PhD Research Fellow in Seismogenic faults in CO2 storage

About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in CO2 storage available at the Department of Geosciences.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

Starting date no later than October 1, 2024.

The fellowship period is 3 years.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Department of Geosciences

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030.

Job description

A PhD Research Fellow position on Seismogenic faults in CO2 storage is available at the Study of Sedimentary Basins Section within the Department of Geosciences, the University of Oslo (UiO), supported by the Akademia program at the UiO. We seek a candidate with a strong background in structural geology and tectonics, who will work with characterization of North Sea crustal fault geometries, their mechanical properties and seismogenic potential, as part of CO2 storage assessments. The candidate will work in a team of structural geologists at the University of Oslo and with Equinor’s CO2 storage group. Some work will be conducted in Equinor’s offices (Fornebu).

Rifting in the North Sea is guided by inherited mechanical comportments, controlling an array of fault orientations and geometries in the crust (basement), as well as in the overburden sediments. Noticeable, seismogenic zones observed today suggest present-day in-situ stress regimes varies from basement levels to the sedimentary cover. Depending on stress orientations and basement rheology, faults may be close to reactivation. Albeit the seismic hazard in the North Sea is relatively low, seismic activity could provide open normal faults with fluid migration. The PhD project will analyze the present-day in-situ stress and its rotation and magnitude along key faults, as well as seismic hazard, with a baseline in 3D seismic interpretation of major fault zones. Additional tasks include rock mechanics analysis of shear zones from onshore outcrops, stress and mechanical capacity considerations, earthquake analysis and geomechanical modelling. The goal is to gain a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of the lithosphere in the North Sea rift and better assess the risk for fault reactivation during CO2 storage operations. A detailed project plan will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate at the start of PhD.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in structural geology and tectonics. Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system. Candidates without a master’s degree have until 30th of June 2024 to complete the final exam.
• Experience with seismic interpretation work.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience from 3D seismic interpretation work (Petrel)
• Practice with field work and analysis of field data
• Insight into seismology
• Familiarity with numerical modeling techniques
• Insight in geomechanics, such as mechanics of the lithosphere, faulting and earthquakes

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see:

• http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
• http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

• Being motivated and enthusiastic to perform the research tasks.
• To be able to work in a team and have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Being focused and at the same time be able to deliver tasks before deadlines.

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information about the position please contact:

Profs. Alvar Braathen (alvar.braathen@geo.uio.no) or Grégoire Messager (gregoire.messager@geo.uio.no).

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Ole Rustad, e-mail: ole.rustad@mn.uio.no