PhD Research Fellow in Ecology – The role of soil in Norwegian Apple terroirs

About the position

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a 100% position as PhD Research Fellow in Ecology – The role of soil in Norwegian Apple terroirs, from 01.01.26

The position is located at the Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Bø, in the Municipality of Midt-Telemark, Telemark County, Norway.

The employment period will be three years of full time with no teaching obligations, and there is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in Ecology within three months of accession in the position.

About the PhD-project

The importance of soil quality in fruit production is well established, with key parameters including pH, nutrients, moisture, and organic matter. However, there is a significant need to better understand how soil interacts with climate and other factors to influence the yield and quality of fruits and their derived products, such as juice and cider. A need for detailed terroir descriptions within the Norwegian fruit industry is driven by the desire to deepen the ecological understanding of soil-plant interactions in orchards, optimizing fruit production and enhancing the competitiveness of local products in both national and international markets, thereby contributing to future food security. 

The project “Soil in Norwegian Apple terroirs” aims to define the role of soil in Norwegian apple terroirs and deepen the understanding of how soil properties influence apple yield and quality. 

The main study areas of the project will be Midt-Telemark, Telemark county and Hardanger, Vestland county, where we have an established network of apple producers, researchers and advisors, and a project portfolio to build on. The project will also include studies of the terroirs of Chianti Classico, which are known for one of the most renowned wines in Italy and the world, and are among the most thoroughly studied and deeply rooted terroirs in both scientific literature and local tradition. A stay (~ 3 months) at the University of Florence should be expected.

The following preliminary tasks are defined: 1) Describing the soil diversity in Norwegian apple orchards in inland (Telemark) and coastal (Hardanger) climates based on well-established terroir criteria. 2) Identifying the influence of different soil thermal regimes and water stress on apple development and apple quality. 3) Increase the knowledge about the link between soil fertility, fruit quality and the unique sensory characteristics. 

The methodical approach will be a combination of studies in field and analyses in lab: Soil profile descriptions, drone mapping, soil quality analyses (e.g. texture, pH, organic matter, nutrients, water-holding capacity), fruit quality analyses (e.g. firmness, juiciness, sugar content, acidity, volatile aroma compounds), installing and managing data loggers  (temperature, moisture, nutrients).

The primary supervisor will be Assoc. Prof. Live Semb Vestgarden at USN, Assoc. Prof. Lærke Søndergaard Stewart, USN, and Prof. Giacomo Certini, University of Florence. The applicant will be part of the research group EcoHub at USN. An extensive project group will also include advisors and partners from ongoing projects and existing networks. 

Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) equivalent higher education qualifications in ecology and soil-plant interactions or related areas. The degree must be accomplished before application deadline.

The candidate must have the ability to work independently and at the same time have the motivation to share knowledge and take part in teamwork. Personal suitability for the post will be emphasised.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Ecology within three months of accession in the position. For admission to the Programme the weighted average grade is B or higher is usually required. 

Cooperation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realise common objectives. Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

Experience with relevant field work and lab analyses, as well familiarity with statistics (preferably R) and GIS tools will be emphasized. 

The applicant must be able to demonstrate/document that they are fluent in English - orally and in writing, and may be asked to provide a valid certificate from one of the following tests: 

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT). Minimum result: 90 
• IELTS - International English Language Testing Service. Minimum result: 6.5
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from Cambridge University 
• PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English Academic. Minimum result: 62 

The following applicants are exempt from the above requirements: 

• Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States 
• Applicants with a completed master's degree with English as the language of instruction in an EU/EEA country 
• Applicants who are exempt based on the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSU) list
• Applicants from Norway can confirm their English proficiency by submitting their high school (videregående skole) diploma

We offer

• A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
• Career guidance throughout the entire PhD program, where we work with you to develop a career plan outlining the skills and knowledge you will acquire 
• An ambitious professional community and an inclusive working environment
• Opportunity to take Norwegian language courses
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan
• Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and a lively student community on campus

Salary

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 550 800 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 546 569 – 685 728 a year) may be considered. 

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee’s salary.

Additional information

The Academic Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellowships is responsible for the appointment. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. The candidates deemed best qualified will be invited to an interview. 

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post. Please note that an approved work permit is a prerequisite for employment. 

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons from diverse backgrounds. 

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities. 

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed

Contact information

For more information about the position, please contact:
Associate professor Live Semb Vestgarden, Live.s.vestgarden@usn.no, +47 35952797

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
Advisor Tonje Holt Vøllestad, tonje.h.vollestad@usn.no

How to apply

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post). 

The following documents shall be attached to the online application: 

• Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor's and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS)
• Other relevant certificates (if applicable, must be specified)
• A letter of motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
• Documentation of English proficiency 
• Any scientific publications and a list of these
• Three references (contact information)
• Receipt on your application or recognition from HK-dir*

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified. 

*If your higher education is from a university outside of Norway, we require it to be recognized by the Norwegian Directorate of Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir.). You must apply for the recognition before the application deadline for this position expires. To apply for recognition, you must submit your application digitally through HK-dir’s application portal. You can read more and access the portal here. Add a receipt on your application or recognition when applying. The recognition must be sent to us and is a requirement for being hired. 

The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline

About us

The University of Southeastern Norway (USN) ranks as the country's fourth largest higher education institution. We are a vibrant community of approximately 18,000 students and 1,900 employees.

Video: https://vimeo.com/898549899/60305e2540