Job description
A PhD Research Fellow position in Geochronology (U-Pb ID-TIMS) and Isotope-geochemistry is available at the Crustal Processes section within the Department of Geosciences at the University of Oslo.
Preferred starting date September 15th. The fellowship is 3 years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. laboratory duties or teaching at the Department of Geosciences).
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship at the University of Oslo.
This position is within the umbrella of projects at the Crustal Processes section relating to the formation and evolution of the Oslo Rift and its relation to the Skagerak Centred Large Igneous Province (SC-LIP). The focus of this PhD project is the geochronology of intrusive phases within and outside the main rift, coupled with isotope-geochemical investigations. The goal of the project is to further our understanding of the initiation and evolution of (intrusive) magmatism associated with the Oslo Rift and test hypotheses of how the magmatism relates to LIP activity. The Oslo Rift hosts world-class localities of volcanic and intrusive rift-related rocks, where e.g. the interplay between volcanism, tectonics and magma-host rock interactions can be studied in great detail.
A comprehensive project plan will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate, depending on qualifications and interests.
The project and work tasks
The main objective of this PhD project is to obtain a detailed absolute high precision chronology of magmatic activity associated with the Oslo Rift, from rocks both within and outside the main rift. Especially defining the onset of magmatism, resolve whether magmatism was continuous or pulsed throughout the rift’s lifetime, evaluate the source of magmas throughout the rift evolution and defining magmatic fluxes through time will be core objectives. The PhD thesis will consist of: 1) extensive field work and sample characterisation, including petrography 2) extensive laboratory work (including zircon U-Pb ID-TIMS geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope-geochemistry), 3) data interpretation and integration (chronological and isotope-geochemical data with field data), and 4) writing of peer-reviewed scientific articles about the temporal and isotope-geochemical evolution of the Oslo Rift and related areas, and its geodynamic implications and potentially also environmental impacts.
Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in either/or geochronology, petrology/geochemistry (magmatic/metamorphic), structural geology/tectonics, sedimentology or related areas.
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.
Desired qualifications:
Experience with laboratory analyses (isotope-geochemical, geochronological or other relevant), experience with geological field work, knowledge on isotope-geochemistry of magmatic rocks, and excellent written/oral skills.
Personal skills:
Good collaboration skills, the ability to work in a team, and a driving license.
Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:
- the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
- English requirements for applicants from outside EU/EEA countries and exemptions from these may be found here:
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:
We offer
- Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
- Attractive and a generous pension agreement
- Vibrant international academic environment
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
How to apply
The application must include
- Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records
- Letters of recommendation
- Documentation of English proficiency
- List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
Formal regulations
Please see the for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.
No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
The University of Oslo has an for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.
Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.
If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.
Contact information
For further information please contact: Associate Professor Lars Eivind Augland, phone: Logg inn for å se kontaktinformasjon, e-mail:
For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail:
