PhD Position Available
Pre-Quaternary Geology
University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
Norway
Application Deadline: Monday, 15 March 2004
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Gary Nichols
E-mail: g.nichols [at] gl.rhul.ac.uk
Professor Tine L. Rasmussen
Phone: +47 79 02 33 31
E-mail: tine.rasmussen [at] unis.no
Director Audhild Schanche
Phone: +47 79 02 33 05
E-mail: audhild.schanche [at] unis.no
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Department of Geology at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS),
Svalbard, Norway, invites applications for a PhD position in
Pre-Quaternary Geology.
UNIS is a state-owned limited company. Norway's four mainland
universities are represented on the board. UNIS is a modern facility in
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, well supplied with both technical and scientific
equipment and laboratories. The institution has access to infrastructure
for both marine and terrestrial field research on Svalbard. The studies
at UNIS are marketed internationally, and all classes are offered in
English. In 2003, students from 28 countries were represented at UNIS.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The vacant position is part of the Department of Geology. One Full
Professor, one Associate Professor, four Adjunct Professors, and two PhD
students are currently employed at the department.
Research in the Pre-Quaternary geology of Svalbard is of great national
and international interest. It is also important for understanding the
structural and sedimentary development of Tertiary basins through time.
The purpose of the announced PhD project is a study of the Tertiary
Central Basin of Spitsbergen, with focus on the "Firkanten Formationen"
and the underlying variations of the surface of the Cretaceous. The
study material, provided by the local coal company Store Norske
Spitsbergen Grubekompani (SNSG), will consist of a large number of cores
drilled through the "Firkanten Formation."
The successful candidate must combine the core study with active
fieldwork along the margins of the basin. The description of the cores
and the stratigraphic correlation should be based on the use of sequence
stratigraphy, and sedimentology/structural geology. Such
three-dimensional investigation of basin data, with high core density,
provides unique documentation for obtaining more details on basic facies
models and a unique knowledge of the Tertiary Central Basin.
The PhD project should contribute to the understanding of the
development of the coal generating environment, the prerequisites for
coal generation, and for how tectonic movements have affected the coal
development. Other subjects of interest are the study of the factors
that determine the extension of coal bearing strata and investigation of
whether or not the basin has been subjected to a stepwise west-east
transgression. A documented thorough knowledge and good understanding of
sequence stratigraphy, Pre-Quaternary sedimentology, and structural
geology at MSc level is required as well as an interest in fieldwork at
high-latitudes and cooperation with SNSG.
The successful candidate will work on the above described project that
links with the department's focus on sedimentary basins at high
latitudes, studying the development and controlling processes on basin
infill through space and time. He/she will be expected to contribute
actively in ongoing scientific activities at the department. He/she is
also expected to take an active part in the advancement of his/her field
of research and must also be willing to contribute to the development of
UNIS in a more general sense.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The employment contract is 3 years in length.
All salaries are set in accordance with the Norwegian government's
University salary scale. PhD students are offered a gross salary of
39,000 USD.
Furnished, reasonably priced housing is offered.
SELECTION INFORMATION
An expert committee will evaluate the qualifications of the applicants.
The appointment will be made by the Director of UNIS based on the
committee recommendation.
When applying, please include three copies each of the following:
(1) Curriculum vitae (including a full list of publications & previously
held grants)
(2) Project description including a tentative time schedule
Please send applications to:
The University Centre in Svalbard
P.O. Box 156
N-9171 Longyearbyen
Norway
Application Deadline: Monday, 15 March 2004
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Gary Nichols
E-mail: g.nichols [at] gl.rhul.ac.uk
Professor Tine L. Rasmussen
Phone: +47 79 02 33 31
E-mail: tine.rasmussen [at] unis.no
Director Audhild Schanche
Phone: +47 79 02 33 05
E-mail: audhild.schanche [at] unis.no