项目介绍

2024年12月12日

There is a vacancy for a PhD Research Fellow in Element fluxes in Archean seafloor hydrothermal systems at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen. 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 by EU and related to the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action – Doctoral Network FluxBEATSthat integrates geological observations, cutting-edge geochemical and biogeochemical analyses, data and modeling, from modern volcanic systems along mid-ocean ridges and back-arc spreading centers, to Cretaceous ophiolites and Precambrian magmatic suites with associated hydrothermal systems.

About the project/work tasks:

Fluid-rock interactions in the subsurface of modern seafloor hydrothermal systems result in chemical modification of seawater, producing fluids that provide chemical energy and nutrients to microbial communities inhabiting vent sites. Stable isotope tracers of early microbial life suggest that hydrothermal vents in the Archean played a similar role, with some of the oldest evidence of microbial sulfur cycling found in association with hydrothermal chert-barite deposits. However, Archean seawater chemistry was distinctly different from today, and the impact of this distinct seawater chemistry on subsurface hydrothermal reactions and mobilization of elements essential for life remains little explored. 

This PhD position is dedicated to increase our understanding of the consequences of Archean seawater chemistry on subsurface reactions and geochemical fluxes in Archean seafloor hydrothermal system, in particular low-temperature systems with evidence for early microbial activity. The project will focus on outcrop and drill core samples from the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa and Eswatini, and will combine geochemical analyses with stable isotope analyses and petrographic work. Work on natural samples will be complemented with geochemical modeling to assess impacts of Archean seawater chemistry on subsurface reactions and fluid compositions. 

The candidate will be supervised by an international team of researchers from Norway (University of Bergen), Finland (GTK, University of Helsinki) and Germany (University of Bremen), with the majority of the work carried out at the University of Bergen and supervised by Dr. Desiree Roerdink (main supervisor). However, fieldwork and research stays abroad are anticipated. 

The applicant selected for the project is expected to start on 1st of May, 2025. 

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in geoscience or associated field. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 01.04.2025. It is a condition of employment that the master’s degree has been awarded.
• Background and research interest in inorganic geochemistry is a requirement. 
• Experience with relevant analytical methods in inorganic geochemistry is an advantage. 
• Experience with geological fieldwork is an advantage. 
• Experience with geochemical modeling is an advantage. 
• Existing peer-reviewed publications are an advantage. 
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills. 
• Applicants must have a motivation for mobility and must be able to relocate to Norway by the time of employment. 
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English in scientific environments (presentations, publications). 

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position

• The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulations for export control. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications. 
• Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (such as studies, work, or research) in the country where the position is based for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline. 
• The applicant must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the start of recruitment. 

About the PhD Research fellow position

About the PhD Research Fellow

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. 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:

• An application form stating your personal data and contact information (use the template on the FluxBEATS webpage). 
• A cover letter with a brief account of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for applying for the position (use the template on the FluxBEATS webpage). 
• An eligibility and mobility declaration, where you confirm that you satisfy the eligibility and mobility requirements (use the template on the FluxBEATS webpage).
• The names and contact information for two referees. One of these should be the main advisor for the master’s thesis or equivalent thesis (use the template on the FluxBEATS webpage).
• CV (use the template on the FluxBEATS webpage).
• 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.

The application and appendices with certified translations into English must be uploaded at Jobbnorge. Note: incomplete applications will not be considered. 

General information:

For further details about the position, please contact Associate Professor Desiree Roerdink, Department of Earth Science, UiB, email: desiree.roerdink@uib.no, phone: +47 55 58 38 59 or Associate Professor Steffen Leth Jørgensen (Director Centre for Deep Sea Research), Department of Earth Science, UiB, email: steffen.jorgensen@uib.no, phone: +47 55 58 38 60.

For HR related questions contact HR-adviser Mathilde Høgalmen, e-mail: 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.

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. 

For further information about the recruitment process, click here.