to be able to drive a car in Norway
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English
• 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

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 the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work such as teaching

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in [subject area] (Link to website, if applicable) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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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.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

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.

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

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.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Hanna Lee ([email protected] ). If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Liv-Mari Granum (HR), e-mail: [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. Please refer to the application number 100/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 30.09.21

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 .