PhD Research Fellow in Coastal Ecology

About the position

A 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science as a PhD Research Fellow in Coastal Ecology, affiliated to the Department of Natural Sciences, for a period of three years, for suitable candidates there is the possibility of extending the period to 4 years including 25 % teaching duties.

The position is located, at the present, at Campus Kristiansand. The candidate will become part of CCR (Centre for Coastal Research). The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty. 

The position is integrated into the research group of Prof. Tove M. Gabrielsen and is connected to research into effects of ocean wind farms on marine ecosystems as well as the potential multi-use of offshore wind farms. 

Responsibilities

In particular, the successful candidate will focus on meroplankton and dispersal of benthic organisms in and around offshore wind farms. The potential effects of offshore wind farms on surface water and plankton is another possible focus area of this project. Studies related to baseline diversity and seasonality of marine plankton along S Norwegian coasts as well as how these are affected by natural and anthropogenic drivers are also of relevance. 

A prerequisite for employment is that the candidate is to be admitted to UiA’s PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Required qualifications

The successful candidate should hold a MSc degree in a relevant field such as marine biology or biological oceanography.

• Marine field work experience
• Driver´s license
• Written and spoken English proficiency. 

International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better: 

• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paper based Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

Further provisions relating to the positions as PhD Research Fellows can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident.

Desired qualifications

• Microscopic identification of marine plankton and benthos
• Experience with laboratory protocols in molecular biology (DNA/RNA)
• Experience from metabarcoding studies including relevant bioinformatics analyses
• Experience from scientific data publications
• An understanding of coastal ecosystems
• Proficiency in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language, both written and spoken.
• Experience with ecological modelling, R-coding, and analyses of large datasets


Personal qualities

The PhD candidate will be expected to take part in a binding cooperation with the research group of Professor Gabrielsen and contribute to an active research environment that will give opportunities for personal and professional development. The appointee must have the ability to work creatively and independently. Motivation for scientific work, structured work routines, collaborative skills and ability to contribute positively to a collegial environment are also expected. 

Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised. 

We offer

• professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation 
• a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment 
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers 
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 

More about working at UiA.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 532 200 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. 

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right. 

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically: 

• Application letter describing why you apply for the position 
• Certificates with grades
• Master’s thesis
• References
• Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
• A description of your research interests, experience and skills and their relevance for the advertised position (max. 2 pages)
• Any other relevant documentation

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. 

Application deadline: 06.01.25

Contact

For questions about the position: 

Professor Tove M. Gabrielsen, tel. 901 41 498, e- mail tove.m.gabrielsen@uia.no

For questions about the application process:

HR-advisor Linda H. Kristiansen, tel. 481 40 609, e-mail linda.h.kristiansen@uia.no

Creating knowledge together

When people who are committed come together to further knowledge, anything is possible.

The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

Would you like to work with us to create better solutions to our shared challenges?

. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMM-5UKuldA