PhD Candidate in Geology/Geophysics - IV-41/26

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You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

   

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About the position

RIFT-2-DRIFT : From continental rift to oceanic drift: constraining the initiation of spreading ridges 

The RIFT-2-DRIFT project seeks to identify, map and characterize the formation of an oceanic ridge. 

The main objectives are: (1) constrain the final separation of continental lithosphere, (2) provide a definition to the ‘breakup’ stage in the Wilson Cycle together with a mapping toolbox, (3) characterize the initiation of an oceanic spreading centre.

For this project, the NTNU Department of Geosciences is looking for a highly motivated, independent geo-scientist for a full-time three-year PhD student position on the topic.

The PhD candidate will have to work with seismic reflection interpretation (2D regional and 3D blocks), potential field modelling, and plate reconstructions. 

The total duration of the Ph.D. position is three years, starting by August 1st 2026. 

The PhD candidate will be based in the Geology & Geophysics team at the Department of Geosciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) based in Trondheim, Norway - under the supervision of Prof. Gwenn Peron-Pinvidic. 

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

About the project

The RIFT-2-DRIFT project will explore and resolve the geological processes of lithospheric breakup and oceanic ridge formation, bringing distal rifted margins and first domains of oceanic crust to the forefront. Based on a holistic approach, including a multi-site, multi-method and multi-interpretation investigation strategy, we will characterize how, when and where an oceanic spreading system initiates, and define the related diagnostic geometries and associated geophysical signals. The archetype magma-rich Norwegian and magma-poor Iberian margins will serve as key laboratories, in conjunction with the Brazilian Campos basin and Labrador Sea NW Newfoundland as test systems. These study sites will permit to span the spectrum of possible tectonic and magmatic architectures. Using geophysical and geological datasets, we will conduct systematic mapping of the structural, stratigraphic, and volcanic geometries, in an innovative 'multi-scenarios' interpretation protocol, strengthened by a careful compilation of the related geophysical signals and modern numerical modelling experiments. 

The research activities will be handled by the project manager and two PhD students. Leading experts in rifted margins, oceanic domains, plate reconstructions and numerical modelling will complete our team of researchers at the forefront of these scientific disciplines. 

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Carry out research of good quality within the framework described above
• Academic publications and popular science dissemination
• Participate in the research group Geology & Geophysics
• Participate in international activities such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• The position requires a strong background and interest in Geology, Geophysical methods, Tectonics and Structural Geology.
• Specific experience with Rifts, Rifted Margins and Interpretation of seismic reflection data, using modern seismic interpretation software such as Petrel.
• You must have a relevant Master's degree in Geology and/or Geophysics or equivalent. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you maybe considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme in Engineering
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English 

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions and Regulations for the degrees philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) and philosophiae doctor (ph.d.) in artistic development work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)for general criteria for the position.

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to: 

• Work independently
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals
• Get involved and contribute constructively with feedback
• Work constructively under pressure or in the face of adversity 
• Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions 
• Be flexible and open to adjusting the plan for the project as needed

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

Evaluate and remove/add what is relevant for the position.

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Diversity

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals. 

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education. 

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time.

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality. (delete if not applicable)

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,-per annum depending on qualifications and seniority. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary. 

The employment period is 3 years.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Engineering within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme through out the period of employment.

The position is conditional on external funding. 

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act, and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to bein conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English. (decide on this - remove if not applicable)

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• CV 
• Motivation letter describing why you are interested in the project and what makes you suitable for the project (max 2 pages).
• Copy of Master's thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• If you have publications or other relevant research work
• Names and contact information of three relevant referees (One of these should be the main advisor for the master's or equivalent thesis)

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

General information

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you think this position looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, you are welcome to apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Gwenn Peron-Pinvidic (gwenn.peron-pinvidic@ntnu.no). If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Eli Meistad (eli.meistad@ntnu.no).

Application deadline: 25.03.2026

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For practical information about working at NTNU, please visit this webpage. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.