PhD Research Fellow in Salt Stratigraphy and Tectonics for the Energy Transition

Organisation/Company: University of Bergen

Department: Department of Earth Science

Research Field: Geosciences » Geology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Norway

Application Deadline: 2 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Oslo)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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Two PhD Research Fellows in Salt Stratigraphy and Tectonics for the Energy Transition

There are vacancies for two PhD Research Fellows within Salt Stratigraphy and Tectonics for the Energy Transition at the Department of Earth Science. The positions are for a fixed-term period of three years with the possibility of a 4th year with compulsory other work (e.g. teaching duties at the Department). The positions are affiliated with the project "Salt Solutions", an interdisciplinary project integrating 2D and 3D seismic and well data with state-of-the-art numerical forward modelling to understand the role of salt basin geometry and intra-salt heterogeneity on salt flow and the internal architecture of deformed salt bodies.

The project is funded by the Trond Mohn Research Foundation and led by Dr. Leonardo M. Pichel with co-investigators at the University of Bergen (Profs. Ritske Huismans and Rob Gawthorpe), University of Manchester (Prof. Cathy Hollis), University of Oslo (Prof. Jan Inge Faleide) and Imperial College (Prof. Chris Jackson).

About the project/work tasks:

The project will focus on understanding how 3D salt basin morphology and intra-salt lithological heterogeneity control salt flow and the internal and external structure of deformed salt bodies at different temporal and spatial scales using 3D seismic, well data and 2D numerical forward modelling. The research will involve:

• The use of borehole-calibrated 2D and 3D seismic datasets to map faults and key intra- and supra-salt seismic surfaces from sub-areas of the Norwegian North Sea (PhD 1) and/or the Santos Basin, Brazil (PhD 2) to develop a tectono-stratigraphic framework for the salt and its sedimentary overburden.
• Use 2D numerical forward models to test different salt basin geometries, intra-salt stratigraphic arrangements under different tectonic regimes and investigate their role on basin-scale salt flow and diapiric deformation.
• Analyse how the different types of salt structures and salt basin stratigraphy can influence development of salt caverns for energy storage.
• Interact with industry geoscientists from energy storage and mining companies.
• Presentation of results at international conferences.
• Production of written reports and publication of results in peer-reviewed geoscience journals.

Qualifications and personal qualities:

• Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in earth science that is relevant to the project. Master students can apply provided they complete their final master exam before 01.08.2025. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
• Experience of structural geology and basin analysis is a requirement.
• Experience of interpreting 3D seismic and well data is a requirement, preferably using Petrel.
• Experience with quantitative earth science and modelling is an advantage.
• Experience of salt tectonics is an advantage.
• Experience with the North Sea or South Atlantic salt basins is an advantage.
• Experience of programming (Python, Matlab, Fortran) is an advantage.
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborative skills.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and oral English.

Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Research experience, ambitions and potential will also count when evaluating the candidates.

Special requirements for the position

The University of Bergen is subjected to the regulation for export control system. The regulation will be applied in the processing of the applications.

About the PhD position

The fellowship will be for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a 4th year, consisting of 25% career-promoting work (e.g. teaching responsibilities at the department) distributed over the employment period. The 4th year is contingent on the qualifications of the candidate and the teaching needs of the department and will be decided by the head of department upon appointment.

The employment period may be reduced if you have previously been employed in a qualifying post (e.g. research fellow, research assistant).

About the research training:

As a PhD Research Fellow, you must participate in an approved educational programme for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. The deadline for applying for admission to the PhD programme at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences is 2 months after you start your position or after the start of the research project that will lead to the PhD degree. It is a condition that you satisfy the enrolment requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Bergen.

We can offer:

• A good and professionally challenging working environment with excellent research facilities.
• Collaboration with industry and academic partners.
• Salary as PhD research fellow (code 1017) in the state salary scale. This constitutes a gross annual salary of NOK 540 500. Further increases in salary are made according to length of service in the position.
• Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

Application Requirements:

• A brief account of the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
• The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main advisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
• CV
• Transcripts and diplomas showing completion of the bachelor's and master's degrees. If you have not yet completed your master's degree, please submit a statement from your institution confirming the expected date of award of your master's degree. Your master's degree must be documented with transcripts and/or diploma before starting in the position.
• A list of any works (in-press or published) of a scientific nature (publication list including links).

The application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded at Jobbnorge.

Diversity is a strength that enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age.

The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. By indicating such circumstances in your application, you may receive favourable consideration. We ensure that at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups is invited for an interview as part of our commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

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