Postdoctoral position in Arctic glacial methane dynamics 

About the position

Applications are invited for a three year postdoctoral position within the GlaciGas project (Climate-driven methane outgassing at terrestrial and marine-terminating glacier margins) funded by the Research Council of Norway. The position will be located in the Arctic Geology Department at UNIS for two years, but you will also have the opportunity to join the Geophysics Group at the Department of Earth Science, University of Bergen (https://www.uib.no/en/rg/geophysics) for one year. You will also work very closely with key partners from the Universities of Tromsø, La Rochelle, Bremen and Bonn.

The aim of GlaciGas is to understand how the climate-driven retreat of Svalbard’s land-based and marine terminating glaciers will influence methane out-gassing in Svalbard in the near-future. The position will therefore involve significant field work activity in Svalbard, during both winter and summer seasons. Travel to the project’s partner institutions and to international conferences are also expected.

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in the use of empirical measurements and/or numerical modelling for the characterization of methane dynamics in marine and terrestrial environments of the Arctic. A significant dedication to fieldwork is expected, which will involve locating, measuring and quantifying methane emission at the margins of Svalbard glaciers, especially during the first two years of the position.

We expect to use a range of manual, autonomous and semi-autonomous approaches for monitoring gas and related parameters in the fjords near tidewater glacier margins and in the glacier forefields on land.

In addition, the postdoc researcher will help manage the fieldwork commitments of project partners, data management and outreach, working closely with the Principal Investigator, Andy Hodson (https://www.unis.no/staff/andy-hodson/).

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• A PhD in Geology, Earth Science, Geophysics or a related field
• Experience of polar field work, including the planning and implementation of group work
• Experience with quantification of gas dynamics in relation to permafrost and/or fjord environments • An emerging track record demonstrating publications in peer-reviewed, relevant journals
• Excellent communication and English skills, both written and verbal

 

Desirable criteria

• Experience with numerical modelling, e.g. gas hydrate stability fields or gas transport by groundwater
• Experience with passive and/or active seismic detection of sub-marine or sub-surface gas
• Working knowledge with modern data loggers and their integration with digital sensor technology
• Working knowledge of Svalbard bedrock geology

We offer

The successful candidate is offered

• Personal development following identification of training needs with Professor Andy Hodson
• A diverse and exciting position in an international work environment
• An excellent network of international researchers
• Access to a well-established research environment and infrastructure
• A possibility to contribute to ongoing research and teaching activities
• A possibility to get involved in supervising BSc, MSc, and PhD student projects

 

Employment conditions

The employment as post doc is a full-time position with a total duration of 2 years at UNIS and 1 year in Bergen.

All salaries are set in accordance with the Norwegian government's University salary scale. A postdoc position starts at a gross salary of NOK 575 000 annually. As a permanent Svalbard resident, an annual allowance of NOK 38 520 (Svalbardtillegg) will be added to the salary.

A Social Security contribution of 2 per cent, to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, will be deducted from the salary. Income tax on Svalbard is 8 %, plus 7,9 % toward National Insurance coverage. UNIS offers a membership in the Norwegian Public Pension Fund.

Application/Inquiries about the position

Selection and appointment

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

Application

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded electronically in www.jobbnorge.no.

The application must include:

• Cover letter outlining motivation and demonstrating suitability for the position (max 2 pages).
• CV including a complete overview of education, professional training, professional work experience and publications.
• Name and contact information for three referees.
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of educational degrees.
• Copy of up to 5 relevant peer review publications you have authored or co-authored

Inquiries about this position may be directed to:

• Professor Andy Hodson (UNIS), phone: +47 77 01 66 34, email: AndrewH@unis.no
• Professor Tor Arne Johansen (University of Bergen/UNIS), phone: +47 55 58 34 15, email: TorArne.Johansen@uib.no

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is located in Svalbard, in the midst of a varied and beautiful Arctic nature with good opportunities for outdoor activities. Longyearbyen is a modern town with approx. 2500 inhabitants and has a good service offering, swimming / sports hall and a varied association, sports and cultural life.