There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in subsurface geoscience at the Department of Earth Science. The position is for a fixed-term period of 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with career-promoting work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department). The position is funded through the InFluSe (Integrated study of Fluid Migration and Seepage in the Southern Norwegian North Sea – Implications for hydrocarbons, environment, and CO2 storage) project, supported by the Norwegian Research Council, Equinor and AkerBP.
About the project/work tasks:
In the Southern Norwegian North Sea, there is an abundance of evidence for large-scale hydrocarbon migration and natural seepage. This evidence includes oil slick observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar-data, gas plume observations from multibeam echo sounder data, and observation of seepage during ROV dives. There has yet been no systematic attempt at creating a holistic understanding of this hydrocarbon source-to-seep system, which is unfortunate because understanding the source, migration routes, seal bypass mechanisms, seep locations, seepage rates have important implications for environment, climate, exploration and integrity of CO2 storage sites.
In the InFluSe project, an integrated team consisting of senior researchers and 4 different PhD candidates will investigate the Southern Norwegian North Sea source-to-seep system through analysis of new and existing data from four different perspectives, 1) remote sensing and geomatics; 2) subsurface data (seismic, well and core data) and sedimentary systems; 3) geophysics and shallow subsurface; and 4) geochemistry and geobiology. The analysis work will be supported by a series of scientific cruises to acquire new data in the SNNS area. This advertisement is for Position 2, which deals with interpreting existing subsurface data and performing modelling to understand the subsurface source-to-seep migration system. Cooperation and data sharing between the different PhDs in the project is very important, and relational and teamwork skills are very important.
The candidate for this position will analyse existing seismic data (2D, 3D, HR site survey), well data, and core data to delineate key elements in the source-to-seep migration system (source rock, aquifers, faults, chimney structures). The candidate will have access to cruise data and remotely sensed data from the project to constrain interpretations. The candidate will then run simulations of maturation, migration and seal bypass to test hypotheses and constrain seepage rates. This modelling will be performed together with partner institutions and training will be given, so no modelling experience is required.
The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in relevant scientific cruises within the project, participate in relevant summer schools including one focussing on North Sea hydrocarbon seepage, participate in international scientific conferences, and participate in geological field courses. The candidate will collaborate with partners from industry and state administration, and thus get significant exposure for further career development.
Qualifications and personal qualities:
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in subsurface geoscience. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 01.07.2025. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
- Experience from 3D seismic interpretation of clastic deposits is a requirement.
- Experience from North Sea geology is an advantage.
- Competence in petroleum geology is an advantage.
- Field experience is an advantage.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
- Applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English
Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.
Special requirements for the position
The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.
About the PhD Research Fellow position
The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25 % career-promoting work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed over the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the head of department upon appointment.
The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).
About the research training
As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.
We can offer:
- a good and professionally stimulating working environment
- salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 540 500 (equivalent to pay grade 55). Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
- enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good welfare benefits
Your application must include:
- a brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position
- the names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis
- CV
- transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not yet completed your master’s degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master’s degree. Your master’s degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma before starting in the position
- relevant certificates/references
- approved documentation of proficiency in English (if required, cf. English language requirements for PhD admission)
- a list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list)
- any publications in your name
General information:
For further details about the position, please contact Professor Christian Haug Eide, Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, Christian.Eide@uib.no or Researcher Jo Brendryen Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen, Jo.Brendryen@uib.no
For HR related questions please contact adviser Mathilde Høgalmen, Mathilde.hogalmen@uib.no.
Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Further information about the employment process can be found here.
