PhD Candidate in Marine Biogeochemical Modeling

About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD Candidate at the Department of Chemistry. For a position as a PhD Candidate, the goal is a completed doctoral education up to an obtained doctoral degree.  

NTNU Marine Chemistry & Biogeochemistry Group in the Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with NIVA Section of Oceanography, are offering a PhD position in marine biogeochemical modeling with the research project “Bio-essential and toxic elements transformation and transport in the Arctic under pressure of Siberian Continental Shelf permafrost thawing, (BEST-Siberian )”. The appointment is for a period of 4 years.

The position is a shared Marine modelling PhD position of NTNU and NIVA, connected with the NFR project “Bio-essential and toxic elements transformation and transport in the Arctic under pressure of Siberian Continental Shelf permafrost thawing” (BEST-Siberian ), that aims in delivering improved-targeted environmental and socio-ecological response understanding for the Arctic Ocean under the impact of permafrost thawing in a changing climate.

Duties of the position

The thesis is part of our activities on the marine biogeochemical modeling and its application for the Arctic aiming characterization of biogeochemistry of carbon, and its interaction with iron, mercury and other trace elements.

The position is part of the WP 3 Assess the local and regional impacts of Arctic permafrost-derived inputs (organic matter, methane, trace elements) on marine chemistry and the planktonic ecosystem.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a professionally relevant background in marine biogeochemical and hydrodynamical modelling, oceanography, marine chemistry, biogeochemistry or equivalent
• Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are obtained at master's level, in oceanography/marine chemistry/geochemistry or relevant fields.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an average grade from the master's degree program, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared with NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic basis. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's doctoral program
•  The PhD candidate will work with biochemical models (BROM, ERSEM, OxyDep) and hydrodynamical/transport models (2DBP, ROMS, FVCOM) that are coupled through the Framework for Aquatic Models (FABM). Any experience or familiarity with these techniques will be a requirement.
• Good written and spoken communication skills in English are required.

We would like a researcher with experience in biogeochemical modeling, preferably as coupled benthic-pelagic model systems. We are seeking a person who is capable of writing, compiling and testing code, manage operative system details in Windows and a super-computer Linux environment, and integrate ocean, marine sediments and biogeochemical models. Good programming skills in the programming languages such as Fortran, Python and readiness to participate in cruise campaigns with research vessels to collect data for model parameterization, calibration and validation are required. The researcher should be able to visualize and process simulation data, have experience in statistical analysis of observational data.

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  

Preferred selection criteria

The candidate should be well connected within national and international research networks and need to show a good publication record in relevant international journals, including publications from modeling work. Demonstrated capacity for retrieving research funding is considered an asset. The candidate will participate on research cruises. Experience with field and laboratory work concerning ocean chemistry, ocean pollution and cruise experience, especially at high latitudes, or work in ice-covered areas is therefore desirable.

Previous experience in field studies and sampling for trace elements (i.e., collecting samples with Go-Flo system) is desirable. Willingness to participate in cruises, both in the open ocean and coastal seas will be an advantage but not a requirement.

Personal characteristics

We are looking for a positive, highly motivated, adaptable candidate with good collaborations skills.

We offer

Salary and conditions

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 4 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Chemistry  within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

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 position is subject to external funding.

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

About the application

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: 

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees. Documentation of a completed master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Letter of motivation for the position and the project
• Name and address of three referees
• If you have publications or other relevant research work

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.

General information

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. 

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.

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 Murat V. Ardelan, telephone +4795281601, email [email protected] . If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Marie Kristiansen, 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 NVD-121/22 when applying.

Application deadline: 08.05.2022

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 Chemistry  

We educate graduates for careers in environmental science, industry, the school system, research and public administration. Chemistry is also a basic discipline for medicine, biology and technology, and an important key in issues related to energy, climate, the environment, food, water and health. Research activities at the Department range from environmental chemistry to applied theoretical chemistry. The Department of Chemistry  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .  

Deadline 8th May 2022
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service