About the position

The Arctic Biology Department is looking for a highly motivated, independent marine ecologist for a full-time four-year PhD student position on the meiobenthos of Arctic methane-based ecosystems. The four-year contract includes a year of required duties. Alternatively, the candidate may choose a three-year position which excludes these duties. Applications are also open to this year's master's candidates, with the requirement that the master's degree must be completed by July 1st, 2025. The desired start date is during August, and no later than September 1st.

The project will involve analyzing meiofauna samples collected from various Arctic locations where seafloor sediment is enriched in methane and sulfide due to subsurface reservoirs or transport from submarine groundwater discharge. The research will integrate physico-chemical measurements of both the water column and the sediment with meiofauna analyses to investigate the role and diversity of meiofauna in the ecology of the different methane-based ecosystems which include methane and petroleum seeps at different water depths. The primary focus of the project will be the identification and quantification of meiobenthic taxa, with the potential discovery of novel species.

However, the candidate will also work with macrofaunal and microbial data, as well as the biogeochemistry of the sediment, to provide a broader ecological context. Functional trait analyses and size spectrum studies will be included as part of the research. Through additional fieldwork, the candidate may expand the research scope of the project, e.g. by investigating seasonal variations of (meio)benthic communities, comparing different Arctic benthic environments or comparing with subarctic or lower latitude environments, or by including other analyses (genetic or stable isotope) etc. Collaborations with geologists, geochemists and oceanographers, both at UNIS and other universities are also encouraged.

The candidate will be based at UNIS, with Nord University (Bodø) as the mainland Norwegian institution, but will undergo additional training in identifying meiofauna at the Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAN) in Sopot, Poland. The successful candidate should feel comfortable working with microscopes and engaging in the interdisciplinary approach characteristic of chemosynthesis-based research, integrating chemical, geological, biological data.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a field relevant for the position or the degree must be completed by July 1st, 2025
Admission to the doctoral program at Nord University (Bodø) is a condition of the employment
Must be able to conduct independent field work on sea in small and larger vessels
Capable of carrying out field work, including participation on research cruises
Capable of conducting statistical analyses, particularly with R or similar
Troubleshooting and problem solving, and overall positive attitude are important to deal with the inevitable problems that arise with Arctic marine research and fieldwork.
Proficient in both written and oral English
Driver’s license class B (valid for Svalbard)

Advantageous knowledge and skills

Good scientific writing skills
Technical skills and interests
Experience in marine polar field sampling
Authorship or co-authorship of scientific publications
Prior work experience in an interdisciplinary research team setting and teaching experience
Being able to work independently and in a structured manner yet function well within a team
Some of the field work will rely on the candidate raising external funds through Arctic Field Grants, so previous funding acquisition success is considered beneficial

Motivation and personal suitability will be emphasized.

We offer

UNIS offers a challenging and varied job in an exciting, pleasant, and international environment. As an employee, you will be a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK), which provides one of the best pension schemes on the market. We also offer excellent insurance schemes, coverage of travel and relocation expenses upon starting the position, and staff housing in accordance with current regulations.

The position is classified under the job code “Stipendiat” (code 1017). In addition to the base salary, a Svalbard allowance of NOK 42.840 per annum is provided. A 2 % contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. The income tax rate in Svalbard is currently 8 %, and a national insurance contribution of 7.7 % is also deducted.

Application

Questions about the project, background literature and the position, may be directed to:
Associate Professor Arunima Sen, e-mail arunimas@unis.no, phone +47 95 29 15 92

Application deadline 25.04.2025.

Please include the following documents to the online application form:

Motivational letter (max. 1 page) to state applicants scientific and personal interest in pursuing a Ph.D. on the announced topic and at UNIS
Full academic CV
Transcripts and diplomas showing the completion of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, alternatively an official confirmation that the master’s degree will be completed by 1st July, 2025
Contact information for two references, one of which must be your master's supervisor

It is possible to request that your name/application be exempt from public disclosure in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (Offentlighetsloven) § 25. The request must be justified. Please note that if the request is not granted, the applicant will be contacted and given the opportunity to withdraw the application.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

One of UNIS’ values is inclusion. We are committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment in the high Arctic. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, or other characteristics.

Selection and appointment
A committee appointed by the Managing director of UNIS will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants and invite the highest ranked person(s) for an interview. The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the recommendation from the committee.

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