About the position

The department of Arctic Geology at UNIS is seeking candidates for a full-time four-year Ph.D position studying marine palaeoclimate on Svalbard. 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. The desired start date is during August, and no later than September 1st.

The overall aim of this Ph.D project is to characterise the impact, nature, and timing of humandriven climate warming on the marine environments and ecosystems of northern Svalbard fjords. The physical ramifications of human-driven climate warming are already being observed in the Arctic, including rising air and ocean temperatures, increased coastal water freshening and darkening, and cryosphere deterioration. However, it is unclear how and to what degree these physical environmental modifications impact marine ecosystems, particularly ‘Aquatic Critical Zones’ (ACZs) such as fjords, which play fundamental roles in carbon stocks, blue carbon reservoirs, ecosystem services, biodiversity and productivity. Additionally, uncertainties remain as to when these systems started to be affected by human-driven climate warming and how they have subsequently developed throughout the Anthropocene. Combining biological, geochemical, physical, and molecular indicators in high-resolution marine sedimentary records from ACZs, this project will successfully reconstruct i) environmental conditions (sea ice, influence of Atlantic Water, surface and bottom temperatures); ii) ecosystem dynamics (biodiversity, bioproductivity, ecosystem makeup) to help answer these questions, thereby enhancing our understanding of Arctic systems in a future warmer World.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have good knowledge of polar marine systems and (palaeo)environments, good laboratory and data analysis skills, as well as strong motivation to reconstruct past marine climate.

• 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 NTNU is a condition of the employment
• Must be able to work in a structured manner both independently and in a team
• Proficient in both written and oral English
• Driver’s license class B (valid for Svalbard)
   

Advantageous knowledge and skills

• Previous experience in micropalaeontology, biogeochemistry, molecular techniques, and/or palaeoenvironmental reconstructions
• Experience in ship-based fieldwork
• Experience in living and working in remote or polar regions
• Experience in teaching
• Good problem-solving skills, an overall positive and flexible attitude is important

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

Inquiries about this position, may be directed to:
Associate Professor Anna Pieńkowski, email: annap@unis.no
 

Application deadline 25.04.2025.
 

• 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. Applications from women are encouraged.

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.