Post-doctoral position on the topic of quick clay landslides (SAFERCLAY project)

NGI is seeking candidates for a 3-years post-doctoral research position on the topic of quick clay landslides within the natural hazards section at our office in Trondheim.

The position is attached to the SAFERCLAY project (https://www.ngi.no/prosjekter/saferclay/) which is funded by the Research Council of Norway. SAFERCLAY’s overall objective is to develop methods to dynamically assess changes in landslide risk with time and make sustainable recommendations to ensure both public and environmental safety in areas with quick clay.  

Work description  

NGI is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow in geological or geotechnical engineering with a strong background in numerical modelling, hydrogeology, and an understanding of landslide processes.

The main topic for this post-doctoral position is advancing knowledge of the impact of climate change, urbanization, and erosion on the hydrogeological regime and the stability of quick clay slopes. The work will include the design, establishment, and characterization of selected case studies in Norway. It will also involve compiling historical field data and using numerical codes to quantify the impact of climate change and urbanization on the stability of slopes. An ambitious outcome of the work will be the development of threshold values for landslide initiation and clear recommendations for adaptation into a dynamic hazard and risk mapping methodology for quick clay landslides in a changing climate.

Good communication skills are also necessary, as the candidate will collaborate closely with the many SAFERCLAY partners. These include research organizations, key stakeholders, universities, and industry both in Norway and abroad.

Competence needs 

The candidate must have a Ph.D. or another corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree covering some of the following fields:

• Geological or geotechnical engineering
• Computational geosciences
• Hydrogeological engineering

The ideal candidate is expected to conduct cutting-edge fundamental and applied research on the impact of climate change, erosion, and urbanization on the stability of quick clay slopes. Proficiency in programming or scripting in Python is a prerequisite.

In addition, the candidate should be familiar with basic statistical modelling and risk analysis. The candidate should have good communication skills in English, as collaboration with a diverse group of international colleagues with multidisciplinary backgrounds will be necessary.

Moreover, experience or knowledge in one or more of the following topics will be positively valued:

• Handling large geotechnical datasets
• Basic knowledge of working with GIS environments
• Seepage and slope stability analyses
• Landslide processes
• Impact of climate change on slope stability
• Soil characterization and interpretation of geotechnical soundings
• Strong communication skills and teamwork abilities

What we offer

We provide an inspiring and innovative work environment that emphasizes collaboration and high professional expertise. You will have the freedom to shape your own workday and the opportunity to tackle scientific and socially beneficial issues and solutions. In addition, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including excellent pension, insurance, and welfare schemes. We are committed to fostering both personal and professional development in an international geoscientific community with friendly colleagues from around 40 countries.

Your workplace will be in NGI’s brand-new office spaces at Teknostallen, located in the heart of Teknobyen. Here, you will have easy access to NTNU, key partners, and public transport hubs, as well as bike parking and other convenient facilities. Starting in autumn 2025, the offerings will be expanded with a gym, café, and bike workshop.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your application through the electronic application system. The successful candidate will be required to start the position by August 2025. Applicants should have successfully defended their Ph.D. by the submission deadline. The application must include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions, relevant knowledge, experiences, and skills; list of publications; and other qualifying activities)
• Copies of educational certificates and transcript of records
• Names and contact details of up to 3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail address, and telephone number)

All documents should be in English or Norwegian language.