Postdoc in modeling of coupled geodynamics – glacial erosion

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Video: https://youtu.be/M5n6RnScNgAPostdoc position

At the Institutt for geovitenskap, a position is available as a postdoc within tectonics–glacial erosion interaction. The position is for a fixed-term period of three years and is linked to the project "ICICLE", funded by Trond Mohn Forskningsstiftelse.

About the project/tasks:

The main goal of this project is to understand how climate, glacial(-fluvial) erosion, and tectonic deformation interact over geological timescales to shape mountain ranges formed in ocean-continent subduction systems, with a particular focus on the development of the Andes. This will be investigated using new coupled geodynamics–glacial erosion models. The research will include:

• Use of 2D coupled geodynamic–glacial–fluvial erosion models to quantify the evolution of ocean-continent subduction orogens, and comparison of overall model results with mountain ranges on Earth.
• Investigating how the interaction between tectonics and climate-driven surface processes shapes the southern part of the Andes, using coupled 2D models.
• Investigating to what extent tectonic and erosional processes control variations along the southern part of the Andes, using coupled 3D models for geodynamics and glacial (-fluvial) erosion.
• Presentation of results at international conferences.
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The work will be carried out at the University of Bergen, with possible research stays at Aarhus Universitet (Denmark) and at GFZ Potsdam (Germany).

The position is linked to the project "ICICLE", an interdisciplinary project that aims to quantify how tectonic deformation, glacial–fluvial erosion, and climate interact to shape mountain ranges on Earth, by integrating new coupled geodynamics–glacial erosion models with selected natural laboratories. The project is led by Dr Sebastian Wolf, in collaboration with Prof Ritske Huismans, Prof Ann Rowan, Prof Kerim Nisancioglu (all UiB, Norway), Prof Vivi Pedersen (U Aarhus, Denmark), Prof Jean Braun (GFZ & U Potsdam, Germany), Dr Guillaume Cordonnier (INRIA, U Côte d'Azur, France), Prof Dave May (Scripps, UCSD, USA), and Dr Sean Eaves (U Wellington, NZ).

Qualifications and properties:

• Applicants must have obtained a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctorate (ph.d.) in geodynamics, tectonics, or geomorphology, or have submitted their doctoral thesis for evaluation before the application deadline. It is a prerequisite that the doctorate is obtained before employment can take place.
• Background and research interest in quantitative modeling of tectonic processes or surface processes, and quantitative geosciences is a requirement.
• Background and research interest in geodynamics and tectonics is a requirement.
• Documented ability to present and publish research results at an international level, as well as documented research potential through published research work and a clear research statement, is a requirement.
• Experience with thermomechanical modeling or modeling of surface processes is an advantage.
• Applicants must be able to work independently, structured, and have good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must have very good English skills, both written and oral.

Personal and interpersonal qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions, and potential will also count when evaluating candidates.

Specific requirements for the position

UiB is subject to export control regulations, and these regulations apply when processing applications for the position.

About the postdoc position:

The postdoc position is a fixed-term position and its main goal is to qualify the person employed for work in top scientific positions. Candidates lacking teaching experience and/or other qualifying competence will be given the opportunity for qualifying work, either during the fixed-term period or through a possible extension of the fixed-term period (max four years in total). The position may be extended by up to one year if the candidate is granted a research stay abroad from external sources (max four years in total). No one can be employed for more than one fixed-term period as a postdoc at the same institution.

After commencement, the postdoc, in collaboration with the supervisor and head of department, shall prepare a plan for the qualification work, including a progress plan.

It is a prerequisite that the person employed completes the project during the employment period.

We offer:

• a good and academically stimulating work environment.
• employment as a postdoc (code 1352) in the state salary scale. This constitutes an annual salary of NOK 685,900. Further advancement occurs according to seniority in the position. For particularly qualified applicants, it may be relevant to consider a higher salary.
• membership in Statens pensjonskasse.
• good welfare schemes.

The application shall include:

• a short statement of motivation for applying for the position
• a statement of research interests and future research directions
• a detailed justification of your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements, and how you meet each criterion. In addition, you should address the mentioned "advantages", as these will be considered during the ranking of candidates.
• names and contact information for two references. One of these should be the main supervisor from the doctoral education.
• CV
• transcripts and diplomas. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, you must provide confirmation that the master's thesis has been submitted.
• relevant certificates
• list of scientific work (publication list with links)

Application and attachments with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded in Jobbnorge.

General information:

Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting Dr Sebastian Wolf, Institutt for geovitenskap, sebastian.wolf@uib.no.

For HR-related questions, contact advisor Mathilde Høgalmen, Mathilde.hogalmen@uib.no

Diversity is a strength and enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen uses the principle of public access (meirinnsyn) when hiring for scientific positions. Information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the applicant list. If the request is not granted, the applicant shall be notified of this.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. If you check this box in the application, you may receive positive special treatment. We always invite at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups to an interview.

More about the recruitment process here.

About the employer:

The University of Bergen is a recognized educational and research institution, organized into seven faculties and approximately 54 institutes and academic centers. The campus is located in central parts of Bergen with university areas at Nygårdshøyden, Haukeland, Marineholmen, Møllendalsveien, and Årstad.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences consists of seven institutes and a number of centers. Read more about the faculty and associated institutes.