The Arctic University Museum of Norway and Academy of Fine Arts
PhD fellowship investigating Fossil Meiofaunas from Baltoscandia andmeiofaunal evolution
The positionA PhD position is available at the Arctic University Museum of Norway, UiT – the Arctic University of Norway. The appointed PhD Fellow will be based within the palaeobiological section of the scientific collection-based taxonomy and biosystematics research group (NatSciCol).
The position is for a period of four years. The nominal length of the PhD programme is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % each year and will consist of teaching and other duties for the Arctic University Museum. The objective of the position is to complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position.
The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.
The position's field of researchMarine meiofauna is ubiquitous in most benthic environments today and hold an important role in nutrient circulation in the oceans, most likely through the degradation of organic matter. Meiofaunal representatives can be found from most major taxonomical clades, but our knowledge of existing faunas is poor. The evolutionary history of marine meiofauna and fossil meiofauna is, however, virtually unknown.
The last decade has seen a revolutionary development in imaging techniques, where we today can study previously hidden fossil records and thus uncover entirely new sources of evolutionary data, allowing us to explore geological deposits for the potential presence of fossil meiofauna. The position aims at investigating especially drill core material from Lower Palaeozoic deposits of Baltoscandia for the presence of meiofauna. Preliminary studies using MicroCT have shown the existence of a potential fossil marine meiofauna in the Upper Ordovician. This project will be a collaboration between UiT and the Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University. Possible research focuses include, but are not restricted to, faunal composition, diversity, evolutionary studies, environmental and methodological/technological questions, as well as reconstructions of past ecosystems.
The PhD project will be cross disciplinary with a combination of traditional and experimental technology/methodology to investigate, describe, and interpret a previously hidden fossil archive.
The successful candidate will gain expertise in taxonomy of fossils, metazoan evolution, palaeoecology, and advanced imaging methodology.
Specific project goals will be developed together with the candidate depending on personal research background and interests.
The applicants must present a description outlining the academic basis of the PhD project. The project description shall not exceed 1-2 pages, literature references included. It must include a description of the topic, research question(s) and a reasoning of the choices. It should also indicate the methodologies to be used. The final project description will be developed in cooperation with the supervisor.
ContactFor further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Anette Högström:
or Head of Department Geir Rudolfsen:
email: [email protected]
QualificationsThis position requires a master's degree or equivalent in the palaeontological or biological sciences, preferably concerning one of the following fields: taxonomy, phylogenetic studies, ecology.
It will be considered an advantage if the candidate have:
Applicants must document excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and be able to work in an international environment. Nordic applicants can document their English capabilities by attaching their high school diploma.
In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. The project description will also be considered. In addition, other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme may be given consideration.
We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. It is expected that the candidate demonstrates:
As many poeple as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.
Admission to the PhD programmeFor employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS and a master's degree of 120 ECTS, or an integrated master's degree of 300 ECTS. In order to gain admission to the programme, the applicant must have a grade point average of C or better for the master's degree and for relevant subjects of the bachelor's degree. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here
Applicants with a foreign education will be subjected to an evaluation of whether the educational background is equal to Norwegian higher education, following national guidelines from NOKUT.
If you are employed in the position, you will be provisionally admitted to the PhD programme. Application for final admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position.
Inclusion and diversityUiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.
If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.
We offerNorwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services.
More practical information about working and living in Norway can be found here: https: // uit.no/staffmobility
ApplicationYour application must include:
Qualification with a master's degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master's degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcripts for the master's degree with your application.
All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Diplomas and transcripts must also be submitted in the original language, if not in English or Scandinavian. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline.
General informationThe appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.
Remuneration for the position of PhD Fellow is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. You will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which gives you many benefits in addition to a lifelong pension: You may be entitled to financial support if you become ill or disabled, your family may be entitled to financial support when you die, you become insured against occupational injury or occupational disease, and you can get good terms on a mortgage. Read more about your employee benefits at: spk.no.
A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the PhD Fellow has already completed parts of their research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position PhD Fellow, research assistant, or the like in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years.
We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act (Offentleglova). According to the Personal Data Act information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication, if you have requested non-disclosure.
Eallju - Developing the High NorthUiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus comprehensive university at the international forefront. Our vision is to be a driving force for developing the High North. The Northern Sami notion eallju, which means eagerness to work, sets the tone for this motive power at UiT. Along with students, staff and the wider community, we aim to utilise our location in Northern Norway and Sápmi, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio and interdisciplinary advantage to shape the future.
Our social mission is to provide research-based education of high quality, perform artistic development and carry out research of the highest international quality standards in the entire range from basic to applied. We will convey knowledge about disciplines and contribute to innovation. Our social mission unites UiT across various studies, research fields and large geographical distances. This demands good cooperation with trade and industry and civil society as well as with international partners. We will strengthen knowledge-based and sustainable development at a regional, national and international level.
Academic freedom and scientific and ethical principles form the basis for all UiT's activities. Participation, co-determination, transparency and good processes will provide the decision-making basis we need to make wise and far- sighted priorities. Our students and staff will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential. Founded on academic integrity, we will be courageous, committed and generous in close contact with disciplines, people and contemporary developments.
We will demonstrate adaptability and seek good and purposeful utilisation of resources, so we are ready to meet the expectations and opportunities of the future. We will strengthen the quality and impact of our disciplines and core tasks through the following three strategic priority areas.
Deadline15th November 2023
EmployerUiT The Arctic University of Norway
MunicipalityTromsø - Romsa
ScopeFulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)
DurationFixed Term
Place of serviceHansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø